Gold Coast's xposé say is the new kid on the music block, and they're here to shake things up.
A three-piece Australian indie-pop band formed in July 2023, xposé say is made up of lead singer and songwriter Emma Ballard, bass guitar player Jaco Max and drummer Stephen Rodden.
This is a welcome return to the music world for Gold Coast songstress Emma Ballard, who returns from a long recording hiatus. xposé say will release their debut track, 'Awaken Awaken', before the end of the year.
Emma helped us get to know the group a little better:
How did xposé say come together?
We met through a social media post and the band started outside Mr Potato in Robina!
It’s been a while since releases for you. How does xpose say stack up against your previous work? Is it a musical evolution for you?
Yes, it has been a while since my last EP release (seven years actually). This new project we are working on is a collection of new age inspired songs where I go back to my roots as a songwriter writing about things that matter, D and M stuff you know, that kind of thing. The works are better than before as they've had more time to form and take shape.
Deep down I never wanted to be a solo artist or to accompany myself musically, so having the support of a band is a long time coming. I don't feel so awkward anymore (haha). The songs come alive with Jaco on the bass and Stephen on drums, as the heartbeat of the songs so yes it's an evolution for sure.
Can you share a bit about your writing process?
The vocal idea usually comes first. Sometimes, I download vocal melodies and lyrics randomly so I have record them as snippets on my phone, if I don't, it can be a while before the idea flows in again like a wave. Then it builds section by section from there. Other times I'm inspired by a beat loop, or a great riff. Awaken Awaken was born out of listening to a simple chord progression, evolving over time into more of an ambient EDM sound. The writing process is like meditation, where I still my mind and listen. It might sound a bit nuts to you, but I'm sure the lyrics are either channelled from my higher self, my star family or the universe.
Are there any Gold Coast acts that you’re really loving right now? Who and why?
Budjerah is incredible, he has a great stage presence and his vocals are insane. We are loving the up beat vibe of Lastlings at the moment. Outside of Queensland, The Moving Stills and Teenage Dads are dropping some seriously memorable and classy tracks.
Where did the idea for ‘Awaken Awaken’ come from, and who was involved in the production?
The idea for Awaken Awaken came from mixed feelings about the new age of Aquarius and the catastrophic end of Kali Yuga, when we rise up like the phoenix. First we open our eyes to the state of what is i.e. systems that don't serve humanity, rise above them, then shift our focus towards creating the new.
The song produced by Nik Carpenter (Core Studios) and Ben Tenison (Roxley Music), is about transcending the 3D matrix on earth, rising up into the higher realms of the divine matrix and into the golden age.
What can we expect next from xposé say?
A string of further releases and gigs hopefully. We have our eye on the Pyramid stage!
Do you have any live stuff coming up that you want people to know about?
We are in rehearsals at the moment, so our performance schedule and release dates are yet to be confirmed. It is best to follow our insta or FB page @xposesay to keep up to date with band announcements.
Follow this exciting new act to keep track of when 'Awaken Awaken' will be dropping, and keep your eye on our November new music column for the first review of the new track.
