Molly Mckew is a Music Editor of Ramona Magazine for Girls. She enjoys writing and music and as a teenager devoured any life advice she could find. She hopes Ramona will help to fill the void for any young people currently in the same boat.
Posts contributed to by Molly Mckew
A new webseries to get you through iso – comedian Hannah Camilleri’s ‘Little Shits’
Writing by Molly Mckew // When Hannah Camilleri’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival Show was cancelled weeks before it was due to go ahead, she got together with collaborator Nat Harris and a couple of her favorite actors and made a web-series instead. All about the intricacies of sharehouse relationships, Hannah’s sharp sense of timing and insight into human character makes the series an absolute joy to watch.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Rising UK poet/songwriter Arlo Parks and the records that make her feel hopeful
Writing by Molly McKew // 19 year-old Arlo Parks is a singer and poet from the UK who released her debut LP this year, featuring the lead single Black Dog. Arlo writes about love, friendship and mental health and is an ambassador for mental health organisation CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). In the midst of a strange year of unknowns, Arlo told Ramona about the five records that make her feel hopeful.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Sweet Whirl’s five records to grieve to
Writing by Molly Mckew // Sweet Whirl has just released her latest album How Much Works, a beautifully crafted, emotive journey into songwriter Esther Edquist’s angst, pains, and pursuit of self-knowledge. We were excited to delve into songwriter Esther’s record collection with the theme ‘records to grieve to’.
Read MoreVIDEO PREMIERE: Maja is back with a new single “He Wants to Know You,” a track all about saying no.
Writing by Molly Mckew// Melbourne songwriter Maja has just released her latest single, “He Wants to Know You,” a track about empowering yourself to say no. The video playfully sketches out a day in the life of a woman learning to resist the pressure to be accommodating. We chat to Maja about the new single and the making of the video, shot around some of her favorite places in Melbourne.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Hannah Cameron’s isolation albums
Writing by Molly Mckew // After releasing her second LP in 2018, the poetic and insightful Hannah Cameron is back with an emotive new offering. Her new single ‘Backsliding’, was released on April 3, a track all about extracting oneself from emotional patterns and taking responsibility for moving forward. We were lucky enough to have Hannah tell us about five albums she’s listening to in isolation.
Read MoreFEATURE: How do you make a soundtrack? Filmmaker Kathleen Lee talks us through the music for new web series, ‘Sex and Death.’
Writing by Molly McKew/Kathleen Lee // Brand new web series, ‘Sex and Death’, was filmed in Melbourne’s inner-northern suburbs and created and produced by two local filmmakers. We chat to co-creator Kathleen Lee about the joys and challenges of curating a soundtrack and why she chose exclusively local artists.
Read MoreFEATURE: Behind the scenes at the filming of Louise Terra’s new video, J.B – a track all about the power of friendship
Writing by Molly Mckew // Louise Terra has just released her new video, J.B, and gave us first dibs on these gorgeous behind the scenes photos. Terra took herself and some close friends away to some bushland near Mount Alexander to make a bewitching video for her rich, gorgeous pop-electronica track all about her close friend Jeannie. To tie in with International Women’s day, we asked her some questions about music and the power of female friendship.
Read MoreFEATURE: We chat to the glorious women of Victoria’s Meadow festival
Writing by Molly McKew // Victoria’s Meadow festival takes place in the beautiful Otways mountain range in Victoria’s west, and we jumped at the chance to interview artists Elizabeth, Dyson Stringer Cloher, Sweet Whirl, and Elle Shimada about the festival, the live music scene here in Australia, and their delicious musical offerings.
Read MorePREMIERE: Sad girl post-punk band Forever renter release their new video, ‘Pins’.
Writing by Molly Mckew// Photo by Ivy Rose// Forever renter are a sad girl post-punk band from Melbourne who released their debut EP, Wisteria, in 2019. Ramona is excited to premiere the video from the second single from their EP, ‘Pins’!
Read MoreQ&A: London’s Millie Turner releases her fresh EP ‘Hide+Seek’ just in time for summer
Writing by Molly Mckew // London born and raised Millie Turner has just released her new EP, the dreamy, catchy, and optimistic, Hide+Seek. We were lucky enough to ask the singer a few questions about her musical journey so far.
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REVIEW: Art-pop maestro Montaigne at the Croxton, Thornbury
Review by Molly Mckew & Freya Bennett // The Ramona team were lucky enough to go and see the incredible Montaigne at the Croxton in Thornbury – and fell in love with her theatrical, powerful and incredible performance.
