10 Songs To Cause A Ruckus To Shared By meadowhip

After suffering a hemorrhagic stroke in 2019, Wollongong singer-songwriter-poet Cara Walkam decided to breathe through the self-doubt rather than let it consume her.

Revitalised to feed her creativity at every possible moment, Cara aka meadowhip has poured her soul into every facet of her artistry including a focus on making original music.

An exploration of self, love and life, 'Ruckus' is meadowhip's debut EP that was two years in the making and features six tracks of soulful alt R&B fans of Solange, Kehlani, and H.E.R will gravitate towards.

"After several months of intense recovery, I started finding clarity. I took stock of my life and, amongst other things, I realised that I couldn't ever be truly happy unless I committed fully to living creatively as a songwriter, performer, recording artist and poet," Cara says.

"It's not an easy commitment – in fact, it's damn challenging – but I know that the alternative would be intolerable.

"'Ruckus' is a snapshot of some of the phases of my process of evaluating my life. I'm documenting my regrets, my hopes, the things I'm grateful for, the people I love, and the questions I was asking myself at the time."



2022 has seen meadowhip enjoy regular live performances including The Spiegeltent, Laneways Live Festival, North Gong Sunday Sessions with South Summit, and To Be Honest Fridays with DENNIS.

"'Ruckus' is a collection of gentle, pretty and introspective songs," adds meadowhip.

"They've got some attitude behind them, but the commotion they cause is more personal and philosophical than sonic – perfect for grooving and self-analysis.

"But if you're in the mood for a bit of a hubbub, a wee fracas, or a touch of a brouhaha, chuck these tracks on!"

Mereba - 'Kinfolk'

'Kinfolk' is sultry and eerie, but it's giving hints of protest. An amuse-bouche for a bit of ruckus making. (Fun fact: this track was the inspiration that kicked off 'Over)

Shungudzo - 'It's A Good Day (To Fight The System)'

An addictive and uplifting song that'll get you up off your arse and doing something.

Shania Twain - 'Man! I Feel Like A Woman!'

Let's go, girls.

Wu-Tang Clan - 'Bring Da Ruckus'

I couldn't put together this playlist without 'Bring Da Ruckus'.

The Strokes - 'Reptilia'

This is the song that makes me yell louder than any song ever created. I can be doing the dishes and I will tear off the rubber gloves and shriek "the room is on fire and she's fixing her haaaiirrrr".

Everything Everything - 'Zero Pharaoh'

I challenge you not to scream this in the car on the way to prove a point to someone.

Violent Soho - 'Covered In Chrome'

I like to listen to this song from a distance at festivals and watch the chaos of the moshpit ensue.

Azalea Banks - '212'

This track is a threat and a bop. A perfect track to accompany some ruckus-ing.

Beyonce - 'Formation'

I love how this song escalates like the best ruckuses do. I also love the reminder to ruckus in a coordinated way.

Beck - 'Debra'

A true journey of a track. The silky production is sprinkled with attitude and chaos. Use it as a ruckus comedown.