Brad Butcher (feat. Brielle Brown) — Lay Your Head (SINGLE)

Brad Butcher’s new single “Lay Your Head” from the album Storyteller: The Journey So Far introduces listeners to arguably the Central Queenslander’s greatest release yet. Pairing himself with prodigiously talented singer/songwriter Brielle Brown for a duet elevates the track several notches as well. This glimpse at where Butcher is with his fifth release is a powerful look at artist development in the 21st century. Despite countless naysayers and prophets of doom, great songwriters are still out there plying their chosen trade with every bit as much passion and exploratory courage as their predecessors. Count Butcher and Brown among those continually writing songs that illustrate the wide breadth of the human condition.

BRAD BUTCHER: https://bradbutcher.com/

BRIELLE BROWN: https://www.briellebrowncreative.com/

The song begins on a subdued note. Gentle piano brings listeners into the track with melodic patience that pays off early. “Lay Your Head” is unquestionably a ballad and Butcher obeys the time-tested trajectory for building such songs. The track accumulates intensity and additional instrumentation as it develops though Butcher is always careful to never press listeners too hard. The tastefulness and restraint are impossible to miss.

Butcher’s voice is strong and clear throughout. He has confident and canny phrasing that invests each line of the lyric with a breathy yet never exaggerated passion. The sense of stakes here is palpable. He ramps up his commitment for the song’s climactic lines without ever approaching them in a heavy-handed manner. Brown doesn’t join the song in its early passages. The effect, however, is transformative when she enters the picture.

Butcher and Brown initially opt for trading parts, but their voices eventually come together. Duetting brings “Lay Your Head” to previously unreachable heights and sustains that mood through the ending. Brown’s talents as an interpreter and vocalist help make this song every bit as much her own as Butcher’s and they exhibit beautiful chemistry throughout the cut. It seems effortless and unaffected.

The production plays a significant role in that. “Lay Your Head”, despite being a ballad, has a warm immediacy and undeniable physicality. It never threatens to overwhelm listeners and the song’s assertive sound makes plenty of allowances for instrument separation, a balanced mix, and artfully applied post-production touches. The running time, as well, is further evidence of Butcher’s growing mastery of craft. His growing vision for the demands of individual songs reflects a continuing refinement of his skills and it shows no signs of slowing down.

He’s tailored this song to his target audience without sacrificing his integrity. Brad Butcher is one of those songwriters who seek to satisfy themselves first and foremost with the certainty that their audience will follow if they do so. The lyrics for “Lay Your Head” show that he has an universal message, as well, albeit framed in a personal and idiosyncratic way. Drafting Brielle Brown to help complete the package puts an exclamation point on the single listeners will not soon forget. If the quality of this track reflects the overall standard he’s achieved with Storyteller: The Journey Continues, listeners are in good hands.

Colin Jordan