Dead Beat Daddios is a loose collective of Melbourne roots and country musicians anchored by Hugh Martin and Jim Carden. Further Away is their fourth release following their debut album Dashboard Elvis in 2010 and the EPs Third Time Around (2015) and House For Sale (2023).

The new single ‘Stonehaven Road’, written by James Stewart (the Warner Brothers and Overnight Jones) features an upbeat country shuffle of a drum beat that drives the light and melancholic nostalgia of the song, as Martin explains. “It’s such an evocative piece about childhood memories and how, even though we might move away, our emotions keep us tied to places.”

“Some years ago James and I played together in a band called The Coalhouse Walkers. Overnight Jones had just broken up and James was working up new material for his first solo album. This song didn’t make it onto the album but I’ve always loved it and have wanted to record a version for ages,” enthuses Martin. “He has such a lovely eye for detail as well… ‘past the cop shop and the Tarzan swing and the peppercorn tree.'”

Vocally there’s a sublime blend between Martin’s wistful tones and [sister] Emilie Martin’s sweet counterpoint that further lifts the song into dreamy alt-country territory. ‘Stonehaven Road’ is an effortless sounding take on Stewart’s gem of a song, the perfect introduction to this next chapter for the Dead Beat Daddios.

The Daddios who Martin and Carden gathered for this recording have played key roles in some of Melbourne’s best loved country, blues and indie acts. From the Warner Brothers and Chequerboard Lounge to The T-Bones, Luxedo, Penthouse Paupers, Rich Webb, the legendary Elroy Flicker (aka Paul Cumming), The Pheasantry, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, the Tonalists and Mr Cassidy.

Martin has been around the Melbourne music scene long enough to remember when Roccos was the only place to buy decent boots. As a bass player, guitarist and keyboard player he has played with the T-Bones, Paul Cumming, Rich Webb, the Dufranes and The Cracked Jaffers.

Carden is an integral part of long running Melbourne band The Warner Brothers, former drummer with the T-Bones and currently holds the drum seat in the Rich Webb Band.