Read MoreFEATURE: Ruby Jones premieres her new single, ‘Make it Out’, & creates a special Halloween themed playlist
Writing by Molly Mckew // Ramona’s very own Ruby Jones, curator of our excellent monthly playlists, has just released her new single right in time for halloween, and we were lucky enough to chat to her about her creative process, songwriting, and “witchy coveny feminist music”. Ruby has also curated a Halloween playlist especially for Ramona mag, featuring of course, her brand new single. Scroll down for interview!
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Artist and musician PARKER reveals the inspirations behind her expansive creative mind
Writing by Molly McKew // PARKER is a visual artist and musician, and has just released her new single ‘Can’t keep waiting’ along with a cinematic and award winning video clip. The meditative, ambient track has been released at the same time as PARKER’s artist residency and exhibition ‘You, me and that other thing.’ We were lucky enough to get into the record collection of the incredible multidisciplinary artist.
Read MoreQ&A: Meet girl in red, aka Marie Ulven – the Norwegian teenager making vulnerable, catchy bedroom-pop
Writing by Molly Mckew // Marie Ulven, aka girl in red, started writing songs when she was 14, and at 19 is already being called a queer role model for teenagers around the world. In the past year, Ulven has toured in Europe and the U.S, and in October is coming to Australia for the first time, playing a show at Sydney’s Lansdowne Hotel on October 8. We love everything about girl in red, so were excited to get into the mind of the v. cool singer in the lead up to her Australian tour.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Sydney band Georgia June nominate their all-time favourite albums
Writing by Molly Mckew // Sydney-based band Georgia June have just released their single ‘Try Again’, and are about to embark on a nation-wide tour to bring their energetic shows to the rest of Australia. Ramona is loving Georgia June’s soulful vocals and upbeat sound and is excited about their future! To get to know the members, we asked each to nominate their all-time favourite album.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Montaigne’s political tracks for when you’re feeling the fury
Writing by Molly Mckew // Montaigne’s hook-drenched pop has won over Australian hearts since she released her debut album Glorious Heights, which won her an ARIA award for best breakthrough artist. Her sophomore album COMPLEX is out on August 30, and we are already pumping her debut single, READY. Montaigne is proudly political, and we were excited to chat to her about her favourite feminist-fury charged tracks.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Ainslie Wills – ‘Sometimes we’re up sometimes we’re down…a collection of albums for the undulating feels that life brings us.’
Writing by Molly Mckew // We are fairly obsessed with Ainslie Wills’ single ‘Fear of Missing Out’, and can’t wait for her sophomore album ‘All You Have is All You Need’ to be released this week. Ramona mag were lucky enough to get inside Ainslie’s record collection to discover Wills’ top five ‘albums for the undulating feels that life brings us.’
Read MoreQ&A: Ahead of her Melbourne tour, we chat to New Orleans art-jazz-pop singer Sasha Masakowski
Writing by Molly Mckew // Sasha Masakowski hails from New Orleans, and is bringing her brand of playful pop-jazz to Melbourne this week, where she will do a run of shows at the intimate Birds Basement. Sasha has just released her new album Art Market, which she recorded with a band of talented musos from her home town. Ramona were excited to speak to this uber-cool pop-jazz mastermind, grilling her about her upbringing, her musical heroes, and what to expect from her new album.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Melbourne singer-songwriter Sandy Hsu’s vocal heroes
Writing by Molly Mckew// Sandy Hsu // Sandy has just released her new single ‘Angel energy’, an ethereal track about confronting change. To celebrate, we got Sandy to delve into her record collection and find us the four vocal angels who have guided her sound.
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FEATURE: Brisbane’s all girl neo-soul band PINK MATTER tell us about their childhood heroes
Writing by Molly Mckew // We are loving Brisbane’s shiny new neo-soul band Pink Matter, whose smooth sounds and super-cool instrumentation have landed them gigs with the Internet and at the Laneway Festival. We wanted to learn more about them, so unearthed their childhood by asking them to reveal their childhood musical heroes.
Read MoreFEATURE: Maningrida’s all-female Ripple Effect and Darwin’s Skinnyfish music working together to celebrate Indigenous language and culture
Writing by Molly Mckew // When we heard Ripple Effect’s new single Nguddja, we couldn’t wait to chat to the band about the meaning behind the track. Music editor Molly Mckew got the low-down on Maningrida’s Ripple Effect and their label Skinnyfish, who are working away at supporting and publicising music from remote NT communities.
