PREMIERE: Ryan Downey - Tidings

Acclaimed Aussie alt-folk troubadour Ryan Downey is presently winding down his Sunday-night residency at Collingwood's Grace Darling, but that doesn't mean he's totally ready to step away from the spotlight just yet. In fact, he's got a new single and video, Tidings, to share ahead of his final two resident shows this month, and theMusic.com.au is thrilled to be premiering the clip today.

Filmed in the secluded surrounds of Victoria's Bushranger's Bay, the Tidings video — much like the track it accompanies — sedately washes over the viewer, zooming out slowly on a nearly inert Downey sitting by the seaside as his soulful, minimalist strains carry the music with airy, ethereal abandon. All the while, the troubadour's beguiling baritone vocals push and pull and float atop the instrumental tides, conspiring to deliver an enchanting, laid-back package of astonishing a cappella. The imagery and pacing keenly reflect the song's lyrical narrative and real-life origins, with Downey turning his attention to creating an extended-player of a cappella tunes after breaking his arm in early 2015.

The clip was directed by veteran music-video auteur Alex Badham (World's End Press, Totally Mild, Oh Mercy), with the track itself — which marks the first taste of Downey's upcoming EP Me & Her — being mixed by Anna Laverty (Nick Cave, Meg Mac) and mastered by Ross Cockle (Sing Sing).

To catch Downey in action before his Grace Darling residency wraps up, head down to the venue on either Sunday 15 or Sunday 22 November to lend your support; his show this Sunday will see support from Hannah Cameron and Heloise. Alternatively, head to the man's Facebook page and drop him a Like to stay on top of his future movements and be in the know when he next rolls through to a stage near you.

For more information, see theGuide or check The Music App.