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Ararat-based trio The Runaway Strings announce their debut single ‘Big Gold Watch’. A sharp-witted, sharp-tongued critique (and acceptance) of a life spent working for the man, ‘Big Gold Watch’ takes aim at the daily grind with a wry, weary shrug. Inspired by a previous factory job held by guitarist and vocalist Peter Harrison, the song is less a call to quit your job and chase your dreams, and more an honest reckoning with being part of the machinery, finding enjoyment in life’s small pleasures, and just getting on with it. The Runaway Strings expertly blend folk, country, bluegrass, and blues with an original spirit and a raconteur’s knack for telling everyday stories of people and places in a refreshing, deeply relatable way. Staying true to folk tradition, what you hear is what was played. ‘Big Gold Watch’ was recorded live in just three takes with no overdubs, no autotune, and only acoustic instruments. This ethos is an integral part of the band’s identity, and the result is raw, immediate, and intimate. Their musical influences are many, varied, and in some cases, unexpected; The White Stripes, Woody Guthrie, Paul Kelly, Johnny Cash, The Clash, and even Rage Against the Machine, NWA, and John Coltrane. Despite their disparity across genres, what ties all these artists together is a strong, unflinching devotion to forging their own path. As Peter puts it, “I think primarily I’m drawn to musicians that are unashamedly attempting to do things their own way, where you can hear that coming through your speakers.” Formed in 2023 during a chance encounter on Halloween, The Runaway Strings came together through coincidence and shared musical instinct. Core members Peter and Jiah (husband and wife) had already spent years playing music together when a spontaneous front-porch banjo session led to the meeting of third member Lionel, turning a costumed Halloween night into the band’s current incarnation. ‘Big Gold Watch’ was recorded at Greenhills Sound studio in Blackwood, VIC with Bobby Bravington. It was produced by Peter Harrison, with mixing and engineering by Bobby. It was mastered by Nao Anzai.