Read MoreFEATURE: Experimental-pop band On Diamond talk us through their debut self-titled album (with exclusive studio photos)
Writing by Molly McKew // On Diamond are a group of super-talented musicians who have combined their excellent musicanship to produce a rich, intense and delectable debut album. On Diamond’s sound is brought together with the beautiful pop vocal lines of songwriter and singer Lisa Salvo. We were lucky enough to get an exclusive insight into the album with a track-by-track take by the band – and some beautiful exclusive photos from the studio by Paige Clark.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Indie-pop artist Ro shares the records of her travels
Writing by Molly Mckew & Ro // Melbourne-based singer Ro lets us into the records of her travels – songs of unrequited love, sun-drenched picnics, and long roads.
Read MoreFEATURE: Melbourne electro-pop trio Huntly and their danceable, relatable and dynamic debut album, Low Grade Buzz
Writing by Molly Mckew // We were lucky enough to chat to Elspeth Scrine of Melbourne trio Huntly about music, lyrics, politics, and their rich and layered record ‘Low Grade Buzz.’ Their debut album brings all the feelings and all the sounds, and right now it feels like we will never get sick of it. Huntly’s manifesto is ‘doof you can cry to’, and dance and cry we will.
Read MoreQ&A: Performance artist Taquirah on her new self-lovin’ track, Lonely
Writing by Molly McKew // Inspired by stories of women walking away from unhealthy relationships, whether romances or friendships, Taquirah wrote ‘Lonely’, a track about embracing solitude and loving yourself. We chat to the singer, dancer and performance artist about the story behind the single, the incredible video, and making the move from dancer to singer.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Flint Eastwood’s “albums for when I lived in the mountains”
Writing by Molly McKew // Ahead of her Australian tour, Ramona got an insight into the record collection of the super cool Jax Anderson of Flint Eastwood, who has put together a killer selection, ‘albums for when I lived in the mountains’.
Read MoreFEATURE: NT indie-rock queen Stevie Jean on her first and finest musical inspiration – Led Zeppelin’s ‘Mothership’.
Writing by Molly Mckew // Ramona Mag are lucky enough to launch our series on great albums in musical history with Darwin singer-songwriter Stevie Jean giving us the low-down on her first musical inspiration, Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits compilation, Mothership.
Read MoreFEATURE: Ruby Jones’ other-wordly debut single, Holy Ghost
Writing by Molly Mckew // Ramona’s very own Ruby Jones has just released her debut single, Holy Ghost. This beautiful, dark piece of ear-candy comes with a mesmerising black and white video compiled of old film footage, and Ramona is honoured to premiere the single right here!
Read MoreFEATURE: How do you become a DJ? We interviewed six female and GNC DJs to find out how they did it (Part 2)
Writing by Molly McKew // In this two-part series we chat to 6 female and GNC DJs about how they got into this uber-cool hobby, and for some, full-time profession. In part two, we chat to DJ Shimmy Barnes, DJ Ginger Light and PBS’s Emma Peel. They give us the low down on what they do, how they cultivated their sound, and we provide you with a bumper list of female and GNC DJs to get your ears into!
Read MoreFEATURE: How do you become a DJ? We interviewed six female and GNC DJs to find out how they did it (Part 1)
Writing by Molly McKew // In this two-part series we chat to 6 female and GNC DJs about how they got into this uber-cool hobby, and for some, full-time profession. In part one, we chat to RRR’s Kate Kingsmill, the extremely glam TANZER, and DJ Airhorn Mami, who moved to Melbourne from Peru when she was 18. They give us the low down on what they do, how they cultivated their sound, and we provide you with a bumper list of female and GNC DJs to get your ears into!
Read MoreFEATURE: YoWo’s ‘Work Like That’ – check out the album that is written and performed entirely by female and GNC high-schoolers
Writing by Molly Mckew
Read MoreQ&A: We chat to pop-soul songstress TAMMA about her new single, ‘Beat you down’
Writing by Molly Mckew // After a few years off, Tamma is making a fresh start with a fresh message – don’t let them beat you down! She chatted to Ramona about her new single, how to channel posi vibes in the face of adversity, and her first ever song about a homeless man called Solomon.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: We delve into Art-pop queen Sahara Beck’s faves
Writing by Molly McKew // 22 year-old Sahara Beck released her first album when she was 15 and has been producing music ever since. Beck has toured with two of Australia’s finest vocalists and songwriters, Katie Noonan and Paul Kelly, and has just released her new single Here We Go Again. Described as “art-pop”, Sahara’s sound is poppy and bold, with v. epic and catchy choruses. We were excited to talk to this amazing lady about the albums that make her tick.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Kira Puru’s records for friendships, break-ups and moments in time
Writing by Molly McKew // Total babe Kira Puru has just released her new single, the cracking Fly, from her self-titled EP, and will be on an Australia wide headline tour this November and December – as well as performing at Canberra’s Spilt Milk festival in November (headlined by Childish Gambino himself!). An insta stalk of this babe reveals a political consciousness as well as eclectic aesthetics and v. good insta stories. We were lucky enough to delve into her bio to be taken on a journey of the albums that shaped her 20s.
