Jasmin Adria magically defines the beauty of Australian music with Set me free
Now based in Naarm/Melbourne, Jasmin Adria celebrates her Australian surf coast roots in her momentous debut EP, Set me free.
Consistent with the EPs recording location in Torquay - a beach side town just past Geelong - Set Me Free encapsulates the taste of summer tones and the smell of salt that dances off ocean waves into the air. The project’s distinctive Australian sound of laid-back vocals, intricate guitar riffs and punchy drums could only be made by someone with a profound appreciation for the beauty of our ocean side landscapes.
Not quite surf rock and it isn’t quite indie, the EP consciously amalgamates the two in a gentle display of lyricism describing summer love and a woman’s observations on identity, insecurity and personal growth. Adria’s project gives a reminiscent flare of Courtney Barnett’s generation defining tones that Australians hold so near and dear. It’s always refreshing hearing the familiar colour of an Aussie accent in our music scene - Adria orchestrates it with power.
@jasmin.adria.music Set Me Free
Opening track Metro Supermarket sets a remarkable tone for the record. Warm, layered guitars lead the way for Adria’s breezy vocals, centring intimacy with a build into the bass and drums. This track gradually builds momentum with each bar, every little moment brings something new for your ears. With a light hearted approach, Adria’s lyrics explore insecurity via a walk down Smith Street, Collingwood to a local staple. The breakdown in this track chronicles a wonderfully melodic display of musicianship.
Adria is also releasing six music videos to pair alongside each track on the release - further developing the world her songs create. An exciting example of artistry - using all facets to tell their stories and define their vision.
Track five String Me Along has a subtle tonal change from relaxed waves to a timbre that one can only deem as deep frustration. Menacing guitar lines and vigorous drums follow the vocalist’s despair “I’m never coming back, I guess that’s life”, the clear end of a situationship failed. The chorus line - although haunting - creates a beautiful contrast to the instrumental’s wild and atmospheric mood. String Me Along constantly poses questions that Adria then answers, a telling conversation for anyone that has felt lonely whilst in an undefinable relationship.
The recording process was a family affair, with Adria playing mostly all instruments on the project and her father Brendon Powell on the drums, this debut EP most certainly feels like a labour of love. In January of this year, Adria also brought in her band consisting of Jake Smith on Bass, Carly Jorja on Drums and backing vocals, Ada Rolfe playing violin and Fin Strijker on lead Guitar to finish the tracks Metro Supermarket and Gross Airbnb.
Jasmin Adria has presented a class act debut project, it feels both timeless and modern. The ability to connect with Australia’s vast and complex landscapes of both sea and city, gives the audience a place to truly connect with the artist on all levels. Listen to the new release here.
Jasmin Adria’s EP launch will be at The Smith Street Hotel on the 23rd of October with Charlotte Bridie and Harriet Wraith a- tickets are available here.
She will also be hosting a screening for her EP’s music videos at the Pivotonian Cinema in Geelong on October 1st – tickets are here.