Following on from a string of foundational singles, a 2021 EP that heralded her true arrival, and a strong start to 2023 with numerous music releases that have further cemented her status as an artist to watch, ROMANIE now delivers her debut studio album – ‘Are We There Yet?’
The record, a striking collection of music that captures the energy and effervescence of one of Melbourne’s best new songwriters, is dynamic and fitting for where Romanie is in her creative journey. Already developing a strong reputation as a talented artist in her local community, the last two years have seen Romanie broaden her scope and become embraced by music communities around the country.
The release of ‘Are We There Yet?’ is mature, emotionally intelligent and immersive: twelve tracks of gorgeous indie compositions that speak to the heart and individuality of Romanie’s personal style.
Featuring previously released singles Anthony, Keep Sweet, Hallucinating, title track Are We There Yet?, Fortune Teller and the most recent release, Cannot Have It All, ‘Are We There Yet?’ comes through with emotional impact. And it becomes further fleshed out across the record, with numerous cuts highlighting Romanie’s strong brand of storytelling.
In tracks like album opener, The World Is Ending As We Know It; Nomadland and Fortune Teller, Romanie flexes as a musician and a writer – building arrangements upon foundations of swoon-worthy vocals, guitars and rhythms. For fans of Alvvays, Big Thief and, on the rockier side, Wet Leg, this is the type of record to be gleefully immersed in.
“’Are We There Yet?’ is an album about time, going through the motions and moving on. Reflecting deeply on myself, my place in this world and my relationship with others – it’s an attempt at grasping the sometimes confusing, yet beautiful chaos we live in. Sonically transforming my thoughts and finding my voice.” – Romanie
Earlier this month, Romanie also released an official music video for Cannot Have It All, filmed on Boon Wurrung/Bunurong land (Mornington). Directed by Marcus Coblyn, the visuals provide a stunning contrast between the intimacy of the song and the picturesque, expansive landscape – with Romanie’s quiet confidence radiating through her performance.
“Marcus Coblyn and I took a road trip out to the beach to shoot the cover photo of my album, and I had the idea I wanted to run into the ocean and play guitar. We spontaneously filmed the video for ‘Cannot Have It All’. Just like when I wrote the song, everything happened so quickly and naturally (yet a little crazy because it was the tail end of winter still). It was very, very cold – we initially wanted it to look like I was going under but we quickly back tracked on that.” – Romanie
Romanie’s musicianship has flourished in the year that saw Melbourne come out of lockdown. Where many creative spirits were broken, Romanie found her sonic identity, and spent time locked down developing and nurturing her sound.
And from there, the praise started to come in: editorial support across Spotify and Apple Music proved her potential on a larger scale, while momentum continued to build on national and community radio across the country thanks to airplay on stations including FBi Radio, triple j, JOY FM, 2SER, Radio Adelaide and more. Her evolution building in the public eye and through media channels including MTV, Rage, Music Feeds and more, Romanie has taken her music global – with performances at Sofar Sounds in Los Angeles, London and Melbourne, Dreef Festival in Belgium, and she’s recently shared the stage with artists including 10CC, BATTS, Al Matcott, Woodlock, Ghost Care and more.
Her natural next steps would be into the debut album spotlight, and ‘Are We There Yet?’ represents the confidence and power behind Romanie’s musicianship – its release signals an exciting chapter waiting to blossom. For fans wanting to experience the album live on-stage, Romanie is excited to announce the ‘Are We There Yet?’ headline tour – kicking it off with an official album launch at Northcote Social Club on November 16, before a run of East Coast dates commencing in February 2024.
ROMANIE – ARE WE THERE YET? TOUR DATES
TICKETS HERE
Thursday Nov 16, 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
Thursday Feb 8, 2024 – The Vanguard, Sydney
Friday Feb 9, 2024 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Wollongong*
Friday Feb 16, 2024 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
Friday Feb 23, 2024 – The Gasometer, Melbourne
Sunday Feb 25, 2024 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine*
Saturday Mar 2, 2024 – Tanswell’s Hotel, Beechworth*
*Free Show
With thanks to Beehive PR