Read MoreFEATURE: We meet the incredible Emily Wurramara and Alice Skye, nominees for the 2018 National Indigenous Music Awards
Writing by Molly Mckew // The National Indigenous Music Awards are this week – and to celebrate we were lucky enough to chat to two boss Indigenous women who are up for an award. We talk the importance of celebrating Indigenous Australian artists, issues facing Indigenous women in the music biz, and get some tips on who we should be listening to this year. And make sure to check out the NIMA playlist to hear some the best Indigenous music talent around!
Read MoreFEATURE: We talk creativity with a fine Melbourne import, songwriter & poet Maja
Writing by Molly McKew // Originally from Brisbane, singer-songwriter Maja has just released her new single ‘Woman I’ve Become’, a soulful and stirring tune about self- discovery and being unashamedly you. Music editor Molly McKew caught up with Maja to learn all about her move to Melbourne, performance poetry, and writing your feelings.
Read MoreQ&A: We catch up with captivating folk-songstress Emma Anglesey
Interview by Molly McKew // Tasmanian born Emma Anglesey has spent the last year touring with iconic folk-country band the Waifs, and performing at festivals such at Woodford Folk Festival, MONA FOMA and Party in the Paddock. Her latest single ‘It Swells My Heart’ is a hypnotic and subtly addictive track from her new album Some Things Can’t Be Undone. We just loved the track and were excited to chat to the word-spinner and songstress about writing the album, her first ever song, and Boy George’s cookbook.
Read MoreQ&A: We chat to brand new electro-pop duo Leopard Lake
Interview by Molly McKew // The two members of atmospheric electro-pop band Leopard Lake have known each other since they were 16, but only recently have they combined their talents to release their first, self-titled EP. Molly had a chat to Storm about her move from punk and how the Spice Girls changed her life.
Read MoreQ&A: We meet indie-pop artist Eliza Hull
Interview by Molly McKew // We chat to the masterful songwriter and gorgeous vocalist Eliza Hull ahead of the launch of her new album ‘How we disappeared.’ Eliza gives us the low-down on her first ever gig at the age of 14 (!!), and we talk disability and visibility in the music industry.
Read MoreQ&A: We get the low-down on Perch Creek’s new single/criminal heist, ‘Gold Shop’
Interview by Molly McKew // Melbourne based mostly-family band Perch Creek have just released their vibin new single ‘Gold Shop’, a very funky single about a gold shop heist in Dubai (obviously). We chat to them about their beginnings as wee kids singing with their father on stage, their upcoming Australian tour, and how on earth five people manage to write songs together (hint – it takes a really long time).
Read MoreQ&A: We chat to R&B talent, ARIG
Interview by Molly McKew // Ahead of the release of her debut EP Attrition, we chat to talented vocalist ARIG about the story behind her groovin’ new single ‘Mama Said’, the creative process, and her solid advice for young musicians – “be misunderstood.”
Read MoreFEATURE: DIY music pt. 2: Pitching and performing – feat. advice from Ainslie Wills, Jade Imagine & Maja
Writing by Molly McKew // In the second of our two-part series on how to make your own music, we look at how to pitch your music to venues and perform your original material. The dreaming and writing was the fun part – and now it’s time to contact venues and get on stage! Featuring advice from the wonderful Maja, brilliant songwriter Ainslie Wills and dream-pop babe Jade Imagine.
Read MoreFEATURE: DIY music part 1: Songwriting – feat. advice from Ainslie Wills, Jade Imagine & Maja
Writing by Molly McKew // One of our greatest pleasures here at Ramona is helping and encouraging our readers to pursue their creative dreams. In this two part series we will take you on a journey to help you figure out how to create, pitch and perform your own music. We were lucky enough to receive some expert advice from the amazing Ainslie Wills, poetically brilliant Maja and Jade Imagine front babe Jade McInally.
