It's been a small minute since we heard from Melbourne-based, indie pop singer-songwriter Romanie; 2021 in fact since the Belgian expat released new music.
However, that changed earlier this month when Romanie released the heartfelt, nostalgia-rich track 'Anthony', a song inspired by her grandfather who sadly passed away last year after battling dementia.
Romanie wrote the bones of the song after watching the Anthony Hopkins film 'The Father' and completed the track after talking to friends living overseas.
"I remember coming home from the cinema late at night and getting this wave of inspiration," shares Romanie. "I sat down with my guitar and wrote the song almost completely in one go.
"We were still in and out of lockdowns and I was chatting on Zoom with my friends from overseas, Michiel and Kate, who encouraged me to finish the song.
"The first band rehearsal back, we played 'Anthony' through and it felt like magic to make this song into something bigger with my band, so much fun."
'Anthony' was produced by Alex O'Gorman (Angie McMahon) and Hamish Patrick (Gretta Ray), with Romanie also co-producing the track.
"In December 2021 I reached out to Gormie with some of my demos because I really admired his work and I got a phone call back straight away," begins Romanie.
"That's when we decided to start co-producing my music and I'm super grateful for having Gormie in my corner. My music wouldn't be the same without him and I'm so grateful for getting him involved and becoming his friend.
"When we got into the studio Alex introduced me to Hamish Patrick who helped us add the amazing textures to 'Anthony', which make the song feel so nostalgic and big."
Romanie and her band support Astronaughty at Shotkickers (Melbourne) 16 February.
Here, Romanie shares ten songs that inspired the making of 'Anthony'.
Andy Shauf - 'Things I Do'
Andy can do no wrong. Being a master in songwriting, both his phrasing and lyric writing are an enormous inspiration to me. He watches the world as it happens and I might be in love with all of his songs.
Big Thief - 'Simulation Swarm'
Big Thief is one of my favourite bands – from recording to songwriting to live performance, I basically look up to everything they do. Adrienne Lenker is out of this world and I hope she never changes. This may also be a love letter to her.
Alvvays - 'After The Earthquake'
Another one of my favourite bands is Canadian-based Alvvays. I thought nothing would be able to top their album 'Antisocialites', but with 'Blue Rev' they have absolutely out mastered the previous record. 'After The Earthquake' is so punchy.
Middle Kids - 'Questions'
No questions to be asked as to why Middle Kids makes this little list. Hannah's songwriting punches you right in the face and then puts you right back together with her amazing vocal range.
Wet Leg - 'Too Late Now'
One of my favourite discoveries of the last few years has to be Wet Leg. Their debut album has been playing on repeat ever since it's come out, and Lachie and I were singing them all the time on our way to the studio. I think Wet Leg deserve all the attention they've been getting because the songs are just so much fun and catchy.
Kate Davis - 'Monster Mash'
I've been extremely lucky to get to know Kate over the past year and 'Monster Mash' is the perfect song (from a perfect songwriter).
Courtney Marie Andrews - 'Satellite'
I remember listening to 'Satellite' for the first time and the guitar tone of the electric guitar literally stopped me in my tracks. I wanted to recreate the feeling it gave me in the bridge for 'Anthony'. Courtney Marie Andrews is such a phenomenal artist; I've had the pleasure of learning from her in a School Of Song workshop last year.
Beach House - 'Zebra'
This song paints such a picture, you can almost see film credits roll out of it. It's timeless and everything I want my songs to feel like.
Harrison Whitford - Salvation Army
Harrison Whitford, who's also known for being the guitarist in Phoebe Bridgers and for having worked with The National, is not only an incredible player, he can also write a song or two. The lyrics and journey of sounds on this track are just perfect.
Dijon - 'Many Times'
If we had a moment of down time in the studio, Gormie and I would put on music as loud as we could by our favourite artists. 'Many Times' was played (many times). The vocal recording on this song feels so urgent and draws you in immediately.
