GLVES On First Nations Storytelling, Her Influences, And Her New Single

Meanjin-based alt-pop icon GLVES is back, dropping her latest single, Echo, today. A lament to the tune of liquid-smooth ambient electronica, Echo is a vulnerable look into the impact addiction can have on a family. Written about her brother’s own struggles - and the ripple effect it had on her family - GLVES opens up more than ever before. 

And, now, she’s opening up a bit more, chatting to The Music about her new release - and a range of other topics.

‘Echo’ seems like quite a personal track – what’s it about?

Echo is about those pure childhood connections that don’t always make it into adulthood because of the choices others make. It reflects on the people we couldn’t save—the ones who left a void—but it’s also hopeful. Hopeful that love and memories still help us grow and find a way. The wildflower is a key symbol in the song because, like wildflowers, some of us find resilience even in the harshest conditions.

How would you describe the track sonically?

Echo has this dreamy, airy feel—like a memory floating in and out. The layered vocals give it a kind of ghostly, reflective quality, and then the beat kicks in, pulling you into something more grounded and dynamic. It’s synth-driven, moody, and a little existential, but still super catchy. It’s that mix of melancholy and movement that I love.

Who or what influences your music?

I draw inspiration from artists like Aurora, Buzz, Little Dragon, and Björk, who create immersive, emotive worlds with their music. I deeply admire people—especially women—who defy systems not built for them, forging their own paths with heart, dedication, and artistry. First Nations artists here in Australia, like Emily Wurramara and Barkaa, also influence me—their storytelling and strength resonate powerfully.

My body and history are a paradox. The parts of the country I am connected to are literally at opposite ends—my mother’s side from the Torres Strait Islands (Zenadth Kes), and my father’s side from Tasmania (lutruwita). Both of these places have shaped me as a person, and my music reflects that contrast. I’m drawn to Nordic sounds and music that feels both ethereal and deeply grounded in the earth—a blend of warmth and cold, nature and spirit.

Beyond music, I love camping and being on Country and also listening to history podcasts like Throughline and ones that focus on healing and personal growth. I also find inspiration in reading historical fiction, which reveals how the past shapes our present. I believe true growth comes from understanding and reckoning with history—both personal and collective.

What should prospective listeners know about you?

I’m a Blak alt-pop artist who blends music, visual art, and storytelling—basically, I love creating worlds you can get lost in. A lot of my work is about figuring out where I belong, expressing things that often go unsaid, and finding beauty in both strength and vulnerability. My music is personal, but it’s also for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re searching for a place to call their own. If you’re into Aurora, you might like my sound—it’s that mix of dark-pop and dream-pop, where emotion and atmosphere come together.

What else can we expect from you this year?

This year is all about sharing new music! I have a limited vinyl release coming, collaborations with Blak electronic music makers, and some exciting visual projects in the works. Plus, I’ll be bringing Echo to life on stage, so stay tuned for live shows and more music!

GLVES’ new single, ‘Echo’, is out now on all streaming platforms.