Economy and the state of the world got you down and existential dread is setting in? Then The Daily Grind by Blue Mountains musician Gavin Bowles is the song for you.
The lively new single from the Hampton-based troubadour bursts with energy as an anecdote for the young and modern ne'er-do-well.
"The Daily Grind was inspired by the circumstances I was in at the time and the struggle that comes with such a situation - told with a healthy dose of sarcasm," said Bowles.
"It was written while I was working two casual jobs, not getting enough sleep and running on too much caffeine. Something I think a lot of young Australians can identify with.
"A 'daily grind' can be anything from working two jobs to being overworked in a home office or even getting housework done."
Drawing from influences such as Elvis Costello, Paul Kelly and Tim Rogers (You Am I), The Daily Grind is the latest in a line of Bowles' tunes about triumphs, tribulations and the songwriter's idiosyncratic view on modern life.
"Most of my songs are based on personal experiences or my view of a situation. Either way, they're definitely an insight into my psyche, for sure," he said.
Over the past decade Bowles has made a name for himself as an accomplished songwriter and performer through national tours and considerable radio play, as both a solo artist and as front man for Sydney rock trio Picture Perfect.
Over the past three years Bowles has lived in inner Melbourne, western Sydney and now the Blue Mountains, soaking up the atmospheres, sights, smells and sounds of differing urban and suburban living and music scenes.
"Living in the Mountains definitely inspires me creatively, especially given it's such a hub of artistic people," said Bowles.
"Having lived in faster-paced environments like North Melbourne and western Sydney, the relaxed atmosphere of the Mountains allows me more breathing space to be creative."
The Daily Grind is out now on Stranger Than Fiction Records and available through Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music and Google Music.
