New South Wales singer-songwriter Hattie Oates has been steadily refining her sound over the past few years. On her latest single ‘High’, which we’re exclusively premiering today, the singer-songwriter’s knack for combining elements of heart-on-sleeve folk with brooding alt-pop is at its most well-honed yet.
‘High’ opens with gentle fingerpicked acoustic guitar and understated strings. Suddenly, however, that lightness gives way to a deep, driving synth line reminiscent of BANKS or Billie Eilish. Exploring those darker pop tones pays off for the songwriter, with ‘High’ feeling like a thoughtful juxtaposition rather than an awkward shift. Ultimately, it serves as the perfect sonic backdrop to Oates’ commanding vocals, which take centre stage as she meditates on impulsivity and the intoxication of a new romance.
“I wrote this song about that feeling you get when you have a new little crush and no matter how hard you try to ignore it, you can’t help the tingling butterflies in your belly,” explains Oates. “Especially when they catch you off guard and you feel like your heart is about to jump from your chest. That little adrenaline rush.”
‘High’ follows Oates’ 2018 debut EP ‘Hattie’, along with the single ‘BAD’, released last year.
Listen below.
