Ernie Garland Jr releases uplifting new single 'What Can I Do' taken from his forthcoming album Dealin’ Out The Healin'
Ernie Garland Jr returns with his vibrant new single 'What Can I Do', the third track lifted from his upcoming album Dealin’ Out The Healin' set for release Thursday 14 May. Written by Garland and out on Wednesday 25 February, 'What Can I Do' delivers an irresistible groove inspired by the warmth and feel-good pulse of Bill Withers' classic 'Lovely Day', blending soulful reflection with dance-floor energy.
At its heart, 'What Can I Do' is about recognising when something has run its course and finding the courage to let it go. While change can feel daunting, especially when it’s unexpected, the song carries a message of optimism, reminding listeners that adaptability is one of humanity’s greatest strengths and that what feels like an ending can often be the beginning of something better.
“I wrote this song drawing from past experiences over a long period of time to talk about how when change is thrust upon you without your wanting, and coming out the other side, realising it was actually for the better.” - Ernie Garland
Garland enlisted songwriter, musician and producer Darren Seltmann, co-founder of the globally recognised Australian act The Avalanches, who took the album track from almost being discarded, to being the current single that pulses with groove-driven instrumentation and rich live textures. Garland takes the lead on vocals and is joined by Tom Kelly (guitar, bass, keys), Illya Szwec (guitar), Billy Ward (saxophone), and Simon Ferenci (trombone), with engineering by Rich Belkner.
The recording journey itself mirrors the song’s theme of transformation. What began as a fairly pedestrian beat with the same chords and a middle 8, Garland wasn’t sold on and was nearly left off the album altogether. Then came an epiphany: reach out to Seltmann to create a rough beat, rebuild the song from scratch, and hand it back to Seltmann. The result: eight nuanced variations of the original rhythm carefully mapped across the track, creating subtle shifts that reward close listening while maintaining an effortless groove.
Influenced by the likes of Teddy Atlas, Phoenix, Steely Dan, and The Roots, 'What Can I Do' follows previous singles 'Baby Mama Drama' and 'Going Home', all taken from upcoming album Dealin’ Out The Healin. Ernie, previously the frontman of the celebrated nine-piece roots-reggae outfit Kinsky, has found his stride as a solo artist. This new body of music was born in solitude during Sydney’s second pandemic lockdown, when he relocated from Bondi Beach to his family’s suburban granny flat. With just a piano and a simple home studio setup, he composed and produced the record largely on his own, a first in his career.
With its infectious rhythm and uplifting message, 'What Can I Do' invites listeners to dance, embrace life’s new horizons, and trust that change can lead to a brighter future.
'What Can I Do' is out on Wednesday 25 February
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Dealin’ Out The Healin' out Thursday 14 May