PREMIERE: Sydnee Carter - When We Were Young

West Australian singer-songwriter Sydnee Carter is readying herself to release her second EP, Sticks & Stones, at the end of the week, but ahead of its arrival The Music is privileged to premiere mellifluous new single When We Were Young.

Written in two nights "not long" before the musician's 18th birthday, When We Were Young carries vocal hallmarks that evoke fellow songstresses such as Julia Stone and Gosling, as Carter trades largely in hushed delicacy atop the slow-build instrumentation beneath. The song effortlessly pulls the listener along with its endearing, ethereal current, demanding multiple listens to fully appreciate its many aural nooks and crannies.

Despite the introspection on display, Carter has crafted an ultimately uplifting piece, an outcome reflected in the song's lyrics.

"As the tune became more upbeat and happy, it made me feel young again and thinking about all the things I would do when I was a kid," she said in a statement. "I was so reckless, constantly coming home with bruises, scraped up knees, and burning my feet on hot summer roads!

"I would ride my bike, climb trees, play soccer and skateboard at any opportunity. I guess the song reminds me of the ‘little me’ that’s still inside the adult me."

With an acclaimed self-titled debut behind her, and the brightness of Sticks & Stones ready to illuminate our lives, it's safe to say that Carter is destined for continually growing success this year — and we're excited to see how it all pans out for her.

Sticks & Stones will be released this Friday, 10 February, on Carter's own label, Bedhed Records.

Give When We Were Young a spin above, and keep on top of all things Sydnee on her Facebook page.