Cheersquad Records & Tapes are thrilled to announce ‘Before The Show’, the debut release from Tex Perkins and Matt Walker, which encapsulates the nexus of these two celebrated Australian artists. Their working partnership which includes recorded work with The Fat Rubber Band and The Cruel Sea has led them to this album which shines a light on their unique collaboration.

Produced in late 2025, the album features a collection of songs that were penned and recorded simultaneously. Freshly harnessed before any outside influences augmented the process, the majority of the recordings here are first takes, all captured by Walker using his mobile recording unit. These predominantly acoustic performances are presented with minimal adornment and speak directly to the listener, while also getting to the heart of what makes both artists tick. There is an honesty that is both solitary and communal. Private yet unguarded.

‘Before The Show’ can be pre-ordered now and will be released on 28 August 2026. It is available on black 12″ vinyl, CD and digitally.

Perkins’ familiar brand of storytelling finds room to step out into stark new realms here. Blurring lines of modern-day observations within a world of hard lived truths, he is able to weave his trademark wit effortlessly amongst the more poignant moments within the songs. The track, ‘It Always Can Get Worse’ being a perfect example. The listener may be caught off guard as the song reveals itself. A strength and quality that is inherent of every track on this album.

These two artists share an intuitiveness that has been shaped over much time and many miles of touring. Walkers’ guitar playing holds an earthiness and weight, setting the scene with each song for Perkins to deliver his engaging narratives. Whether it’s the future-blues of ‘A Little More Time’ or the swaggering 12 string jangle and vocal harmonies of ‘Maybe Tomorrow‘ there is a propulsion and warmth to the songs that feels effortless.

Listening to this collection of songs you feel at times you are sitting in the same room at the very moment the songs are being performed. The foot tapping on the wooden floor and even the crackle of the open fire all captured by the microphone to place the listener right there, while other songs beckon you into a more imagined world with additional instrumentation transporting the listener into the albums more surreal folk blues territory (I Have My Doubts).

Before The Show is a testament to the belief in a song, and the authenticity of this release simply affirms the standing of Perkins and Walker as artists at the top of their game.