"When I was starting out, I never collaborated with anyone - I was selfish about my music," he says. "But now I love it."

He's certainly keeping different company than a few years ago, when he was busking and working on his demo tape in Mount Dandenong, Victoria. Those early tracks ended up in the hands of Ronson, who loved Merriweather's soulful vocals and persuaded him to go to New York.

But for all Merriweather's swagger, it's clear he has determination, which shines through on every track.

Love & War (Universal) is out now.
www.danielmerriweather.com

[http://universalmusic.net.au/freedownloads/danielmerriweather FREE DOWNLOAD: Get "Cigarettes" from Daniel Merriweather's new album