Adelaide born and based artist, effie isobel recently shared her new single 'Moon Made', a dream-pop song with grungy undertones that's high with witchy drama, and a place where softness meets grit.
First written after a run of unremarkable Hinge dates, it snowballed into an exploration of desire, devotion, longing as ritual, and love as worship, dreaming about "someone who would be a bit obsessed with me."In a way this song is satirical; of course being on a pedestal is not sustainable or even desirable long term, but is it too much to ask for a bit more passion?"
'Moon Made' was recorded at Pretty Good Studio on Kaurna Land with engineers Bethan Maddison and Michael Carver, and subtly incorporates effie's broader universe: lyrical references to pomegranate and Turkish delights a nod to her Greek-Australian migrant heritage.
"I wanted to tap into the idea of becoming under the moon, or being 'moon made', wanting your lover to desire you as if they were fully at your mercy.
"When I daydream about the way people listen to my music, I imagine it soundtracking big feelings, bad moods, headphones on dance parties or driving with friends.
"'Moon Made' is the song you listen to on the way to a pasta and wine date with a cutie, manifesting a lover who worships you. It's the song you listen to while getting ready with your best friend for a night out at the dive bar to see a local band (you have a crush on the drummer). It's a song you listen to while lighting a candle before spending the night dancing in your room."
Who is... effie isobel is the passion project of a girl with a Libra rising and an inclination to feel it all a little too hard. I love to blend candid lyricism and warm vocal tones with lush, gritty dream-pop instrumentation and quirky voice-notes sent from friends.
This project has brought me so much joy and it's been such a fun year so far, having played at WOMADelaide 2025 as well as supporting acts such as Teenage Joans, The Tullamarines and The Empty Threats.
I sound like... A blend of softness and grit, catchy and driving dream-pop music. A little bit of Wet Leg and a little bit of Mazzy Star.
My first gig was... At The Exeter front bar when I was 19. All my friends came and packed out the front room. I completely fell in love with performing that night and I haven't stopped since.
When did you settle on your artist name... I started off as a mononymous artist going by 'effie'. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to use my actual first name as an ode to my Greek heritage on my dad's side.
At the start of 2024, I decided to include my middle name too, now going by 'effie isobel'; isobel is a name shared by all of the women on my mum's side, who I wanted to pay homage to.
In the studio I usually... Eat snacks, dance around, drink ten cups of tea, have a lay down on the floor, and ask everyone "ok is this actually a good song guys, be honest," at least four times.
If I could tour with anyone... Dora Jar, an absolute favourite artist of mine.
Social media is... Fun, useful and a tool for virtual connection. In my opinion social media is the most beneficial when it's not taken too seriously.
My favourite app at the moment is... At the moment it's Picture Insect, which identifies all kinds of bugs via a photo. I'm a bug girl, what can I say. I'm also really enjoying Opal, which is an app to keep you off other apps.
Life on the road can be... So joyous. I've only been on one tour, when I went to Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula with Bromham, a 14-piece folk band; spending time with those folks in that way was incredibly special to me.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... A Sonny Angel and a framed photo of Cher.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be the spokesperson of your solo work... He's not a famous person, but my dad has some lovely things to say about my music, so I'll go with him.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? I'd love to live in Thessaloniki. The nightlife is so alive and rich, plus cats everywhere! I have family there who I miss dearly and would love to spend more time with.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook for us? Something warm, maybe a Greek dish. I've been loving gemista as a cosy and nourishing meal lately.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I'm a pet lover! I grew up with all sorts of animals like rabbits, horses, rats, mice, cats, dogs, ferrets and fish.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Miscellaneous trinkets. Ideally a box of junk, old toys and vintage knick-knacks from the op shop. Something about sorting through drawers of old bits and bobs feels like sifting through treasure to me.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... I have never seen the inside of an actual gym! It's all a little loud for me; my movement practices are pilates and long walks in nature instead.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? I cannot stand doing the dishes. A rogue piece of food floating around in the water touching my hand is a truly harrowing experience.
Do you have any phobias... I am so deeply scared of sharks, I worry about them even when I'm walking around on dry land.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? I'm currently having a long-awaited renaissance, absolutely bingeing 'RuPaul's Drag Race', which I grew up watching. If I wasn't head over heels for contemporary music and performing I would LOVE to be a drag queen and be on the show. The craft. The performance. The expression. I adore it all.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? I'm not really a pranker.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? The BEST local takeaway joint is being criminally overlooked by the folks of Adelaide and that is That Restaurant on Gouger. Open late, delicious food, That Restaurant really is that girl.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Hmm, maybe I'll go with Kiki from 'Kiki's Delivery Service'. I grew up watching Ghibli films and totally idolised her as a kid. I like that she is curious and independent, and also a witch with a talking cat.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Severance'. I loved it. I felt so captivated by the storytelling and the visuals, it provoked some juicy conversations! I felt so deeply unsettled, but I couldn't stop watching.
effie isobel will open Aleksiah's Adelaide concert at Lion Arts Factory on 15 August.
