Australian songwriter Lana Karlay is currently navigating a double life that would make most veterans dizzy. While the seventeen-year-old finishes her Year 12 exams in Victoria, her musical identity is blossoming thousands of miles away in the creative hubs of Los Angeles. Her latest offering, ‘Never Real’, serves as a vibrant pivot point in her career, stepping out of the shadows of her previous moody slow-burns and into a shimmering, synth-led spotlight.
The track was born during a spontaneous writing session in Silver Lake, where a skeletal piano ballad was stripped of its somberness and rebuilt into an infectious pop anthem. This transformation was largely fueled by the energy of the LA studio environment, where Lana collaborated with producers Esthy and the legendary Adam Moseley. While Moseley brings a storied pedigree—having worked with the likes of The Cure and U2—it was Esthy’s playful encouragement that helped Lana tap into a lighter, more rhythmic headspace.
Lyrically, ‘Never Real’ explores the universal, slightly frustrating impulse to revisit a past flame despite knowing better. It’s a song about that specific moment of emotional weakness, wrapped in a 2000s-inspired production that feels both retro and remarkably current. Despite the shift in tempo, Lana’s core strength remains her storytelling; her expressive vocals stay front and centre, ensuring the "playful" energy doesn't come at the cost of her trademark honesty.
The accompanying music video, shot at the Santa Monica Pier, captures this newfound freedom perfectly. Eschewing high-concept drama for pure, unadulterated joy, the visuals see Lana genuinely enjoying the iconic Californian landmark.
Reflecting on the experience, Lana shared: “I never pictured myself at 17 that I would be filming at Santa Monica Pier. It was honestly unforgettable. It’s such an iconic place, so getting to shoot a music video there was already amazing, but we also got to actually experience it while filming, going on the rides, eating the food, and just soaking up the whole atmosphere.”
As she gears up for her debut album, ‘Never Real’ proves that Karlay isn’t afraid to mess with the formula. It’s a refreshing reminder that growth often comes from a willingness to trade the familiar for something a little more fun.
‘Never Real’ is available to stream now on all major platforms. You can keep up with Lana Karlay’s journey to her debut album by following her on Instagram and TikTok.
