Sydney's Martha releases anthemic, reflective indie-folk track, 'Social Distance'

Photo by Julia Firak

Sydney-based indie folk artist Martha released her debut single, Social Distance, on 15th October. The single has since been played twice on Triple J Unearthed by Dave Ruby Howe, who said that Martha is "a name that I think we're going to have to be looking out for if this track is any indication."

Sydney-based indie-folk artist, Martha blurs folk and indie rock in new single, ‘Social Distance’; a two minute anthem, that covers the emotional highs and lows of the past year or two.

Starting as an intimate folk song, Martha’s powerful vocal delivery helps to quickly build the track into an organic-sounding climax full of deep percussion and layered harmonies. This could easily become a protest song for a generation wary of an uncertain future in a post-pandemic world.

Of the track, Martha further explains that ‘Social Distance’ speaks not only lyrically, but via the musical arrangement of the rollercoaster ride the past two years have been.

“The sudden change in the second verse, to me, signifies a new energy that has been birthed by the pandemic. Artists are creating. Communities are coming together as best they can. Yes, the future is uncertain, but the future will be led by young people. And I have faith in most young people I know. I certainly have faith in everyone I worked with on this record.”

Martha is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Sydney’s inner- west. Her honest lyrics and folk- influenced vocals, combined with her distinct rock flair, engage listeners with a modern take on the classic singer-songwriter. Martha emerged into the Sydney indie music scene as a young teenager, playing iconic inner-west venues and events including Newtown Festival, Marrickville Festival, Lazybones Lounge, The Bank Hotel and The Vanguard.

Having done her rounds in the gigging world, Martha is now focusing on releasing original music, with her self-titled EP set to release January 2022. The six-track collection, recorded and produced alongside Abbey Lindsey at her home studio, includes songs about love, lockdown, and self-discovery. This EP reflects the soul-searching we’ve all had to do over the last two years.

Social Distance is OUT NOW on all digital streaming platforms.