Molly Mckew

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.

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.

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.

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.’

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’.

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. 

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!

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! 

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! 

Writing by Molly Mckew // This weekend YoWo music, a mentorship program for female and GNC youth, will be launching their very first album, ‘Work Like That’. Ramona Mag were lucky enough to chat to the writer of the lead single ‘Built for Boys’, producer Emah Fox, and program co-founder, Lena Douglas about the work of YoWo and how its making the Australian music industry a more welcoming place for young people.

Review of Nico by Molly McKew // The best thing about NICO is their commitment to ethical production. Their processes are environmentally friendly and they are passionate about creating ethical working conditions.

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.

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. 

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. 

Writing by Molly McKew // The annual BIGSOUND conference in Brisbane is a gathering of musicians, producers, media and music lovers over four days and four nights, featuring gigs, panels and networking opps. We thought this would be a great opportunity to pick the brains of some incredible BIGSOUND acts about the hard stuff – what is it like being an LGBTQIA+, non-binary,  or female singer, instrumentalist or producer in the music biz, and what needs to change? Music editor Molly McKew had a great chat about this, and more, with vocalist/multi-instrumentalist/producer Beatrice, Paige Court (aka MANE), the gorgeous Northern Territory based Stevie Jean, the amazing Ruby Gilbert and “Newcastle’s favourite boyband”, Rachel Maria Cox.

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!

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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).

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.”

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.

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. 

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. 

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!).

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. 

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. 

Writing by Molly McKew & Maja // The very talented Maja chats to Ramona about the top five records that have influenced her songwriting.

Writing by Molly McKew & Phia // The incredible Phia chats to Ramona about the top five records that have influenced her.

Interview by Molly McKew // We chat to the talented Nite Jewel and Airling, who will be performing at Melbourne’s NGV Friday nights series during the world exclusive exhibition The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture. Get along to the NGV to experience some gal talent and amazing fashion in the one impressive space!

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.

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!

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.

Interview of music interns by Rose Sejean and Molly McKew // Meet our two latest music interns.

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.

Interview of Fiona Boyes by Molly McKew // Blues guitarist and vocalist Fiona Boyes has won a multitude of awards and is one of the most accomplished blues guitarists in the world, recently becoming a finalist in the USA Blues Blast music awards in Memphis.

Advice by Miss Blanks // Not only can Brisbane’s Miss Blanks rap, but her rich experiences as a singer, provocateur, fashionista and unashamedly sexual babe make her a prime candidate for Ramona’s very first guest advice columnist! 

Interview by Molly McKew // The City of Yarra in Melbourne’s inner north celebrates local music every year with the Leaps and Bounds music festival, a 10 day affair which sees venues big and small stuffed to the brim with musical acts.

Review by Molly McKew // Healthy Tapes Vol. 1 –  A new cassette compilation featuring Kylie in a whole new light.

Interview by Molly McKew // At the Sydney Drum and Percussion Showcase: An interview with drummer Lozz Benson

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.

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.

Review by Molly McKew  // Jazz Party did indeed bring the party along with the jazz, and I look forward to hearing what their album brings at the end of 2017.

Interview of Belle Noble by Molly McKew // Melbourne hip-hop/RnB talent Belle Noble has recently dropped a new single, Instinct, recorded with Jack Prest (Flume, Sampa The Great, The Preatures) at the renowned Studios 301 in Sydney.

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.

Interview of Dia by Molly McKew // Ramona’s Molly McKew chats with Los Angeles-based artist DIA about the release of her debut EP, her break from classical music, and finding the space to fish for creative inspiration.

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.

Interview of Yarrie Bangura by Molly McKew // When I came here as a refugee I was scared because I didn’t want to put my hand somewhere it didn’t belong. My family told me “just continue with university, business is not for you here”

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.

Review of Savage by Molly McKew // The track is ambitious; it tackles tensions surrounding beauty, feminism, self-love, and the media.

Review by Molly McKew // One cannot help but be absorbed by the catchy melody and sultry vibes of 22-year-old Maya’s debut single Sinners, and the single launch did not disappoint.

Advice by Molly McKew // Photograph by Selma Reis

What do you do when you feel you are outgrowing your friends?

Writing by Molly McKew // Illustration by Freya Bennett // We can easily shrug this off (or shake it off) as playful irony; however, cultural referencing can easily veer into cultural appropriation.

Writing by Molly McKew // True friends can be hard to find, but let this film be a reminder that they do exist.