PREMIERE - Dear Willow get set for summer with upbeat new single 'Happy'

Transforming from solo status to full engaging band mode, Dear Willow are pleased to announce the arrival of their sunny new single Happy. Following on from this year's taster track Dolly and 2018's stellar EP Hold Yourself Down, Happy is an upbeat yet dreamy alt-rock retrospect lyrically almost juxtaposed by the fragility of relationships.

Dear Willow originated in 2012 as the creative voice of Sunshine Coast based artist Em-J Dau. Since then Dear Willow has transformed from poet to solo acoustic act to fully-fledged band, embracing a love of all things indie-rock. A testament to its creator's talent, Dear Willow is both Em-J's nom de plume and her persona artistica: a vessel that can change shape and direction, allowing her to truly explore her creativity.

Recorded live at Brisbane's famed Airlock Studios with Yanto Browning and mastered by Paul Blakey of 12th and Vine Post (Amy Shark, Busby Marou), Happy was written with the loose influences of acts such as Garbage and Letters To Cleo in mind. Elaborating on the song lyrically Em-J says "After trying to write complex songs and getting stuck in a rut, I decided to write a simple song and strip things back. It was at a time when a couple of people in my immediate circle were going through divorces and separations. It made me question why we put ourselves out there and risk so much? But then I also saw those same people put themselves out there again despite the heartbreak. Love is scary as hell but we do it anyway."

Owning a uniquely smoky voice and capturing a beautiful sense of yearning that is often present in her lyrics, Em-J's songs have realised new heights through the evolution of her band building to a four piece. Joined by fellow creatives Callan Holstein (drums), Melinda Huurdman (lead guitar) and Jye Pouzet (bass), Dear Willow introduce a further refined style, staying true to the frankness and honesty that is present throughout much of their music.

Set for a busy summer beginning with SEQ shows this month and next, Dear Willow will confidently continue on their trajectory as one of the Sunny Coast's best exports.

Catch Dear Willow with Atlas and the Attic at Wax Build Up on November 23 (instore performance), and at The Flying Cock (Brisbane) on December 13.