Perth band Joan & The Giants' newest release is the single 'Cool Kid', a song about leaning into one's own self while navigating life's challenges even if feelings of alienation follow.
The quartet fronted by Grace Newton-Wordsworth last year released their debut EP 'Me & You' (the lead track 'The Weekend' won the Best Lyrics award at 2022 WAM Awards) following a string of singles since their debut in 2019.Effervescent, jangly indie rock that scoots along with a zippy, confident rhythm and tight-knit instrumentation that propels the song to the next level, 'Cool Kid' also delves into subject matter relatable to many.
With vocals that bring to mind Courtney Barnett, Carla Geneve, and Middle Kids' Hannah Joy, the personable yet vulnerable songwriting of 'Cool Kid' highlights Grace's own story of coming out.
"I feel excited and nervous to share this song because whilst it's fun, energetic and has a pinch of satire, there is also a deeply vulnerable message behind it," shares Newton-Wordsworth.
"I was brought up in a home with strong Christian values, which has a duality to it. In one way it was incredibly loving and encouraging, and in another way I experienced a lot of shame and sadness as I was taught that being gay or queer is a sin and could lead to serious consequences.
"I couldn't bring myself to talk about my bi-sexuality until my early 20s when I thankfully met some amazing friends who encouraged me to be myself and not feel any shame around who I am."
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (18 May), scenestr is stoked to premiere 'Cool Kid' today. Enjoy.
"I came out as bi-sexual, and it was liberating - I met a girl who I developed feelings for but it sadly ended in heartbreak and rejection," adds Grace.
"This person was also bought up in a Christian household, and the same guilt was shadowing her. I think the line that breaks my heart the most is 'If I were a boy this would last forever, I would get to know your mother'."
The perfect anthem to cry, dance, laugh and cry again, the romantic rejection and stigma Grace felt fuelled the lyrics of 'Cool Kid'.
"After feeling rejected for reasons that were rooted in shame, it threw me back to my childhood and always feeling like an outsider – never quite fitting in with the 'cool kids' for my entire life, and feeling completely misunderstood.
"I think the ending of this song is the most liberating part for me – I love it when a crowd of people sing "I WAS NEVER THE COOL KID"; it's a moment of deep connection as I feel like so many people can relate to that story.
"I have now got to a place where I love who I am, and that is why the ending feels exciting to me – I am so okay with never being the cool kid and I can't wait to belt this one out."
Joan & The Giants 2023 Tour Dates
Sat 27 May - The Bird (Perth)Wed 5 Jul - Hamilton Station Hotel (Newcastle)
Thu 6 Jul - Royal Hotel (Sydney)
Fri 7 Jul - Towradgi Beach Hotel (Wollongong)
Sat 8 Jul - Bucketty's Brewery (Sydney)
Sun 9 Jul - Yulli's Brews (Sydney)
Wed 12 Jul - The Retreat, Brunswick (Melbourne)
Fri 14 Jul - The Espy Basement (Melbourne)
Sat 15 Jul - Gods Bandroom (Mornington Peninsula)
Sun 16 Jul - Post Office Hotel (Melbourne)
Fri 21 Jul - Froth Brewery (Bunbury)
Sat 22 Jul - Hally's Bar (Busselton)
Sun 23 Jul - Clancy's Fish Pub (Dunsborough)
Sat 5 Aug - The Bird (Perth)
