Following the success of their previous releases, Gold Coast indie-rock outfit Ferny Fairway return with their most personal and emotionally charged track yet, Melancholy. Inspired by late-night drives past a home filled with bittersweet memories, the song captures themes of nostalgia, loss, and quiet reflection. Blending atmospheric guitar tones, layered synths, and heartfelt lyricism, Melancholy marks a new chapter for the band—one that sees them refining their sound and leaning into a more mature, introspective style.
We caught up with Ferny Fairway to dive into the story behind Melancholy, their evolving approach to songwriting, and what’s on the horizon for 2025.
TRACK REVIEW
Ferny Fairway’s latest single, “Melancholy,” masterfully blends nostalgic elements with modern indie-rock sensibilities, resulting in a track that’s both emotionally resonant and sonically captivating. The song opens with a compelling hi-hat and bass riff, immediately setting a reflective tone that draws listeners in.
The production quality stands out, with each instrument contributing purposefully to the overall sound. The drum progression is particularly noteworthy; the fills and transitions lead seamlessly into the chorus, enhancing the song’s dynamic flow. The use of 16th-note hi-hats in the pre-chorus adds a subtle yet effective layer of rhythm, building anticipation for the chorus.
Vocally, the track shines with its nostalgic delivery. The recurring line, “melancholy on a late night drive,” is strategically placed in different sections, providing a thematic anchor and reinforcing the song’s introspective mood. The harmonies in the chorus are reminiscent of 90s alternative rock, adding depth and a touch of nostalgia that complements the track’s overall feel.
Melancholy is deeply personal, inspired by late-night drives past a place filled with memories. How did you translate that feeling into sound?
We tried to couple themes of memories and reflection with nostalgic guitar sounds, synths, and backing vocals to help convey the message of the song and make it sound whole.
The track captures a bittersweet nostalgia—was it emotionally challenging to write and record something so personal?
It was difficult to write this one on my own as I would try to bounce ideas off Johnno, our singer. Writing about something so personal was a first for me, and it took time, as lyric writing is usually a more collaborative experience.
Your music balances raw emotion with catchy, melodic indie rock. How did you approach blending those elements in Melancholy?
We tried to give our verses two different structures with changes in vocal melodies and guitar riffs halfway through each verse to spice it up. Along with a lyricless first chorus and an early bridge, we tried to create many cool moments in this release without sticking to the typical verse-chorus structure.
Can you take us through the songwriting process? Did the lyrics come first, or did the music shape the story?
The guitar parts came together mainly in one night, followed by the first verse lyrics. Before introducing the song to the rest of the band, the song’s meaning and storyline were already established, and the bones of the track followed quite quickly.
There’s a real sense of atmosphere in this track—what production choices helped bring that to life?
This was the first song we incorporated synth and keys into. We wanted to create a new layer of depth to our sound. We also decided to record the percussion and bass on tape to capture a warmer sound, which was a first for us.
You’ve received praise from Triple J for previous releases. How has that recognition influenced your approach to songwriting and recording?
We’ve realised it’s also really important that the music needs to be digestible for it to be heard. We are trying to create a happy medium between music that is our raw sound and music that will be heard and received well.
If Melancholy was part of a film soundtrack, what kind of scene would it play over?
I think something over Death Note or a nostalgic cartoon would be perfect. Or Outer Banks—they seem to have every Aussie indie band in their soundtrack these days.
Your recent performances, including Best Night Ever Festival, have been major milestones. How has playing live shaped the way you create music?
We’ve been able to play some cool shows and see a lot of bands. We try to add cool moments and rhythm switch-ups here and there that translate to memorable moments in our live set.
With Melancholy landing on Spotify’s Local Noise playlist, what impact do you hope this track has on both new and longtime fans?
We hope the current Ferny Fairway listeners like the new direction we’re moving in and can see our journey as a band. Hopefully, our new fans continue to get around the song after the release hype dies down and one day attend a Ferny show.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Ferny Fairway? Can fans expect more music in a similar vein or something different?
Moving forward, we are continuing to release music with a more mature and polished sound like Melancholy. We love how the meaning of this song translates to its recording and live shows—it feels more vulnerable. This has been our most successful release yet, and exploring this sound is something we will continue for 2025.
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