With his latest single “Midday Melancholy,” Canberra’s own Stephen Dobson—better known as Ramblerman—delivers a quietly devastating and beautifully honest piece of songwriting. Following the success of his earlier track “Lemonade,” which explored depression and mental health with remarkable sincerity, Ramblerman returns with a song that feels even more intimate. Where “Lemonade” was about resilience and pushing through, “Midday Melancholy” lingers in the stillness of emotion, gently naming and holding space for sadness.
The track was recorded at Amblerly Studio in Canberra with the guidance of Guy Lilleyman, but its beginnings were much humbler: written in Ramblerman’s kitchen during a quiet moment. That raw origin is deeply felt in the music. The arrangement is stripped back, allowing every word to carry its full emotional weight. There’s no heavy production or unnecessary ornamentation—just honest, vulnerable songwriting.
Lyrically, “Midday Melancholy” doesn’t try to fix sadness; it simply acknowledges it. Ramblerman explains that he wrote the song as a way of “putting a name to the way I was feeling.” That kind of emotional clarity is rare, and it’s part of what makes his music so affecting. Much like his previous work, this single embodies his belief that music can help people process their emotions by giving shape and language to what often goes unspoken.
What makes this release even more powerful is its purpose. All streaming proceeds from “Midday Melancholy” until the end of the year will be donated to Beyond Blue and Black Dog Institute, two Australian charities providing essential support for people facing depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. This isn’t just a song—it’s an act of care, a way of turning personal pain into collective support.
Musically, the single blends elements of folk, indie, and soul, which is characteristic of Ramblerman’s evolving sound. His background as a visual artist and designer shows in the way he builds songs: each lyric, melody, and silence is placed deliberately, like brushstrokes in a painting. It’s minimal, but never empty. His voice is soft yet resolute, carrying both fragility and strength in equal measure.
Ramblerman has carved a space for himself as one of the most heartfelt voices in Canberra’s indie scene. As AAA Backstage aptly stated, “Ramblerman’s heartfelt artistry cements him as one of Canberra’s most compelling voices in the indie scene.” “Midday Melancholy” reinforces this reputation. It’s not the kind of song that shouts for attention—it invites you in gently, asking you to sit with your own feelings for a while.
https://open.spotify.com/track/4VoJB0hFyDo03gXO8fbIBF?si=1oSKgf_JQvm4TnJTpkRaPw
In a musical landscape often dominated by big hooks and loud production, “Midday Melancholy” stands out precisely because it’s small, quiet, and real. It’s a song that understands that healing doesn’t always come with grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with simply naming what hurts.
“Midday Melancholy” is more than a single; it’s a deeply personal offering that resonates on a universal level. It’s available now on all major streaming platforms, and every listen contributes to a meaningful cause. For anyone who’s ever felt the weight of midday sadness settle quietly over them, this song is a gentle reminder: you’re not alone.
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