Beddy Rays Share New Single ‘Red Lights’ and Announce Sophomore Album
The Brisbane quartet’s Do What Ya Wanna is set for release April 18.
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Queensland surf rock ratbags Beddy Rays have revealed their hotly anticipated sophomore album, Do What Ya Wanna, is dropping this year.
Arriving April 18, Do What Ya Wanna celebrates life’s highs and lows with catchy guitar riffs and the Beddy’s trademark humour. Inspired by punk icons like Green Day and Weezer while embracing the modern rock sound of bands such as Catfish and the Bottlemen, Beddy Rays’ upcoming record promises another wild ride through the everyday lives of the quartet.
In a statement about Do What Ya Wanna, frontman Jacko says, “This album is us - our highs, our lows, and everything in between. Writing it was a way to make sense of all the craziness life throws at you, but it’s also about not taking yourself too seriously and enjoying the ride. That’s what Beddy Rays is all about.”
The four-piece have also dropped the album’s lead single, ‘Red Lights’. Following the previously released ‘Stay The Same’ and ‘Hold' On’, both of which will feature on Do What Ya Wanna, ‘Red Lights’ is a jangly head bopper infused with the Beddy’s larrikin punk energy.
Speaking on ‘Red Lights’, the band explains, “We chose this song because we feel like it sets the tone for the record. It's about overcoming adversity, going through tough times but remaining positive and growing from those moments. Hoping it will resonate with those going through a tough time as it's a reminder that things will always get better.”
The single is accompanied by a Red Dead Redemption-inspired music video directed and edited by Natalie Sim. The band says of the video clip, “‘Red Lights’ leans into our jangly, indie style of songwriting, which directly inspired the western-themed clip. We wanted to blend classic Sergio Leone-style cinematography with absurd humour and gritty Western vibes — and Nat Day (Method To My Madness) was instrumental in bringing it all together. Honestly, any excuse to whip out the Akubra works for us."
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Beddy Rays have been out there getting it done since 2000 when they dropped their rocking single, ‘Sobercoaster’. The awesome foursome, comprising vocalist and guitarist Jackson Van Issum, guitarist Lewis McKenna, bassist Bradley O'Connor and drummer Benjamin Wade, released their self-titled debut in 2022.
The record was a top ten ARIA Album Chart hit, with the lads nominated for the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist Award. Since its release, they’ve spent the past couple of years supporting the likes of Tones and I, Dune Rats and Hockey Dad on tour, along with embarking on their own headline national tour.
Do What Ya Wanna arrives Friday, April 18. Pre-save a copy of the album here or pre-order the vinyl here. Check out the album artwork and tracklisting below.
Do What Ya Wanna
1. All I Wanna Do
2. A Million Times
3. Red Lights
4. Fender
5. Pocket Rocket
6. Vices
7. Silverline
8. Big Brekkie
9. Killing Time
10. Hold On
11. Stay The Same
