After meeting several years ago (and becoming "life-long friends"), two WA indie artists, each making their own waves, Olivia De Melo and Keeley Connolly have collaborated together for the first time.
The project is the single 'Coffee'. A tranquil yet dreamy, liquified, smooth-as-butter R&B beat intros the piece, the husky vocals lingering over a breezy rhythm, the lyrics equal measure contemplative and insightful; an understanding not to dwell on the small stuff too much.It's a fun, light, charming sonic ride, the alt-pop vocal tones of each singer playfully bouncing off the other like milk mixing with coffee. There's even a Kid Cudi 'Pursuit Of Happiness' lyric drop mid-song, that hook propelling the song into the verses from Tanzanian artist Muranji and Zambian-born, Melbourne-based Michael Kay.
"This track is like a coffee break for the soul – reflecting on those drunk texts, life's little regrets, and the messiness of it all. It's cheeky, but it's about knowing you'll always find your way, even through the chaos," Olivia and Keeley share.
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (21 March), scenestr is stoked to premiere 'Coffee' today. Enjoy.
Olivia has performed at many of Western Australia's most iconic venues and with some incredible artists, including Abbe May, Dulcie, Timothy Nelson, and Joan & The Giants.
Keeley has supported Kim Churchill and Slumberjack, as well as collaborating with Ralph Lauren using her music for an international campaign – all the while working as a teacher to nurture future generations of musicians.
"'Coffee' is one of those songs that was brewed in life's quiet moments (it looks like a cruisy Sunday hangover), looking back on the chaos, the mistakes, and everything in between," share Olivia and Keeley. "It's about taking a breath, finding peace in the pause, and knowing you'll find your way eventually."
The addition of Michael Kay and Muranji to the track caffeinated the song. "Collaborating with Michael Kay and Muranji brought this whole new energy, where indie folk meets urban/ hip hop, and it's been magic watching those worlds collide.
"It's like indie folk wandered into a smoky late-night jam and found a whole new rhythm."
