By Nana Wu 
For a generation of music fans accustomed to the rapid-fire, algorithmic churn of viral snippets and fleeting trends, the career trajectory of Budjerah—born Budjerah Julum Slabb—stands as a deliberate, thoughtful anomaly. Hailing from the picturesque, salt-sprayed surf town of Fingal Head in northern New South Wales, the 24-year-old Coodjinburra man has spent the better part of five years carefully curating his reputation not just as a vocalist of extraordinary range, but as an artist of profound patience.
On Friday, July 24, that patience finally bears fruit with the release of his self-titled debut full-length album, Gentleman. It is a project that serves as a milestone for the artist, capping a half-decade of industry accolades, stadium tours, and personal transformation.
The Foundations of a Rising Star
Budjerah’s ascent began in earnest in 2021, when he emerged from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic to claim the "Best Newcomer" honors at the ARIA Awards. His win was historic; he became the first recipient of the trophy renamed in honor of the late, legendary music impresario Michael Gudinski.
Even before that breakthrough, Budjerah was no stranger to the inner sanctum of the music industry. As a member of the Warner Music Australia stable, he was quickly identified as a generational talent. His early years were defined by his roots in the church band, where he honed his vocal technique singing gospel music. He credits the structure and emotional gravity of gospel as the "foundation of my technique and my musical understanding."
His eclectic list of influences—ranging from the kinetic pop mastery of Michael Jackson and Usher to the soulful depth of Beyoncé and the modern rhythmic sensibilities of Puerto Rican sensation Rauw Alejandro—created a unique sonic palette. Yet, it was his collaboration with global superstar Ed Sheeran on the remix of "2step" and his subsequent invitation to support the Englishman on his 2023 Australian stadium tour that truly signaled his arrival on the world stage.
A Chronology of Artistic Maturation
The road to Gentleman has been a lesson in stamina. For many artists, a five-year gap between a breakout debut and a full-length LP might be seen as a detriment to momentum. For Budjerah, however, the delay was essential to the artistic integrity of the work.
"Yeah, it did take a long time. There were definitely moments where I was like, ‘Oh, come on,’" Budjerah admits during an interview at Warner Music Australia’s Sydney headquarters. "I think it all turned out how it was supposed to."
The project, which began simmering nearly four years ago, evolved alongside the artist himself. During this gestation period, Budjerah remained a constant presence in the Australian music scene, releasing a series of well-received EPs and singles, including "Even At Worst," "Could I Be," and "Want You Back." These tracks, which now anchor the 11-song debut, highlight a shift from a young newcomer finding his feet to a polished, confident performer ready for the global stage.
The final piece of his personal evolution occurred in his private life, with his marriage to his high school sweetheart, Sophie. The transition from the teenager who grew up in a coastal surf town to a man navigating the complexities of fame and professional maturity is the central narrative thread of the album.
The Anatomy of the Record: Production and Pedigree
Gentleman is the work of a perfectionist. To realize his vision, Budjerah collaborated with some of the most respected names in modern production and songwriting. The record was produced by Om’Mas Keith, a visionary known for his transformative work with Frank Ocean and Jay-Z.
The sessions were rigorous. Budjerah describes the late-night recording process as a crucible that separated the "real talent from the rest." Under Keith’s direction, the young Australian was held to the standards of the industry’s elite vocalists. "I really enjoy having a producer or collaborators that are way better than me so I can learn," Budjerah says.
The songwriting credits on Gentleman read like a blueprint for pop-soul excellence. The album closer, "Even At My Worst," features the legendary Diane Warren, while the project also boasts contributions from Autumn Rowe (known for her work with Kylie Minogue), Kizzo Keaz (Jon Batiste), and the prolific Philip Lawrence, whose pedigree includes extensive work with Bruno Mars.
The result is a collection of up-tempo, performance-ready tracks that lean into a nostalgic, soulful aesthetic while remaining firmly rooted in the present. It is an album designed to be played live, with arrangements that prioritize vocal dexterity and instrumental depth.
The Aesthetic of the ‘Gentleman’
The title of the album is not merely a linguistic choice; it is a declaration of character. During his interview, Budjerah appeared in a dapper grey suit, a conscious nod to the project’s name and the ethos he wants to project.
"I like to dress up, so I thought it would be fun," he explains. This commitment to a refined, sophisticated aesthetic has extended to his branding as well. In a unique cross-industry partnership, his team secured a collaboration with Akubra, the iconic Australian hat-maker celebrating its 150th anniversary. By wearing a custom "Slim Dusty" design in his campaign, Budjerah bridges the gap between Australia’s storied musical history and the modern, forward-thinking sound he represents.
Implications for the Global Market
The release of Gentleman under a joint deal between Warner Music Australia and Warner Records in the United States signals that the label is positioning Budjerah for a significant international push. Having already conquered the domestic market with ARIA and APRA awards, the natural progression is a move into North American and European territories.
His upcoming five-date national tour in October and November will serve as the first testing ground for this new era. The production promises to be a departure from his previous acoustic-heavy sets, featuring high-energy choreography and a full, dynamic band—including several members of his own family.
While he remains grounded, Budjerah is not blind to the scale of his ambition. When asked about his plans for international expansion, he leans on his signature trait: patience. "I guess time will tell," he says.
Conclusion: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
In his own words, the album is "inspired by who I wanted to be when I was growing up." It is a candid look at the dichotomy of his life—the transition from the quiet familiarity of home to the high-stakes, high-growth environment of the road.
"Between my life at home and life on the road, I experienced so much change and growth," he says in a statement accompanying the release. "Chasing my dreams I faced new challenges which helped me understand who I wanted to be. Every song on this album holds a piece of me. I hope little Budjerah is proud."
As the release date looms, the industry consensus is clear: Budjerah has moved beyond the "promising newcomer" label. With Gentleman, he has arrived as a fully formed artist, a rare blend of traditional technique, modern sensibilities, and a quiet, unassuming maturity. He is, quite literally and figuratively, a gentleman—poised, prepared, and ready for whatever comes next.
For those who have followed his journey from the church band in Fingal Head to the recording studios of Los Angeles, Gentleman is not just a debut album; it is the fulfillment of a long-standing promise. It is the sound of an artist who knows exactly who he is, and more importantly, who he is becoming.
Pevita Pearce 
Laily UPN 
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