Read MoreQ&A: We chat to the wonderful singer/songwriter/producer, Woodes
Interview by Molly McKew // The talented Woodes has just released her second EP, Golden Hour, and the stand out single Origami (listen here!). We were lucky enough to sit down with Woodes to get the lowdown on song-writing, producing, and her amazing theatrical wardrobe.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Folk singer Mary Webb
Writing by Molly McKew // The captivating folk artist Mary Webb has recently released her new album Love Like Planets, a beautiful and delicate new offering to the Australian music scene (listen here!). In the midst of her tour through Australia to promote her record, she stopped to tell Ramona readers about the five greatest albums in her record collection (and this is well worth reading!).
Read MoreQ&A: We Meet Retro-Pop Goddess Iluka
Interview of Iluka by Molly McKew // We chat to the wonderful Illuka about her political spirit and her new retro-pop album Ritual, to be released in April this year – and she tells us her top 5 must listen albums for 2018.
Read MoreFEATURE: We chat to the extraordinary Abbe May
Writing by Molly Mckew // The very talented and very fruity Abbe May has come a long way since she was 18 and playing in her fantastically named first band, ‘Fox Mulder’, alongside her brother. In the lead up to her fifth studio album FRUIT, I pick Abbe’s brain about songwriting and love, and in one paragraph the singer gives us all the life advice we will ever need.
Read MoreMY RECORD COLLECTION: Maja
Writing by Molly McKew & Maja // The very talented Maja chats to Ramona about the top five records that have influenced her songwriting.
Read MoreFEATURE: Go-Betweens drummer Lindy Morrison
Writing by Molly McKew // In advance of the release of a new documentary about Australian rock-n-roll legends the Go-Betweens, Molly McKew chats to drummer Lindy Morrison about drumming in the seventies, punk and politics, and which female muso we should be listening to.
Read MoreReview: Tina Arena at The Plenary
Review by Molly McKew and Rose Sejean // Photographs by Emily Blackburn // Ramona Music Editors, Molly McKew and Rose Sejean were lucky enough to review the legendary Tina Arena during the Melbourne leg of her Innocence to Understanding Greatest Hits tour. Here are their afterthoughts!
Read MoreQ&A with Julia Jacklin
Interview of Julia Jacklin by Molly McKew // We chat to Julia about her very first stage experience (which was a performance of Whitney’s My Heart Will Go On, as it turns out), her new single, and what makes a good folk song.
Read MoreQ&A with Alanna and Alicia
Interview of Alanna and Alicia by Molly McKew // Twins Alanna and Alicia Egan have been singing together since they could barely utter the word ‘folk’, and have four studio albums under their belt. Their jazz/folk songwriting laced with beautiful harmonies have charmed audience members at folk festivals all over Australia.
Read MoreQ&A with the Women of Leaps and Bounds
Interview by Molly McKew
Read MoreREVIEW: Healthy Tapes Compilation
Review by Molly McKew // Healthy Tapes Vol. 1 – A new cassette compilation featuring Kylie in a whole new light.
Read MoreTHAT REDHEAD: Interview with Drummer Lozz Benson
Interview by Molly McKew // At the Sydney Drum and Percussion Showcase: An interview with drummer Lozz Benson
Read MoreQ&A: The sweetly brilliant family folk-band, the Mae Trio
Interview of the Mae Trio by Molly McKew // Molly sits down with Elsie to discuss the new album, folk festival childhoods, and Elsie’s secret sporting skills.
Read MoreQ&A and Review: Overcoats’ “YOUNG”
Interview of Overcoats by Sophie Pellegrini // Review of YOUNG by Molly McKew // The electro pop-soul duo get the most out of their velvet voices in their first album, which utilises synth-pop vibes, ethereal beats, and good old fashioned hooky songwriting to create an incredibly listenable piece.
Read MoreQ&A with Belle Noble
Interview of Belle Noble by Molly McKew
BABES WHO BRUNCH: Molly Meets Clairy Browne
Interview of Clairy Browne by Molly McKew // Clairy has just returned to Australia after touring the U.S and recording in Los Angeles, her “favorite city in the world”. I catch the singer the day after a performance at St Kilda festival, a free all ages outdoor festival and one of the first shows in her national tour to promote her new album, Pool.
Read MoreREVIEW: Huntly live at the Nightcat – this band is on fire
Review by Molly McKew // The following day the band posts on Facebook: “Last night we played the best gig of our whole band life and truth be told, we are on fire”. This is all the reviewing you need.
Read MoreBABES WHO BRUNCH: Molly Meets Ngaiire
Interview of Ngaiire by Molly McKew // I tell Ngaiire about the first time I saw her perform in 2010. I remember being enamoured by her meandering vocals and enthralled by her elaborate aesthetics.
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