Luke O'Shea's new single "The Art of Letting Go" reworks A.B. "Banjo" Patterson's 1889 poem "Clancy of the Overflow" to explore modern alienation from nature and self, released today through Checked Label Services. The first track from O'Shea's ninth studio album "Long Way to Longreach" (2027) will be performed across festival dates and regional shows throughout October and into 2027.
‘The Art of Letting Go’ (out TODAY on all digital platforms through Checked Label Services) is the first single from acclaimed Australian storyteller and singer-songwriter Luke O’Shea’s new album, ‘Long Way to Longreach’, and an appropriation of Banjo’s famous lament.
Luke will showcase his new single live on tour throughout October, including a series of festival dates stretching into 2027.
The great irony about ‘The Art of Letting Go’ is that 137 years ago, when the iconic Australian magazine The Bulletin (the ‘bushman’s bible’), first published Banjo Patterson’s ‘Clancy of the Overflow’, it encapsulated and expressed the same feelings of stress, disenchantment and innate desire for a slower-paced existence - that many of us are yearning for today.
Long before this ‘seemingly’ inescapable digital age, Banjo - whilst stuck as a clerk in a “dingy little office" reflects on the enviable, ultimately free-spirited bushman - Clancy of the Overflow - “gone droving down the Cooper”, living a rich, carefree, adventurous life under the stars.
Luke says of his song, “It’s an age-old story, nature versus civilisation - highlighting the ‘separation sickness’ that comes from the lack of connection to nature - and to ourselves. Banjo felt it way back then - and due to this current fast-paced, high-stimulation digital age that we all exist in today - it’s more prevalent than EVER before!”
Luke continues, “The Art of Letting Go’ is written to highlight that we aren’t alone with these, at times, overwhelming feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. And the importance of acknowledging these feelings, but to also know that there is a wide range of simple and ‘age-old’ techniques and practices designed to help us overcome these emotions - techniques that can help us become ‘aware’ of the incessant monkey-chatter, techniques that help us to reconnect with our true selves - restoring balance and a sense of well-being.
O’Shea continues, “It is wisely said that ‘Happiness is your current situation without expectation!’ Accepting what is and learning how to just let go. It is, of course, far easier said than done - these varying techniques do require some level of exploration and self-discipline - and this – as Clancy whispers - is the art of letting go! Perhaps it’s the greatest lesson that we can learn in life.”
The Art of Letting Go - Words & Music: Luke O’Shea
Additional Lyrics from ‘Clancy of the Overflow’ by A.B. ‘Banjo’ Patterson (Public Domain)
First single from Luke O’Shea’s 9th studio album: ‘Long Way to Longreach’ - to be officially released in 2027, through Checked Label Services.
Proudly recorded, mixed & mastered in Australia. Produced by: Luke O’Shea & Casper Tromp
Video: Directed by Luke O’Shea & Jay Seeney of Blacklist Productions.
Luke O’Shea is touring:
Friday 9th October - Flamingos Live, Newcastle, NSW 7.00pm
Saturday 10th October- DAYTIME SHOW - Slim Dusty Centre - Kempsey, NSW 12.00pm - 2.30pm
Saturday 10th October - EVENING SHOW - Brush Turkey Books - Wingham, NSW 7.00pm
16-17-18th October - Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival
Saturday 24th October – Quikz in the Hunter, Abermain NSW
6th – 8th November - Airlie Beach Festival
Seek out more information and live dates: https://lukeoshea.com/
ABOUT Luke O’Shea - Original Australian Storyteller
Luke O’Shea is an acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter, educator, and master storyteller whose powerful music deeply reflects the land, culture, and people of Australia. Known for his vivid lyrical narratives and compelling live performances, O'Shea has established himself as one of the most decorated and respected contemporary voices in Australian country and folk music. Over his distinguished career, O'Shea has won 17 Golden Guitar Awards at the Country Music Awards of Australia, a testament to his exceptional craft and enduring contribution to the industry. With a rich discography spanning 9 celebrated albums, he continuously writes, performs, tours, and produces music for himself and other artists across the nation.
Beyond his musical achievements, O'Shea is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and cultural reconciliation. His commitment to bridging communities led to an invitation to speak at TEDxSydney, where he delivered a profound presentation on Reconciliation with Country, Culture, and Self. Through his unique blend of music, education, and advocacy, Luke O’Shea continues to inspire connection, resilience, and wellbeing throughout Australia.
“No matter how many times I see Luke O’Shea play live - his ability to completely captivate an audience - never loses its power!” - Sunburnt Country Music, 2024
* 17 x CMAA Golden Guitar Awards
* 2015 CMAA ‘Male Artist of the Year’
* 2025 Galaxy of the Stars Inductee
* 9 x Studio Albums
* 2023 Hands Of Fame Inductee
* 7 x APRA/AMCOS Song Of The Year Finalist
* 2 x APRA/AMCOS Song Of The Year Winner
* 10 x Southern Stars Independent Music Awards
* 2 x Southern Stars Australian Independent Artist of the Year
* TIARA Luke O’Shea & Medicine Wheel - Best Band Award
* 23 #1 Singles
* 2026 West Australian Open Songwriter of the Year - Honky Tonk Dreams - Dave Kent
* 2024 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting - Global Emerging Prize Winner - It’s Gotta Start Somewhere - Nathan May
* Bush Laureate Golden Gumleaf Award - Best Contemporary Song - The Drover’s Wife
