Busby Marou: Campfire Classics

“These artists remind us to stay true to who we are and where we come from, and nothing captures the spirit of winter more than a classic around a campfire,” Torres Strait Islander musician Jeremy Marou tells Apple Music of this warm and flickering playlist designed for those long winter nights. Spanning artists both firmly established (Bruce Springsteen, The Beach Boys) and freshly emerging (Middle Kids, Nathaniel Rateliff), the playlist echoes Central Queensland duo Busby Marou’s own early days of trading melodies back and forth around a cosy communal flame far away from any capital city. “We didn’t realise it at the time, but growing up away from the mainstream music scene actually played a huge role in shaping our sound,” says Thomas Busby. “We’re proud to say that our music is not about following trends. These songs we’ve curated have been our inspiration on our journey, which began around a campfire.” Read on as both halves of the long-standing musical partnership share their personal feelings on a few special songs in particular. Willie Nelson, “Always on My Mind” & Glen Campbell, “Gentle on My Mind” Thomas Busby: “Both have a timeless quality that stop me in my tracks. These are the songs that remind me to stay true and create music that we’re proud of.” Kasey Chambers, “The Captain” Jeremy Marou: “This is a song that seems to have its own independent spirit. Kasey’s soulful voice and the song’s country-folk feel is captivating from the very first note.” Crowded House, “Distant Sun” TB: “‘Distant Sun’ brings such a mix of bittersweetness and hope. The combination of introspective lyrics and infectious melodies is a songwriting style I’ve always admired.” Brad Paisley, “Whiskey Lullaby” JM: “Brad Paisley is the real deal and always making music that hits home for me. [This] song keeps it stripped back, letting his guitar skills take the spotlight. Such a soulful vibe for a genuine country artist.”