Wollongong-based singer-songwriter and poet Meadowhip has unveiled her sophomore EP, Inside Out, in celebration of AusMusic Month. This acoustic collection is a bold departure from her signature tongue-in-cheek alt-pop and R&B, instead offering listeners a glimpse of her raw vulnerability.
With pared-back arrangements, Meadowhip trades her usual sardonic edge for openness, allowing her artistry to shine in its most earnest form. “I never thought I would release this song,” meadowhip shared about the title track. “Even though I’ve always loved it, it felt way too open and sincere. But within the context of this EP, where I committed to laying myself bare, it felt almost necessary to pursue it.
The EP’s title track, “Inside Out”, is a standout—a warm, dreamy pop-soul ballad that strikes a balance between intimacy and subtle sophistication. he chorus has a mellow feel and a catchy melody that stays with you after the song ends. It’s the kind of hook that’s easy to remember, and yet embodying the emotional core of the song.
The track’s instrumentation enhances its magnetic pull. Snapping drums, a bed of hums, and a vintage upright piano form its foundation, while the unexpected addition of trumpets ties everything together beautifully. This unique choice adds depth and warmth, creating a lush yet deceptively minimal soundscape. Meadowhip’s sultry vocals adds a new layer to piece, raw and unfiltered, drawing the listener into the delicate tension of the lyrics.
Meadowhip, the solo project of Cara Walkam, merges introspective lyrics with elements of alt-R&B, soul, and jazz. Created during Cara’s recovery from a 2019 hemorrhagic stroke, the music reflects resilience and self-expression, offering a distinctive mix of wit and emotional depth.
The EP was inspired by Meadowhip’s 2023 East Coast Australian tour, where she performed stripped-back sets that revealed new dimensions to her music. Collaborating with Benjamino, who primarily produced the EP, Meadowhip embraced a more acoustic sound to let her lyrics and performance breathe.
“This record has been the coolest project I’ve had the pleasure of working on,” Benjamino shared. “Cara threw around so many great ideas during our production sessions, and her openness to experiment led to a record bursting with colour and shade.”
Despite stepping into unfamiliar territory, Meadowhip’s signature introspection and bold creativity remain intact. Inside Out offers fans a fresh perspective on an artist who continues to challenge herself and her listeners.
Listen to the EP title track below!
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