By In

WHY DID I COVER "RED RIGHT HAND"?

Well, let me take you back a bit. I’ve been a Nick Cave fan since way back. It’s funny how you find artists sometimes. I had heard a few of Nick’s songs back in the late 80s and early 90s, but it wasn’t until 1992 when the Screaming Jets, an Australian rock band, covered a song called “Shivers.” Nick wrote it when he was in an Australian post-punk band called The Boys Next Door, who would later become The Birthday Party.
I loved The Screaming Jets’ version, but it made me search out the original. Over the next few years, I warmed to more of Nick’s music and really vibed to his songs like “Do You Love Me?” and “Red Right Hand” from 1994, “Where the Wild Roses Grow” in 1996, and “Into My Arms” in 1997.

I really appreciated Nick's storytelling and dark allure. His lyrics were different from anything I had heard before.They were like short stories, full of twists and turns, and with his dark, brooding, and emotive voice, it was a joy to listen to.

Returning to Music

Jump forward over 20 years, and I picked up the guitar again and started writing music, which was just pouring out of me. I actually couldn’t keep up, and my phone was filled with riffs, lyric ideas, and melodies. As fast as I could write a song, there were 20 more songs waiting in the wings ready to be written
But for some reason, “Red Right Hand” just kept following me around. It was, of course, the theme song to the amazing series “Peaky Blinders” that I watched religiously. Then the song would pop up in movies I was watching, on social media, in cafes and restaurants – basically anywhere I went over about a 12-month period I would hear Red Right Hand. 
Was this a sign?

I kept joking that I must be meant to do a cover version of "Red Right Hand" because my spirit guides wouldn't let this rest.

Creating a Heavier Version

So, I got together with one of my writing partners and set about the task of writing a heavier version of the song that stayed true to my heavy roots and had some nice riffs and hooks, but also stayed true to Nick’s dark allure and kept that haunting feeling.

Vocally, I wasn't sure I could pull it off either, but I just had faith that it was within my very limited range.

Recording and Filming

Once I recorded everything, I was actually blown away with how good it turned out. I then got super excited to wear my grandfather’s original three-piece tweed suit from the 30s or 40s and play dress-up like Peaky Blinders. I think I got into the character a bit too much, but I had a lot of fun with it, going into The Rocks in Sydney and walking around the oldest buildings in Australia.
We’re in the process of recording a music video. I’m pumped to do more covers now, as this one turned out amazing. I hope if Nick hears it, he can appreciate what I was trying to do with his iconic song.