Michael James Keane drops single & video ‘Ceramic Tide’

Kiwi Michael James Keane has released Ceramic Tide, the majestic new single & video, out now via Meow. It’s the second single from the forthcoming album Wandering Bull by the brooding singer-songwriter & stonemason. A dark yet euphoric slice of indie folk country, Ceramic Tide comes with a hauntingly arthouse video directed by Sigrid Berge, and further enhances Keane’s reputation for delivering rich and engaging music that has attracted a growing cult following. Favourable critical acclaim has consistently seen comparisons drawn to artists including Nick Cave, Stuart Staples, Kirin J Callinan and Marlon Williams.

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“Keane possesses an otherworldly deep voice that will knock you flat. Crooning close to the mic like he’s standing right beside the listener, (Keane) packs an almost uplifting emotional punch.” – Under The Radar

“The Kiwi Nick Cave may be a stonemason, but his music is just as hauntingly beautiful.” – Beat Magazine

“Mournful and intense… subtle and sparse… Keane possesses a deep, rich baritone that immediately recalls Nick Cave or Stuart Staples of Tidersticks.” – The 13th Floor

The Ceramic Tide video acts an intriguing short film alone, and aside from director Sigrid Berge’s artistic stylings, it also stars recognised local talents Samuel Austin and Ella Gilbert. It acts as yet another body of work that will see Keane’s formidable reputation develop across the globe.

Through playing in previous group So Laid Back Country China and touring as a solo artist, he’s shared stages with like-minded artists Aldous Harding, Kirin J Callinan, Steve Gunn and Jack Ladder, but it’s the quality and maturity of Keane’s latest material that truly puts him on course for a long, distinguished and celebrated career.

A bulk of the album was written whilst Keane worked as a trainee stonemason in the Wairarapa. The songs reflect on memories of Wellington City and the challenges of interpersonal relationships when engrossed in depression and a reckless lifestyle.

“The words in the songs came mostly from short pieces of writing I had compiled over a year or so. It was a rough year by my standards; getting into trouble with my mental health and drinking, living a bit recklessly… I know The Wandering Bull is me, and I forgive him.” – Michael James Keane

The Wandering Bull album was recorded, mixed and produced by James Goldsmith in sessions at The Surgery in Wellington, New Zealand. Arrangements were developed by James Goldsmith and Keane. Notable contributors on the album include Harriet Ferry (So Laid Back Country China) and Julia Catherine-Parr (Black City Lights) performing vocals, Callum Gay (Spook the Horses) on drums, and Daniel Cuzens (Spook the Horses) playing lap steel. Wandering Bull is Keane’s sophomore album release, following up on the critically acclaimed debut album The Cascade in 2018.