Tom Mac Finds Inspiration In The Top End With His New Single 'Larrakia Sunset'
Following on from his previous single 'Nomadic' - which landed on Apple Music's 'New in Country' editorial playlist and scored national airplay across Australia - Tom Mac returns with 'Larrakia Sunset', a swaggering, guitar-centric country cut that blends classic influence with a distinctly modern edge.
The new track is a light-hearted take on the one that got away, while drawing inspiration from time spent in the Northern Territory, where culture, landscape and connection collide.
"Larrakia was born from a mate's suggestion to write about our Top End experiences; the strange virtue of being stuck in a remote small city on highly spiritual land coupled with a country and world otherwise in Covid lockdown! The freedom of escape and taking a chance," shares Tom. "The story however, I themed around a failed tinder experience. Prior to my escape from Melbourne, I paid a subscription, enabling me to change my location to Darwin/Larrakia before I got there. This backfired when I never met the woman referenced as she moved prior to my arrival. Instead, the love affair was fulfilled by Larrakia and the sunset. And encapsulating that freedom along the way"
That sense of place runs deep through the track, with references to Larrakia Country, Mindil Beach, Kakadu and Uluru grounding the song in a vivid Australian backdrop - not just visually, but spiritually.
Produced by long-time collaborator Luke Batterbury (Pete Murray, Hanson, Darryl Braithwaite), 'Larrakia Sunset' leans into Tom's signature coastal country sound - upbeat, rhythmic, and full of attitude.
"The song was produced in Kyneton, Victoria with Luke. It was actually the final week he was living in the house so the studio was the only thing left. I helped him rip the studio down essentially in the days after we'd finished. We re-recorded some of my vocals in Torquay in an Airbnb that was perfect for recording, with an amazingly sound deadened room."
"The guitars were all recorded locally this time too, instead of Nashville. It felt right to keep everything close to home - it's a modern Australian story, so it made sense for the sound to reflect that."
With over 1 million artist streams to date, Tom Mac continues to build momentum as one of Australia's most authentic and quietly compelling voices in country music.
A seasoned performer, Tom Mac has taken his sound to stages across the country, including Gympie Music Muster, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Baralaba Bash, Rockhampton Riverfest and Airlie Beach Festival. He's also shared the stage with the likes of Eskimo Joe, Matt Corby and Busby Marou - the latter in a full-circle moment performing didgeridoo live to a crowd of 5,000.
With 'Larrakia Sunset', Tom Mac captures the kind of moment you can't quite hold onto - equal parts fleeting and unforgettable. It's a confident, character-filled release that builds on his momentum while carving out a sound that feels distinctly his own.
The new track is a light-hearted take on the one that got away, while drawing inspiration from time spent in the Northern Territory, where culture, landscape and connection collide.
"Larrakia was born from a mate's suggestion to write about our Top End experiences; the strange virtue of being stuck in a remote small city on highly spiritual land coupled with a country and world otherwise in Covid lockdown! The freedom of escape and taking a chance," shares Tom. "The story however, I themed around a failed tinder experience. Prior to my escape from Melbourne, I paid a subscription, enabling me to change my location to Darwin/Larrakia before I got there. This backfired when I never met the woman referenced as she moved prior to my arrival. Instead, the love affair was fulfilled by Larrakia and the sunset. And encapsulating that freedom along the way"
That sense of place runs deep through the track, with references to Larrakia Country, Mindil Beach, Kakadu and Uluru grounding the song in a vivid Australian backdrop - not just visually, but spiritually.
Produced by long-time collaborator Luke Batterbury (Pete Murray, Hanson, Darryl Braithwaite), 'Larrakia Sunset' leans into Tom's signature coastal country sound - upbeat, rhythmic, and full of attitude.
"The song was produced in Kyneton, Victoria with Luke. It was actually the final week he was living in the house so the studio was the only thing left. I helped him rip the studio down essentially in the days after we'd finished. We re-recorded some of my vocals in Torquay in an Airbnb that was perfect for recording, with an amazingly sound deadened room."
"The guitars were all recorded locally this time too, instead of Nashville. It felt right to keep everything close to home - it's a modern Australian story, so it made sense for the sound to reflect that."
With over 1 million artist streams to date, Tom Mac continues to build momentum as one of Australia's most authentic and quietly compelling voices in country music.
A seasoned performer, Tom Mac has taken his sound to stages across the country, including Gympie Music Muster, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Baralaba Bash, Rockhampton Riverfest and Airlie Beach Festival. He's also shared the stage with the likes of Eskimo Joe, Matt Corby and Busby Marou - the latter in a full-circle moment performing didgeridoo live to a crowd of 5,000.
With 'Larrakia Sunset', Tom Mac captures the kind of moment you can't quite hold onto - equal parts fleeting and unforgettable. It's a confident, character-filled release that builds on his momentum while carving out a sound that feels distinctly his own.
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