Listening to “Swings and Roundabouts/Over and Out,” the new double A-side single from Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast-based trans-female indie singer-songwriter Maddison Breen, I couldn’t help wondering why I hadn’t heard her music sooner. Her voice immediately caught my attention. It’s wise, warm, confident, composed. As I listened more, I began to appreciate all its colours, the way it can move from low notes to a soaring falsetto with ease.
If Stereophonics ever covered Coldplay, it might sound a little something like “Swings and Roundabouts.” It’s cinematic pop-rock at its finest. A simple piano melody anchors the song, enhancing Maddison’s vocals and relatable lyrics about navigating life’s ups and downs. We hear a different side of Maddison’s artistry with “Over and Out,” a more brooding rock number about refusing to give up on love. Together, these songs make the ideal introduction to Maddison’s music.
I mentioned that I wondered why I hadn’t heard Maddison’s music before, but sometimes it’s all a matter of timing. She has been signed to various record labels numerous times, but for some reason things never seemed to work out. She’s collaborated with big names like Japanese Wallpaper, Amy Shark, and John Power from The La’s and Cast, and played big stages at the Gympie Country Music Festival, The Palms at Crown, and Tamworth Country Music Festival, but she still struggled to break through. So this year she’s taking a leap of faith and releasing her music as an independent artist. No doubt that’s a little scary, but it’s allowing her to release her music, her way.
“Swings and Roundabouts” is the first track lifted from Maddison’s new EP Little Dark Room, which drops on December 4. As she recently announced on Instagram, Maddison will officially launch the single for hometown fans on December 3 at Mo’s Desert Club. Tickets are on sale now through Oztix.
Image used with permission from Maddison Breen