In the world of music, it's not uncommon for an artist to feel the pressure of a follow-up album. After her acclaimed 2023 debut, 'Nothing Wrong', Sydney singer-songwriter Georgia Mulligan found herself caught in a creative stasis, a feeling of being stuck in a loop. But as she tells it, the only thing that mattered was moving forward. Now, with the release of her new album, 'Unheaven', Mulligan proves that she's a master of turning introspection into stunning aural landscapes.
A record that is both rich and transformative, 'Unheaven' is a collection of songs that hold the listener close, exploring profound themes of loss, estrangement, fear, and the multifaceted nature of love. Yet, it's also a powerful celebration of resilience, born from the simple act of carving out time for creation. As Mulligan herself puts it, the album is about "Continuing. Say yes. Even if you have to hold your breath & keep your eyes shut for the first part. Take a moment, then keep going." It's a testament to the pursuit of self-awareness and the undeniable, mysterious force of love.
Sonically, the album is a graceful fusion of indie rock, folk, and pop, with Mulligan’s bewitching vocals and powerful command of language serving as the thread that weaves these sounds together. Her influences, which include luminaries like PJ Harvey, Aldous Harding, and Nick Cave, are palpable, but Mulligan's voice is uniquely her own. The result is a truly stunning body of work that is sure to resonate with fans of Merpire, Courtney Barnett, and Julia Jacklin.
The making of 'Unheaven' was a deeply personal journey. As she reflected on the process, Mulligan said, "I wanted so much and at the same time I wanted Out. Looking back, the only one of those wants that was useful was that I wanted the Next Thing. I’ve always been looking ahead, from the moment I started doing this 'songwriting and singing in public' thing.” The album took shape over the summer of 2024/25, with Mulligan enlisting the help of a stellar lineup of Sydney music heavyweights, including Clayton Allen (drums & percussion), Maia Jelavic (lead guitar), Grace Turbo (piano), and Blain Cunneen (production, bass, keys, guitar) at Golden Retriever Studios and Rancom Street Studios.
Having honed her craft sharing stages with the likes of Nadia Reid, Angie McMahon, and as a member of Julia Jacklin's touring band, Mulligan is no stranger to the spotlight. Following a series of remarkable launch shows for her recent singles, she is now set to bring 'Unheaven' to life on stage. Fans in Sydney and Thirroul will have the chance to celebrate the album at launch shows in early October.
