At just 17, Amélie Farren is already crafting entire worlds with her voice. The Brisbane-born, LA-based artist arrives in Europe this February with 'Airheaded', a debut album that plays more like a poetic novella than a typical coming-of-age record. Blending minimalist alt-folk and cinematic alt-pop, Amélie’s sound thrives on stillness, tension, and emotional complexity. It’s no surprise she’s drawn comparisons to the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and Ethel Cain, artists known for turning personal turmoil into something luminous.
Fresh off standout performances at The Great Escape and Oberkampf in 2025, Amélie returns to Paris and London for her own headline shows while also supporting GRAMMY-winning songwriter Cam on tour. Her lead single 'Ocean Sounds' has already earned full rotation on triple j and critical praise for its hypnotic atmosphere and aching vulnerability.
So we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I was in choir for most of my childhood. It fully shaped my appreciation for music so my favourite instrument is probably voice. Performing beautifully constructed arrangements with a group of people that had a similar love for singing is one of my earliest and most vivid memories, I wouldn’t be who I am without that exposure.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Arctic Monkeys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eagles, a lot of stuff in the rock genre. I specifically remember only being able to fall asleep if Hotel California was playing, that lasted years. I have my parents to thank for my music taste as a kid.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I never really had physical copies of albums when I was younger, but I do remember playing Wanted On A Voyage by George Ezra about a billion times. I still listen to it regularly, the tracks are incredibly close to my heart.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
P3T by femtanyl, the lyrics never stop looping in my head. The song’s on another level and I’m addicted to every single aspect of it. If I was asked what my brain sounds like at any given point in time, I’d use that one as an example.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Songwriting for me is very black and white. Either it takes me hours of staring blankly at a wall and struggling with every other word, or the entire song appears in my head at once and I have to write it down before I forget. I don’t really have any rituals because it either happens too slowly or too fast for me to commit to anything else.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Ethel Cain and Lykke Li have been on my playlists for years, I’m a huge fan of their music (and in extension, their art). Lately I’ve also been listening to a lot of Ninajirachi and Wet Leg, they take up most of my playlists.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Pitbull. Under the condition that I also get to wear a bald cap and sunglasses.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
It’s so surreal for me to receive messages from people saying my music changed their lives and has impacted them in some way. Knowing my songs have connected to people in such a personal way makes me feel overwhelmingly emotional and I’m so, so thankful for everyone.
And what is the most frustrating part?
That I can’t do shows every single day of my life!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
You’re gonna mess up over and over again, it’s inevitable. The choice that you have to actively make is to get back up and keep trying.
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Amélie Farren's new single 'Ocean Sounds' is out now. Watch the video in the player below.