A Quick Chat with Annie-Rose Maloney
Photo: Jess Ellwood
Congratulations on your debut album Circle Walking – can you talk us through the themes you explore on the album and what inspired its title?
The album’s central theme was inspired by the law of least effort. I intentionally explored how nature embodies this principle in everything—bees instinctively find the shortest and most efficient routes to find the pollen. Birds don’t try to fly; they just fly, effortlessly. I wanted to connect with my intrinsic creative self without expending unnecessary energy or resources. My goal was for the entire process—recording and releasing the album—to unfold naturally and effortlessly.
As for the title, there are seven songs on the album, and each was written in a very different life phase. I still circle back to the times when the songs were written and can appreciate that some aspects of my being have grown while others are still evolving. I am a reflection of my past, and I am in a constant cycle of evolution. It’s an ongoing process of becoming aware of yourself, and sometimes I feel like I walk in circles trying to figure myself out.
What was influencing you while creating the album? Music or otherwise...
Given that they were written at various points over the past 15 years, some were inspired by my time as a school teacher, while others emerged from my work on olive and almond farms as an agronomist. One song was written after I quit playing cricket for Australia. Some celebrate the joy of connection with others, while others delve into the complexities of my relationship with myself.
In terms of the creative aspects of the songwriting, although I have been influenced by many artists throughout my life, I was conscious to tune into my creative core and try to mute external noise. I aimed to block out outside influences and focused solely on how the album felt and sounded to me. I would listen and recreate or add parts in my head while riding my bike or driving, then go home and build the demo. I was hooked on the creative process and determined to make something I liked for myself. I didn’t need external influences during the creative process.
What was the creative process like for Circle Walking, from writing through to recording? Was there anything you were trying to achieve specifically?
During the writing phase of Circle Walking, my senses became extremely heightened. Music has never been purely an auditory experience. I would ‘see’ the colours and patterns of my songs, which directly influenced the sounds and arrangements. Sometimes I would see the need for more colour or texture, so I would tinker with different melodies or rhythms to achieve the right balance. While constructing the songs and demos, I became obsessed, listening repeatedly to make sure what I saw and heard felt complete—that it had that ‘umami’ taste.
During the recording process, I was passionate about making a pure and unaffected record. I wanted the ideas and visions in my head to be replicated out loud, which meant mixing the album without using sound effects or fancy production. My goal was to capture each song’s essence—just as it would sound if you were listening to me play in my living room.
What do you think makes a great album?
I am really attracted to albums that sound alive—where you can hear real people holding real instruments and using their hands to make beautiful sounds. I loved The Be Good Tanyas growing up because you could hear them creaking on their chairs, breathing, or quietly talking in the background. I read once that they rarely fully rehearsed their backing vocals, recording live to capture the magic of spontaneity. I am inspired by that.
When you’re not working on music, what else do you do with your time?
I love gardening—I used to run my own gardening business, but now I focus on maintaining our home garden and growing vegetables year-round. I’m also a Class 8 Steiner teacher and find great joy in working with young people. I love the balance between my work, music, and life, even when things get busy!
We heard you played cricket for Australia?! Can you tell us a bit about how that came about and what that experience was like?
As a kid, I was good at sport—I kept getting picked in every state team I trialled for. Eventually, I climbed high enough and got selected to play for Australia. I had no real passion for elite-level sport, which, to this day, still feels wild. I went as far as I did despite feeling so half-hearted. I ended up with a season-ending leg injury, and I think I manifested it as an excuse to quit. I never returned to the game after playing once for Australia!
Who are some local artists we should check out?
Jacob Diamond – I love watching Jacob Diamond perform. He gets just as swept away by his music as the audience does. A brilliant songwriter, his performance and delivery are deeply moving and inspiring.
Cabbage Moth – I once supported Cabbage Moth at a house concert in Northcote. He performed a deeply moving song about his home, which is set to be demolished—along with its magical garden, a cherished sanctuary for creativity and community.
What will celebrating the album release look like for you?
I think my celebration will be quiet and introspective. I am really proud of this record, and I have loved making it—it has been one of the best achievements of my life. I will most likely celebrate by listening to the album and having a beer at home with my partner, Jess.
You also have some upcoming shows around VIC – what can we expect from an Annie-Rose Maloney show in 2025?
To celebrate the release of Circle Walking, I am playing a few release shows around Victoria. The rehearsals have sounded magical, and I cannot wait for this show.
On Sunday, 16 March, I will be playing a matinee launch show at the Northcote Social Club. The launch will feature performances from some of my best friends in my music community, as well as the artists who featured on my album (Angie McMahon, Ruby Gill, Olivia Hally, Jess Ellwood). Jacob Diamond is opening the afternoon, and Ruby Gill will share some of their incredible poems.
Me and the band will also be playing at the final Meadow festival on 23 March. I played the first two Meadow festivals and feel really lucky to be asked back for the last one.
Annie-Rose Maloney - Circle Walking Tour 2025
Sun 16 Mar - Northcote Social Club - Naarm/Melbourne (Matinee Show) - TICKETS
Full performance with special guests Angie McMahon, Ruby Gill & Olivia Hally, plus support from Jess Ribeiro and a poetry reading by Ruby Gill.
21-23 Mar - Meadow Festival - Gadubanud, Wadawurrung, Gulidjan Country/Bambra, VIC
Performing alongside Hiatus Kaiyote, Pond, MJ Lenderman & The Wind, and more.
