Explore Melbourne's best kept secrets with Samsaruh

I've been singing the praises of Melbourne singer-songwriter SAMSARUH since I covered her sophomore single 'Beautiful Killer' way back in 2017, and for dang good reasons. She crafts soaring electro-pop that weaves in heavy rock elements to create some truly defiant music. It's like pop music dressed up in a leather jacket with spikes - the kind of music that makes me feel like I could kill someone if I wanted to (in a good way, of course!).

But don't just take my word for it - look no further than her latest track 'The Beginning'. With some fierce bass, smashing percussion and, of course, Samsaruh's vocals soaring over distorted guitars, it's the finest evidence of why she's truly unmatched in what she does.

To celebrate her latest kickass single, we thought we'd take things back to 'The Beginning' and find out which nooks and crannies of Samsaruh's hometown of Melbourne inspire her. From sweeping vistas to low-lit bars, you can start to see where she gets a bit of her in-your-face sound from.

Warrandyte River (Photo credit)

This is the perfect place to go when you need to clear your mind. It’s beautiful on a rainy day, but when it’s sunny it’s just another level of beautiful. The river sparkles. The ducks are also far from being afraid of humans, they would climb on top of you if they saw food so they’re always funny to watch as well.

The Red Triangle, Brunswick St.

I’m not sure what’s more iconic about this place, the fact that it’s a massive room with what feels like a billion pool tables and the best milkshakes in town or maybe it’s the fact that to find it, it’s in a quiet/dark little alley way, in a building that looks like it’s been abandoned and filled with ghosts, you have to walk up a big stairway that’s got no lighting and eventually you get to the top and this is the light at the end of the tunnel, everyone playing pool.

Polly Bar, Brunswick St. (Photo via Google Maps)

This place is one of the coolest looking bars in Brunswick street. As soon as you walk in you feel like a royal with all the incredible furniture they have. I’ve lived in Melbourne my whole life but I actually only came across this place just recently, it looks like a shopfront from outside but then you walk in and it’s kind of like a hidden gem.

Olivigna, Warrandyte (Photo via Google Maps)

So I chose this photo cause I don’t want to ruin the surprise for you. This place honestly has the best views, no photo will do it justice as to what it looks like in real life. Its a restaurant with the yummiest food that overlooks luscious rolling hills. Sometimes if you’re lucky you’ll spot kangaroos and rabbits hopping in the distance. This place is beautiful at all times however, I suggest going there at sunset.

The Pillars, Mount Martha (Photo via Google Maps)

If you’re into a little adventure this is the place for you. It’s not super easy to find and once you get there you have to climb down rocks but it’s all worth it. The water is always crystal clear and it always has the best vibe. There’s always music blasting and you make so many friends. Not to mention that rush of adrenaline when you jump off the rocks into the water. There’s also a cave there, not always the easiest to find but once you find it, it’s pretty cool too.

Feature photo by SHE IS APHRODITE

Intro by MAX LEWIS

READ MORE HOMETOWN GUIDES HERE

SEE ALSO

SAMSARUH’S ‘SPEAKING FIRE’ IS A DEFIANT CALL TO ACTION

SAMSARUH IS EXPLOSIVE ON ‘GUNPOWDER’

SAHARA BECK GUIDES US THROUGH HER SENTIMENTAL SWEET SPOTS AROUND BRISBANE