On Waugh’s fourth studio album, The Cast, the roll-call of characters has broadened.
“There is new territory covered on this record – musically and lyrically. There may not be a red and black checked shirt on the cover, but there are still stories and characters that you’ve met before.”
The themes are also more universal and urban. ‘Dirty River’ is a tribute to Waugh’s adopted home town of Melbourne. In ‘Real Estate’ he dreams about better lives that might be lived, and in ‘Swollen’, a bold, brave and brutal mission statement to the album, Waugh addresses his experience of an eating disorder. While the album might be book ended by ‘Swollen’ and ‘Sleepless’, painfully honest stories from the perspective of a haunted soul, the title of the album – and the title track – are about healing.
Sitting at the centre of this collection, ‘The Cast’ title track is brave, funny, and deeply personal; sparsely produced by Shane Nicholson and cradling a disarmingly vulnerable vocal delivery from Waugh. Nicholson’s playing is a masterclass in thoughtful, intricate restraint. Waugh’s lyricism is immediate, familiar and emotionally resonant; the story twists unexpectedly with a characteristic narrative turn that we have come to expect from Waugh, leading to him being dubbed the ‘M Night Shyamalan of country music’ by comedian Wil Anderson.
It is fitting that Waugh should title his album The Cast because he is very familiar with casting; working in Melbourne as a high school Drama teacher when he’s not on the road, Waugh balances making music with supporting kids to pursue their own creative dreams.
“I realised pretty early in life that I didn’t have dad’s skill on the farm – but I loved my experiences of Arts Education. I was inspired by some exceptional country school teachers – they still come to some of my shows to support me. I’m not one of those musicians who wants to quit their day job. I firmly believe that I’m a better teacher because I make music, and I’m a better musician because I teach.”