Recently releasing her debut album 'Are We There Yet?', the last two years have influenced the sonic and creative direction of Romanie's music.
The Melbourne-based songwriter and musician has released a steady stream of singles as well as an EP leading up to the 'Are We There Yet?' longplayer, which showcases the energy and effervescence of one of Melbourne's best new songwriters."'Are We There Yet?' is an album about time, going through the motions and moving on," begins Romanie.
"Reflecting deeply on myself, my place in this world and my relationship with others – it's an attempt at grasping the sometimes confusing, yet beautiful chaos we live in, sonically transforming my thoughts and finding my voice."
For fans wanting to experience the album live onstage, Romanie will tour the east coast in February with shows scheduled in Sydney, Wollongong, Brisbane, Melbourne, Castlemaine, and Beechworth.
Born in Belgium, here Romanie lists 15 of her favourite Australian artists – the perfect inspo to add to your next playlist. "I wish I could extend this list to '100 of Romanie's favourite Australian artists' because there's just so much talent around.
"I keep looking around in my friendship group, being absolutely obsessed with everyone's music. When I first got to Australia four years ago, I think every single person I met during my first week was a musician.
"It was overwhelming and inspiring all at once. I count my lucky ducks every day I get to spend in this city and music scene. As I said, the list is so much longer than just 15, but here's some of my current Aussie favourites."
Maple Glider
Tori's music is cut-throat and angelic all at once. Her new album 'I Get Into Trouble' will probably be a staple in my vinyl collection, as much as the previous record 'To Enjoy Is the Only Thing' has been.Hannah Cameron
Hannah Cameron's new record 'Holding Pattern' should make it to everyone's Album Of The Year list. She's such a prolific writer. I've been very lucky to get to know Hannah over the years and hear some demos of the album songs during our School of Song workshops, and they've all been stuck in my head ever since the first moment I heard them.Juice Webster
Naarm/ Melbourne and Australia in general have such a high density of incredible female songwriters – Juice Webster is definitely one of them. Combining her soft and beautiful voice, with poppy melodies and stellar production, 'Returning' and 'In The Zone' are songs that are on high rotation at Romanie HQ.
King Stingray
I've been obsessed with King Stingray ever since I first heard 'Milkumana'. Whenever I feel down or have low energy, I blast their music and instantly feel better.Folk Bitch Trio
The angels Gracie, Heide and Jeanie who form Folk Bitch Trio will reach high places. The world is ready for them to take it over and I'm happily watching from the front row, cheering them on.Gena Rose Bruce
'Foolishly In Love' with Gena Rose Bruce. She's got that songwriting power and unique voice, combined with a fabulous live presence to make it very very far – 10/10.Good Morning
My vote for best song intro goes out to 'Country' by Good Morning. Each time that song comes on, I'll listen to it at least five times because I just can't get enough.Sunfruits
It's been so much fun seeing Sunfruits kick every goal they set for themselves, releasing their debut album and going off to Europe, gaining fans from every corner of the world, as they absolutely should.Ruby Gill
One of the first artists I discovered when I moved to Australia was Ruby Gill. She quickly became one of my favourite songwriters and I'm going to be forever inspired by her both as a musician and as a friend. Too hard to pick just one favourite Ruby song, so I'd suggest you queue her whole catalogue, starting with 'I'm Gonna Die With This Frown On My Face'.
Genesis Owusu
Genesis is probably my current favourite Australian artist, especially with the release of his new album 'Struggler'. I saw him perform live recently and was absolutely blown away. I love it when someone takes the definition of genre bending to the heart and Genesis Owusu does it perfectly by being so versatile and 100 per cent himself.Armlock
Speaking of a unique sound, Armlock definitely has theirs. Such a big fan of Simon and Hamish's production and writing.Ghost Care
I was lucky to open for Ghost Care awhile ago and am very much in love with the band. Fun and witty songwriting, and just also the band vibes onstage. All 'round legends who create fabulous music.Noah Dillon
Another Perth-based artist who needs to be on everyone's radar is Noah Dillon. 'Knievel Daredavil' featuring Asha Jefferies (whom I also adore), is one very fine song.Kaitlin Keegan
Powerhouse and pop star Kaitlin Keegan is going to achieve big things. She's been a dear friend for awhile now and it's been great to see her write banger after banger.Hugo van Buuren
Not only is Hugo one of my best friends and bass player in my band, he's also a special singer-songwriter who writes very precious alt-folk songs who've more than once gotten me through the day. I first fell in love with his music hearing a demo of 'She Is Endlessly Giving', instantly being obsessed with his unique fingerpicking guitar style and phrasing.The world is very lucky to have Hugo songs and I can't wait for what's to come. For his EP 'There Is A Place For Everything' he also worked together with Butternut Sweetheart and Happy Axe, who you definitely need to check out.
Romanie 2024 Tour Dates
Thu 8 Feb - The Vanguard (Sydney)Fri 9 Feb - Towradgi Beach Hotel (Wollongong)
Fri 16 Feb - The Bearded Lady (Brisbane)
Fri 23 Feb - The Gasometer (Melbourne)
Sun 25 Feb - The Bridge Hotel (Castlemaine)
Sat 2 Mar - Tanswell's Hotel (Beechworth)
