Following a triumphant headline tour, indie-pop sensation Jem Cassar-Daley has returned with her captivating new single, ‘Tidal Wave’. This latest offering sees the rising star plunge deeper into the pop soundscape, showcasing her exceptional talent for unpicking the intricate layers of human connection and the often-tumultuous journey of falling in love.
Co-written with producer Harry Charles, ‘Tidal Wave’ finds Jem at her most authentic. The track provides a serene space for reflection, allowing her to unravel the magical, yet sometimes chaotic, elements that accompany intense romantic experiences. There’s a palpable pull within her lyrics, inviting listeners to delve into the emotional depths she explores.
Speaking candidly about the single, Jem reveals: “‘Tidal Wave’ is about a relationship moving faster and more intensely than anticipated. It encompasses the guilty feeling of being the one that’s less emotionally invested and how confusing and all-consuming that can feel. As someone is trying to progress things further, you feel as though you’re out of your depths and yearn for things to go back to the way they were.” Her honesty resonates, capturing a universal sentiment of vulnerability when emotions surge beyond control.
Since her debut in 2021, Jem Cassar-Daley has consistently enchanted audiences with her heartfelt songwriting, ethereal vocal delivery, and mesmerising stage presence. Her evocative narratives have garnered significant recognition, including the 2022 NIMA New Talent of the Year and QMA Indigenous Artist of the Year. The year 2024 saw her claim both Best Pop and Song of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards for her breakout hit, ‘King of Disappointment’, alongside the AIR Music Awards’ Song of the Year title. More recently, she was again honoured as the 2025 QMA Indigenous Artist of the Year and cemented her legacy with a spot on Brisbane’s Walk of Fame.
Jem’s distinctive sound has carried her to international and national platforms, from electric showcases at The Great Escape in the UK to a breathtaking triple j Like A Version of Gwen Stefani’s ‘The Sweet Escape’. She has shared stages with esteemed artists such as Busby Marou, King Stingray, Thelma Plum, and Tina Arena. Her recent ‘Kiss Me Like You’re Leaving’ tour culminated in a sold-out performance in Sydney, with stops across Brisbane, Coutts Crossing, and Melbourne.
As a proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung woman, Jem carries a rich heritage of storytelling, effortlessly weaving it into her music. Her ability to transform intimate personal experiences into relatable, universal tales firmly establishes her as a defining voice in contemporary Australian music. Be sure to immerse yourself in ‘Tidal Wave’ today and keep a keen ear out for more from Jem Cassar-Daley throughout 2025.
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