Blake Dantier Ash & Dust

'Life twists and turns, like a carnival ride,' sings Blake Dantier on his new single 'Ash & Dust', which couldn't be more fitting given the current state of the world. And though the relatable lyrics could be representative of many situations, Dantier was inspired to write the song when a family friend passed away from cancer.

'He was a fit and healthy guy,' says Dantier, 'and his death reminded me that the time we have here can be cut short at any time. We shouldn't take any relationships for granted.'

The single was recorded at Hillbilly Hut with Simon Johnson (Troy Cassar-Daley, Amber Lawrence, Adam Harvey) in the producer's chair. Session players on the track include Blake himself, Brad Bergen, Rod Motbey, Duncan Toombs and Cass Hopetoun, as well as appearances from Vaughan Jones and Michel Rose.

Speaking about the actual recording of the track, Dantier says 'it was a long-ish process, because I rewrote the lyrics so many times.' The emotional subject matter, as well as Dantier's responsibility to do right by his friend, provided several roadblocks along the way, but the result is a poignant reminder of life's fragility and beauty.

The release of 'Ash & Dust' follows Dantier's debut single, 'Mary Jane', which he released in 2019. And though his back catalogue is still growing, Dantier was the winner of the 2020 Tamworth Songwriters Salute Awards for Country Rock Song of the Year, as well as a finalist for Alt Country Song of the Year. In 2019, in the same competition, he won the award for Novice Country Song of Year, while 2018 saw him crowned the winner of the Country music Stampede's Maton Rising Star Talent Search.

Dantier has graced the stage at the Tamworth Country Music Festival since 2018 and played at both the Bluewater Country Music Festival and the Central Coast Music Festival. He was a grand finalist in the 2016 Gympie Talent Search and, in early 2017, he also organised a small tour through the NSW south and central coasts, the Central West region and at Johnny Ringo's in Brisbane.

Though his touring aspirations have been put on hold for now, Dantier is raring to get out and take 'Ash & Dust' on the road. Life may twist and turn like a carnival ride, but given Dantier's building momentum, this is one ride you'll want to strap in for.