Welcome to the Purple Cloud #9

Matt Corby has announced his new album ‘Tragic Magic’, out March 6th, featuring the soulful new single ‘Burn It Down’

Matt Corby has announced his fourth studio album, Tragic Magic, set for release on March 6th via Island Records/Universal Music. The 13-track record, co-produced with longtime collaborator Chris Collins (Royel Otis, Middle Kids, Old Mervs) features the debut single “Long and Short” and today’s new release, “Burn It Down”.

A standout from the upcoming LP, “Burn It Down” sees Corby leaning into his love of classic soul. Co-written with Meg Mac and Chris Collins, the track has a playful, groove-heavy feel that Corby hints almost borders on Motown.

“It’s awesome to finally be telling everyone about this album, Tragic Magic,” Corby shares. “We’ve been working on it for about 18 months and I’m really proud of it. It feels very reflective of where my life is at right now; how my family, my kids are the most important thing and watching them grow up has completely rewired my brain and outlook on life.”

“Burn It Down”, Corby adds, is a track that should make you feel good. “Even though it’s based on the difficulties of maintaining something good — whether that be a relationship or your health or just life itself. A lot of the time we’re fighting a losing battle and odds with our destructive tendencies,” he says. “The day I wrote it with Meg Mac and Chris Collins, musically I was having a lot of fun with the track. The beat is sort of simple but it took me so long to make it feel groovy. I had to slow it down like 50% and gradually speed it up to the tempo that we wanted and finally put it together. I love this track and I hope you do too.”

Corby plays drums, bass, piano, percussion, mellotron, and vocals on “Burn It Down”, with Meg Mac and Nat Dunn providing backing vocals. The song also features lush strings arranged by Corby, Collins, and Stephen Mowat. The result is a vintage-inspired cut that channels warmth and soul through a modern lens.

With Tragic Magic, the Northern Rivers-based artist continues to sidestep trends in favour of something timeless. Building on the introspective beauty of 2023’s Everything’s Fine, the new album explores both joy and hardship through rich basslines, delicate moments, and soaring falsetto, all wrapped in Corby’s ever-evolving brand of sophisticated soul.

“Burn It Down” premiered on triple j Drive and arrives with a personal visualiser shot by Corby on Super8 film, capturing intimate family moments around Northern NSW. The single and album artwork were illustrated by Sydney artist Mariam David and designed by Pat Fox.

“Recently someone very close to me passed away from pancreatic cancer and it was very tragic for everyone around me. The process of mourning has been long and tough during which you are involuntarily hit with an influx of questions about our mortality and the way we choose to experience this moment we call life.”

“This song is paying homage to the journey one embarks on (hopefully there is one) after they pass away and wishes those on that journey safe passage to their next great adventure. I hope you can take the time to listen and enjoy or cry maybe… it’s up to you.”

It’s a musical lesson in appreciating every moment, long and short, with those we love while we still can. “Can we count to three and let time show the proof, that we have got so much to lose, so can we seize every minute, the long and short, this is life and we’re in it.” Accompanying the song is a music video shot on Corby’s Super 8 film camera at his home in Northern NSW.

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Probably my favourite track from the album.