For emerging Australian alt-pop artist ALBII, music has always been more than a creative outlet. And her latest single ‘PTSD’ is a raw, deeply personal chronicle of survival, vulnerability, and emotional resilience. Written and recorded amidst her recovery from an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, the track blends dreamy alt-pop minimalism with real hospital samples and home recordings, crafting a diary that is as haunting as it is cathartic.
Known for fusing spacey textures, 2000s pop nostalgia, and Tim Burton-esque visual flair, ALBII brings a unique cinematic touch to everything she creates. Yet with ‘PTSD’, she strips everything back, delivering something that feels unfiltered and urgently human. This is ALBII not just as an artist, but as a survivor.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
THE UKULELE. Hands down. Adam Sandler really sold it to me in 50 First Dates and since then I think at least half of my songs are written on one.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I listened to a lot of my parent’s favourite music which I naturally grew to love. That was anything from The Beatles, U2, The Bangles to Blondie. When I discovered the Forest Gump soundtrack though… It was GAME OVER, because that was all I’d ever listen to until I was introduced to early 2000s pop music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I remember owning was Gwen Stefani’s ‘love angel music baby’ which I got as a birthday present (still one of my all-time favourite albums to ever exist). The first album I bought myself though was Miley Cyrus’ ‘Can’t be Tamed’. SO GOOD.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
‘Everytime’ by Britney Spears. I’ve heard it a thousand times and it still hits so hard.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don’t really have strict rituals - I just write when the mood hits. A lot of the time that ends up being me having a little jam sesh on my own, messing around with sounds and seeing what sticks. Some of my favourite songs have come out of just those moments.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
There’s a lot of Lola Young, Parker (Aus), and FINNEAS in my playlist at the moment. I also spent the other day listening to all of Justin Bieber's discography in order from oldest to latest and I CAN confirm that I’m still a huge belieber. Also… Atomic Kitten.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Oh, Olivia Rodrigo! I think our music could sit together perfectly on the same stage - the audience would get it, and it’d be a vibe.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part has got to be connecting with people. I’ve always struggled with that, and now my music is what makes it happen - which is kind of wild. I also just love creating stuff and seeing it all come together, like having an idea in your head and then watching it actually become real. That part never gets old. Crazy dude.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part about making music is feeling like, until you’ve ‘made it big,’ people don’t really give you a proper chance - they overlook you before they’ve even listened. I’m still learning and growing, but I know I’ve got something real to offer if I’m given the chance. No one knows me like I do. I’ve lived every high and low that pours into my music, and that’s what makes it honest. It feels completely like me.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
It’s more a perspective, but my uncle once told me that the journey would be like a rollercoaster - full of highs and lows, and he showed me this little graph where the line kept going up and down, but it was always climbing overall. Even when things dip, it’s still moving forward, just in its own weird little rhythm. I’ve taken that perspective with me everywhere.
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ALBII's new single 'PTSD' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.