Sunshine Coast folk-rock band Calan Mai will launch their new single “Same Way I” at Solbar on Saturday.

Recorded in Chicago and produced by Brian Deck (Counting Crows, Iron & Wine and Modest Mouse) it’s the third single from their debut album, “Maybe An Island Will Do”, out next year.

Frontman Jordy Lawrence makes carefree, catchy folk-pop, which offers bright melodies and warm vocals.

His music is popular on social media, where Jordy also shares hilarious reels proving he’s quite the comedian.

But if you take a deeper look, you’ll see there’s more behind Jordy’s wry humour and unflinching honesty.

Calan Mai‘s new song, “Same Way I”, is out on Friday. Pre-save it here: https://gyro.to.

A song about bipolar disorder

“I think of it as a song about bipolar disorder, even though I wasn’t diagnosed at the time,” Jordy says.

“It’s about mania – that feeling when you’re up, up, up and you need everyone to be on your level.

“It’s about falling in love and out of love all too easily.

“And not trusting the little voice inside your head – needing other people to see the world the way you do, in order for your fantasy and reality to align.

“In other words, it’s about needing other people to lie to you, to protect your ego.”

It’s Calan Mai, not calamari

Jordy named his band Calan Mai after the Welsh May Day holiday.

“I picked it originally because it sounded like a person’s name and means roughly ‘first day of summer’.

“The May celebration was about having survived winter – rebirth, second chances, that sort of thing.

“I really connect with that because I believe in second chances. I believe in redemption.”

A life-long love for music is paying off

Jordy has been writing songs since he was 15, inspired by his best friend who taught him guitar.

His debut track, “We’ve Got Love” (2014) is an ode to family dysfunction, and was picked up by triple j and several US college radio stations.

He released his debut EP, “Days on the Rock Face”, in 2015, and moved to Manchester, UK, with some fellow musicians.

It was a successful stint that saw him open for Band of Horses at The Albert Hall, and receive air-play on BBC Introducing and Radio 6.

Upon returning home, Jordy focused on refining his songwriting process, putting out his sophomore EP, “This Isn’t How You Get Home”, in 2021.

Rolling Stone Magazine describes “XO” as “a folk-pop gem that’s far more worldly than most roots-music tracks”.

Jordy’s latest lineup even has a few familiar faces.

Bass player Josiah Niven also plays in popular punk band Chamber Lane.

And Dylan Randall (drums) is also in electro-punk group Sailing in Space (pictured).

And we thought Bailey Walker was the only one in 100 bands!

Catch Calan Mai (and Sailing in Space + Frank and Louis) at Solbar on Saturday. Doors from 7pm. Tickets: solbar.com.au.