10 Local Artist Recommendations (From Melbourne & Far North Queensland) Shared By Maggie Slater

Two years since her previous original music release, indie musician Maggie Slater recently returned with the powerful, passionate single 'Pulp'.

With similar vibes/ tones to the likes of Camp Cope, Tired Lion and WAAX as well as effusing the spirit of '90s riot grrl bands, the song examines the toxicity of relationships from a young person’s perspective.

"'Pulp' explores the detrimental impact of unhealthy early relationships that many young people, particularly women, experience when they're young," Maggie says, who was inspired by the Gillian Flynn novel 'Gone Girl'.

"The song examines this dynamic retrospectively, making space for feminine frustration and pulling influence from female-fronted rock bands of the '90s and '00s."



Written during the first lockdown of 2020 in her hometown of Kuranda, for the song's music video Slater filmed it, with the help of her best friends, in Brunswick.

Directed by Hugo Morgan and co-produced by Maggie and her housemate Ella, the 'Pulp' clip was inspired by real-life conversations and concepts.

"[Ella] really related to the song after hearing it for the first time, as she'd had a very similar experience to me in her first relationship," Slater says.

"Then one night we were up late chatting in the living room about these shared experiences, vignettes. . . then things just kind of went from there.

"We really wanted to capture the ups and downs of these turbulent, chaotic, toxic relationships and their often very addictive and destructive nature; to capture the kind of innocence and nuance of these dynamics that are often undiscussed."

The Far North Queensland native, who moved to Melbourne pre-pandemic before returning north when the world shutdown, is now back living in Melbourne.

Here, she shares five indie artists from each area she reckons you should add to your next playlist.

Far North Queensland

Greta Stanley

Long-time inspiration and mentor for me, I actually decided to start gigging not long after seeing Greta live for the first time (and now we're friends, which is such a cool, full-circle moment).

If you've ever wondered what living in FNQ is like all I can do it tell you to listen to Greta ('When January Comes' in particular). The tone of her voice is unmatched. Her music is the most incredible balance of gentle and vulnerable, and completely powerful (the divine feminine) and she's really honed in on this element of her songwriting in her new album, 'Real Love In Real Life'.

Amber Farnan

Up and coming indie-pop artist from Cairns who has been working her butt off for years. Such a lovely voice and honest lyrics, absolutely killing it with her new EP, 'The Motions'.

Matilda Duncan

Gorgeous harmonies and melodies from an absolute powerhouse of a woman. Personal fave of her's is 'Empty'; feels like a winter morning at home in Kuranda.

Late November

Fulfilling all your indie math rocky dreams. Always amazed by these guys, such talented musicians and you can always tell how much fun they have playing together whether you're listening to a recording or seeing them live.

Colie

Another artist who is absolutely soaked in influence from her environment. Her voice is so soothing, and her songs feel like a good piece of advice. Nicole is also the organiser of Neck Of Woods Festival in Townsville, which is hands-down one of the best festivals I've ever been to.

Melbourne

Charlie Cause

Charlie and I met on Instagram a year or two before I moved to Melbourne and have been friends ever since. Charlie's produced everything she has out on streaming platforms; she has such a cool sound, channelling all the emo vibes you could ever want in the most haunting and delicate way. She had her debut gig with her band Charlie + the Enablers last month and it was so much fun.

Holly Hebe

I saw Holly and her band for the first time back in July and they had such an awesome vibe going. Her two latest singles are so much fun ('Life Of The Party' reminds me of Holly Humberstone) and she seems like such a sweetheart.

Radio Free Alice

Met these guys on set for 'Napalm Roses', a short film we were recently in and fell in love with their sound immediately. Such a nostalgic sound in the way that their music makes you feel like you already know it and have had it in the background of a bunch of important moments. Can't wait for them to put new music out.

Misty Harlowe

Another gem I was lucky enough to meet on set, country darling with the voice of an angel. She's got a single coming out next week, so make sure to keep an eye out for it.

My Giddy Aunt

New to the Melbourne scene much like myself, so lovely, so fun, such cool vocal/instrumental arrangements and gorgeous people (and hair). Go check out their new EP right this second.