When two independent creators hit it off at a local networking night, you hope for a solid jam session at best. In the case of Glen Waverley singer-songwriter ANUJA and Daniel J Farthing of Melbourne indie outfit Better Than The Wizards, that initial chat sparked a collaborative synergy that bounces straight out of the speakers on their inaugural joint single, ‘Wild Love’.
Self-produced across a dynamic trade-off between Farthing’s home setup (partly shared with a two-year-old’s play space) and ANUJA’s studio, the track charts the messy emotional aftermath of a breakup. Rather than leaning into bitter despair, it inspects betrayal and lingering heartache through a remarkably mature lens. The vocal arrangement balances vulnerability and strength, anchored by an indie-pop rhythm that keeps the track moving steadily forward rather than miring itself in grief.
The songwriting really finds its footing in the chorus, expanding the theme beyond individual heartache to frame affection as something enduring: “Wild love, it’s coming back to me / Wild love, there’s nothing wrong with feeling…” By the time the bridge arrives, the track hits a peaceful resolve, declaring “if we got nothing / we know / we had this Wild Love…” It is an honest, bittersweet landing zone—recognising that even when a chapter closes, having loved passionately without restraint remains a triumph in itself.
Musically, the self-production keeps things grounded and organic, though the addition of guest players gives the arrangement a noticeable lift. Jordan Kiely’s live drum work injects a driving momentum into the track’s gradual build, while Hugh Nicolson lays down lush keys that cushion the vocal harmonies nicely. The final hand-off to mix engineer Craig Kemp and mastering engineer Luke Mullan seals the deal, giving what started as a casual home studio experiment the glossy polish of a radio-ready anthem.
There’s something undeniably compelling about the delivery and sincerity of the writing, elevating every element of the track beautifully. It stands as an impressive, heartwarming debut that highlights two distinct voices fitting together with ease.
Keep tabs on ANUJA and Daniel J Farthing via Instagram and streaming platforms to catch their next musical drop.
