A QUICK CHAT WITH LASHES

Your new single “Avalanche For You” dives into the theme of being stuck in toxic cycles within an unhealthy relationship, and went through a bit of a restructure to become what it is today. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the track, and your time in the studio?

Well the initial concept was about being stuck in an RPG video game set in a sci-fi universe where you have to work together to make it to the end, only to be slaughtered on a hill by your partner. 

I wanted it to emulate ‘fight or flight’, the anxiety of walking on eggshells and the confusion you feel when living in a skewed version of reality. 

I started writing Avalanche back in 2022 during a string of studio sessions with Michael Belsar. We got most of it down before moving on to other song ideas. We kept this demo in our back pocket but didn’t revisit it until earlier this year where we pulled it apart, scrapped what we didn’t like and put it back together bigger and better.

Electro-pop is such a dynamic genre—what draws you to it, and how do you balance the heartfelt narratives in your lyrics with the upbeat and infectious melodies?

I like how broad the soundscape can be pushed with electro-pop. It’s an open world of exploration, which makes the creative process really exciting. I tend to favour the narrative, writing the lyrics first, usually to no sound. I find it easier to flesh out the story when it begins as a bit of a diary entry. Although, sometimes it's the complete opposite process and I’ll hum melodies to a fleshed out instrumental so the key for me is to not be too set on one way of writing.

You’re originally from Ballarat and have recently made the move to Melbourne - how has the transition from a more regional area to a major city influenced your music and creative process?

Ballarat will always hold a certain comfort for me but it's been nice to branch out and meet like-minded creatives on a larger scale. The Melbourne music scene is a tight-knit community, there's so much support here. We share similar dreams, celebrate each other's wins, and work together on projects. 

I see the same faces at gigs as I do at house parties. It’s hard not to feel inspired when I’m surrounded by friends who continuously share their ever-evolving art. It encourages me to do the same.

Collaboration has been a big part of your journey. Can you tell us more about your experience working with local producers and how that’s shaped your sound?

Everyone has their own way of doing things, It’s a challenging but rewarding process to get two brains speaking the same creative language. I always come out of a session more accomplished than when I went in. I love collaborating! I’ve been working with Michael for the last two years, It's a unique experience working with the same person over and over again but there’s a comfort and understanding there that can only be built with time. He’s very talented and inspires me to push myself, to be more vulnerable. We know the formula that works best for us so its become an easy process to trust.

You’re about to open two shows, one in your hometown and one in your new city—how does it feel to perform in these two contrasting spaces, and how do you prepare for both?

There's definitely a difference between playing to a room of strangers vs a room of people who have known me since I was a kid. Performing in Ballarat is always a rewarding but strange experience as it's where I feel less like an artist and more like my everyday self. It's the place I’d go to watch gigs and wish it could  be me. It’s where I fostered my creativity behind closed doors. But that’s why the hometown shows are so special to me. There’s comfort playing in venues I know like the back of my hand, to familiar faces, however it's easier to ‘switch it on’ when I'm playing in the city. 

To prepare for a show I’ll rehearse with my band, we’ll change up the set to keep it exciting. The day of I usually drink a lot of peppermint tea with honey, in fear that my voice might dry out. 

Looking back on your sold-out debut performance at the Colour Club and hometown show at Volta, how have you evolved as a live performer since then?

I’m much more confident in a live setting now. Sometimes things go wrong, sometimes I can’t hear myself properly, but I’ve learnt to work with it and adapt when things feel uncomfortable. I can enjoy the moment more instead of thinking about the logistics. I also love the chance to tease unreleased music in a live setting .

Your performances at festivals like Spilt Milk and Groovin the Moo must have been a wild ride. What’s your favourite memory from playing those festivals, and how do festival shows differ from your regular gigs?

My favourite memory is probably my first ever festival performance at Spilt Milk. Accompanied by a full lighting rig, my logo was bopping around the big screen and the band were on risers! It’s the most legit I’ve ever felt.

The prep and production for festivals is on a much larger scale in comparison to regular gigs which make the live show process way easier. The in-ear mix is pristine, the shows run smoother, there's a bigger crowd to feed off - It's exhilarating! 

What’s been the most rewarding moment in your career so far, whether in the studio or on stage?

It’s hard to pick one as there's many rewarding moments. But mostly recently, I played White Night Festival which was my biggest show to date. There was an amazing art show accompanying my performance and my friends and family were in the crowd.

As an artist blending vulnerability and pop sensibilities, how do you hope your listeners will connect with your music, especially with your latest single?

Music is medicine to me, it’s helped me through the hard times, but it also aids me through mundane tasks and boring drives. My new song has a darker tone, it’s about breaking toxic cycles and choosing yourself - so for the listeners who have been, or are going through a similar thing, I hope it gives you a sense of empowerment. Or it just helps you do the dishes