LivewireAU Six Pack: Putting Yourself First - A Playlist

Bull - Plain Jane

It’s always a good week when we receive a stunning debut single from a Meanjin (Brisbane) based artist, and Plain Jane’s ‘Bull’ is a true gem that stands as a testament to the talent in our local suburbs. ‘Bull’ looks into struggles with relationship anxiety and the all-encompassing yearning to be viewed as desirable and void of all flaws. Plain Jane combines pure indie folk charm and rich lyricism to make ‘Bull’ an ever-relatable song in this world of constant comparison

For fans of: Jenny Owen Youngs, Cat Clyde, Stella Donnelly

Strangers - Rosalie Chilvers

Rosalie Chilvers is the pink-haired popstar ready to take over our Aussie music scene, and her latest single ‘Strangers’ is nothing short of chart-topping material. Initially planned to be a love song, ‘Strangers’ delves into the process in which people start as, and return to being, strangers. With a chorus ready to be stuck in your head for weeks and the thought-provoking question of “Do you think that we could stand a chance?”, this is the new soundtrack for every overthinker.

For fans of: Olivia Rodrigo, Hayley Williams, Gretta Ray

Loki Horror Picture Show – Selve

Pure camp nature meets a question of one’s own sanity with Selve’s epic new single, ‘Loki Horror Picture Show’. Stated to be “The most fun song on the album”, this slice of pop joy is the second single shared from Selve’s forthcoming album, Breaking Into Heaven. Packed with pop culture references and name drops, from Charli XCX to Lou Reed, Selve take us on a journey (both through the song and the music video) that follows an “exploration of identity, mental health, and the dangers of getting lost in the sauce when chasing your dreams”. A song that feels more relevant than ever in our media-saturated, hyperconnected modern lives, ‘Loki Horror Picture Show’ balances a lyrical emotional rollercoaster with a sonic nostalgia-fuelled classic pop-rock sound.

For fans of: Talking Heads, Devo, David Bowie

Lonerheart – Millie Atlas

If you’re reading this after a weekend of cosying up with a cup of tea and avoiding all unnecessary socialisation, ‘Lonerheart’ by Millie Atlas is made for you. With a classic pop sound and lyrical resonance to all introverts, Millie Atlas uses charming storytelling to reclaim her aversion to the party lifestyle, in a similar style to Taylor Swift’s ‘Antihero’. ‘Lonerheart’ is another confessional, brutally honest, and overly relatable track from Atlas, solidifying her brand as the new Aussie princess of coming-of-age anthems!

For fans of: Maisie Peters, Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams

this very thing – FELIVAND

Naarm (Melbourne) based darling FELIVAND is back with the tender yet gritty ‘this very thing’, ahead of her forthcoming album my body’s my true north. ‘this very thing’ stands as a reminder to prioritise your personal joy above all else, with FELIVAND sharing “I’d rather be on my own than in a relationship I’m unsure or uneasy about in my body, or one that doesn’t spark that authentic joy”. Amplifying an important message amidst the culture of keeping up appearances and forging connections for mere benefit, this raw yet warm tune is the ideal soundtrack to your next moments of reflection or mindfulness.

For fans of: Haim, Kaiit, Kehlani

Magician – Jules of the Tide

The truly magical Jules of the Tide are back with their fourth single of the year, the ever shiny ‘Magician’. Inspired by a major arcana Tarot card, this song originated during the HSC exams of lead singer Jules, with lyrical depth exploring the pressures and demands bestowed upon the young. The bright and poppy sonic appearance of ‘Magician’ stands to contrast the rockier sound of the previous singles, whilst also adding a lighter sense of playfulness to the weight of the lyrics and choosing to view the prospect of an unplanned future as a wonder rather than a stress.

For fans of: Josie Edwards, Ellie Goulding, Milly McPherson