Premiere: Domini Forster Shares Introspective Folk Anthem, 'Unravelling'
The first piece of solo music from Domini Forster in a few years, 'Unravelling' is a gorgeous piece of work which runs the gamut between the introspective and the cinematic.
Domini Forster (Credit: Jeff Anderson Jr./Supplied)
Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Domini Forster has returned with her latest piece of music, sharing Unravelling as a taster of her forthcoming new album.
The new single (which officially releases on November 15th), is the first piece of solo music from Forster since the critically-acclaimed Animal In Hiding EP, recorded in collaboration with ARIA Award-winning artist Lior.
The first taste of a larger body of work to come, the track – itself a "chamber folk treatise on anxiety" – was recorded in a converted church studio in rural Victoria, featuring production from Lachlan Carrick (Gotye, Lior) and co-production from Josh Barber (Gretta Ray, Gotye).
The result is an intimate, spacious piece of work which runs the gamut between the introspective and the cinematic, utilising Joni Mitchell and Laura Marling-like folk influences alongside orchestral percussion and the expansive drone of harmonium and organ in stark contrast. It’s as immersive as it is powerful, and sets Forster apart as a voice you need to be paying attention to.
“The song is about the narratives we create when we're caught up in fear, and the way those stories can unravel us,” Forster says of the track.
Unravelling also comes accompanied a music video crafted by by award-winning multi-disciplinary dance and videography team The Samaya Wives. Shot overlooking Alligator Creek (on Bindal and Wulgurukaba land in Townsville), dancer Tara Samaya externalises Forster's internal struggle through movement against the stark beauty of the Australian bush.
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Fittingly, the stellar visuals and narrative were also accompanied by the menacing undercurrent of menace – much like anxiety’s lurking presence in the greater spectacle of life. Apparently, it wasn’t until after the shooting that the team discovered crocodiles had been spotted at the river only one week earlier.
“I loved working with Pippa and Tara', says Forster. “We were all 100% committed to the artistic vision. Shoot day started at 5am – pumping up the mattress, wading it out into the water, and anchoring it using tote bags full of stones.”
It’s a gorgeous piece of work, and one which effortlessly introduces the listener to the myriad themes present on her upcoming album, The Lonely. The record sees Forster tracing intimate stories of connection and disconnection as she explores the many shades and patterns of loneliness that permeate our modern world.
“For me, the great power of songwriting is that I can share a very personal moment of struggle, and someone I might never have met can see themselves reflected in my story and feel more understood,” she explains.
“Less uniquely broken, and less alone. I'm hoping this album does that for listeners, like some of my favourite albums have for me!”
Forster’s career began in high school when she was listed as a finalist in the 2009 edition of triple j’s Unearthed High competition. Her 2013 EP Little Dreamer arrived in 2013, with debut album Raven releasing in 2017 to widespread critical acclaim.
Following a chance encounter at a songwriting competition with celebrated Australian artist Lior, Forster performed on a string of national support tours, joined Lior's band as a backing vocalist, and collaborating together as the Lior & Domini duo.
Domini Forster’s Unravelling is officially released on November 15th, while new album The Lonely will arrive in April 2025.
This piece of content has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body
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