ALBUM PREMIERE: Justin Bernasconi - 'Sleeping Like A Maniac'

From Americana tinges to dabbling in alt-folk whimsy, the journey for British-born singer-songwriter and roots artist Justin Bernasconi to his third full-length Sleeping Like A Maniac is one lined with cultural discovery, stylistic perusal and personal revelations, with the album premiering right here on The Music.

Building on his earlier penchant for bluegrass, acoustic blues and folk, Sleeping Like A Maniac scoops up bluegrass and folksy charm and transplants it into what Bernasconi himself has dubbed 'folk impressionism' - an apt and fitting moniker for the glistening, off-kilter soundscapes amid Bernasconi's deft guitar work.

Conjured during a trip back to the UK, aka Bernasconi's place of birth before he eventually ended up in Australia, following the launch of his 2017 album Barefoot Wonderland, Sleeping Like A Maniac drew on trips to galleries, the rich tapestry of history around the continent and a journey of self-discovery as Bernasconi addressed relationship and personal issues, turning the darker days to into a jubilant journey of healing, hope and tranquility.

Wielding seven string guitar flourishes amongst tactile melodics and kinetic arrangements, Sleeping Like A Maniac is a lush and quirky ride that relishes in honesty and vivid imagery that invites its listener into the dense world Bernasconi has concocted, from the haunting title track to the José Gonzalez-esque Blank Page and Eastern-inspired Lady In The Field.

"I took a very different approach with this album, inspired by my background in the visual arts," said Bernasconi of the new album.

"I’ve tried to capture the freshness of art on a canvas in the music, blend experimental folk element with mainstream folk and blues. I feel that the term 'folk impressionism' describes Sleeping Like A Maniac."

Check out the new album above before its official release tomorrow. To hear more from Bernasconi or read more about his incredible journey, check out the links below.