Brisbane indie/folk-rock songstress, Nicole McKinney tackles heartbreak in latest single, 'Stay'

Brisbane’s Nicole McKinney - the indie/folk-rock songstress that earlier this year gave us ‘Another Day’, once again brings heavy emotional intensity with new single, ‘Stay’, which further explores themes of betrayal, loss and heartbreak.

Nicole has already pricked up the ears of NME, theMusic, Triple J, Double J (and us), cementing herself as a connoisseur of empowering indie-folk music, impressing supporters with her piercing vocals and exposed songwriting.

Now, setting up for the imminent release of her debut EP 'The Process' (out June 11), McKinney continues her legacy with new single ‘Stay’ (out now), leaving nothing unsaid as she uses her gripping storytelling to lay bare the difficulty she experienced trying to end a relationship. The slow-burning track starts gently with the soothing strum on the electric guitar and McKinney’s unguarded vocals.

Surging with rising emotion, McKinney’s voice gains strength, still able to pull focus even with the inclusion of her band after the first chorus. Moving into an infectious lyrical hook littered with bitterness and resentment she pours her heart out while being supported by the rising instrumental melody and a floating guitar riff until a powerless acceptance falls over her, finishing the track with a final anguished plea.

McKinney’s conflicting emotions are prominent in ‘Stay’ as she wrestles with the pitfalls of a love/hate relationship. McKinney explains further:

“'Stay' is about hating the person who hurt me but feeling like I couldn't live without them. It's a really personal song about my struggle to end a relationship.”

‘Stay’ is out everywhere now, and will be followed up by her highly anticipated debut EP release 'The Process' on June 11.