It's almost a cliche to say an artist is "one to watch" but in the case of Melbourne artist THANDO, it's just so undeniably true. Every single release has continued to paint a picture of an artist who is never complacent and never fine to just sit still. Instead, she's an artist who continues to push herself, consistently evolving into a fully-fledged soul future-superstar, and her latest single is just another shining example of what I mean here.
Teaming up with TENTENDO for production duties, Thando's next evolution comes in the form of 'Happy', and it's a powerful statement that is putting everyone on notice - do not fuck with Thando. Don't let the silky smooth beats or vocal harmonies fool you, Thando means serious business here. Lyrics like, "Don't you ever underestimate my power/ I can make you cower," aren't screamed or cried out. In fact, Thando almost sounds casual in her delivery, and it's this casual approach that makes it even more menacing. What could be a soundtrack to a bold and assertive meeting with a past lover, Thando's softly sung lyrics still possess a venom that continues to sting with every line.
However, such is the depth of Thando's lyricism, the song also presents another meaning after a few listens. As Thando describes the antagonist creeping up on its victim who is seemingly enjoying life just fine without her, 'Happy' also serves as an inner monologue for life with anxiety: you might escape it for a while, but if you don't remain vigilant, it may come back in unsuspecting ways.
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Thando said of her new single, "'Happy' is a letter to my conscious self from the perspective of my anxiety. From my perspective, my often forgotten villain sneaks up on me when I'm feeling my most content and consequentially risks relationships and opportunities for happiness. I personified and gave her a voice, so that I may attempt to better understand her and learn how to keep her at bay."
'Happy' is an empowering anthem that reminds us to stick to our guns and know our worth. It's also once again a hugely impressive release from Thando as she uses her incredible voice to shift in dynamics and really tell her story. Positively floating over Tentendo's beat, 'Happy' showcases Thando's ever-increasing versatility as a performer and is hopefully an exciting indication of what's still to come from her. All I know is whatever she does next, it's bound to be outstanding.
Catch Thando on the remaining dates below supporting Odette, as well as some special performances during this year's BIGSOUND, and some more festival slots later in the year.
FRI 17 AUGUST | Newport Hotel | Fremantle, WA
SOLD OUT | EVENT
SAT 18 AUGUST | Amplifier Capitol | Perth
SOLD OUT | EVENT
FRI 24 AUGUST | Oxford Art Gallery | Sydney, NSW
SOLD OUT | EVENT
SAT 25 AUGUST | Transit Bar | Canberra
SOLD OUT | EVENT
SUN 26 AUGUST | Oxford Art Gallery | Sydney, NSW
SOLD OUT | EVENT
FRI 31 AUGUST | Black Bear Lodge | Brisbane, QLD
SOLD OUT | EVENT
SAT 1 SEPTEMBER | Black Bear Lodge | Brisbane, QLD
SOLD OUT | EVENT
THUR 6 SEPTEMBER | BIGSOUND | Brisbane, QLD
FRI 21 + SAT 22 SEPTEMBER | Wollombi Music Festival | Wollombi, NSW
FRI 28 + SAT 29 SEPTEMBER | Wallaby Creek Festival | Rossville, QLD
Words by Emma Jones
Image: Supplied
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