South-west export, actor and musician Will Ewing has penned a tribute to his family's base with the release of Ecklin.
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The track explores Ewing's connection to his country roots at a time when he was missing his home.
"I was working in remote a Indigenous community called Kintore where in 1983 they discovered the last known nomadic people," Ewing said. "It was a wonderful experience but I went up for the Christmas holidays last year and I was quite homesick.
"I read Brendan Ryan's short poems based on the Noorat area and it made me quite sad I was away. Christmas and Boxing Day are spent at my Pop's in Ecklin and I wasn't there so I penned this song."
Ewing's childhood was filled with music as multiple family members were in bands including his grandfather in Australia's oldest band Mckinnon's Dance Band and his uncle in Madder Lake, who toured with The Rolling Stones.
Before the coronavirus pandemic halted all music events, Ewing was set to tour Australia with John Farnham.
"I was youngest of 10 and I was always pushed out the front to sing much to my embarrassment," he said. "I've always played music and sung.
"I came to Melbourne to study acting and in my first role I was cast as a band member in Neighbours."
Now part of the synth-pop duo September 87, Ewing called upon his band mate James Ballard to produce Ecklin.
Ewing's country voice teamed with electronic pop instruments over top give the track a Paul Kelly-meets-The Cure vibe which is perfect for a drive through the region.
"It's like a country bush ballad meets synth-pop production," Ewing said. "It's a country song at heart and James has put his synth production over it.
"James really loved this song and he's from the country also and he felt a connection to it. We formed a bubble once restrictions eased and brought it to life.
"For me, this is a heartfelt love project that was just a wonderful song to write and produce. My cousin told me the track particularly resonated with him. I just want those who it means something to to listen."
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