Created In Partnership With Mentos
In a song “Backpack”, inspired by cartoon wanderer Dora the Explorer, you might not expect smooth lyrics or a careful lo-fi arrangement. But when it comes to Gazal, her sound is anything but obvious.
The self-taught alt-pop singer has grown from absorbing music in her home to dominating Australia’s emerging talent space. She’s supported British singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya on her Australian tour and written for the likes of prolific TikTok musician George Alice and APRA’s Emerging Songwriter of the Year, Grentperez.
To cement this standout position in the indie-pop landscape, Gazal has joined the Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ — an exclusive group featuring eight handpicked up-and-coming Australian and Kiwi artists.
Speaking to Rolling Stone AU/NZ to celebrate the announcement, Gazal described her sound as “eclectic, brash, and fun”; apt descriptors, which can be seen in her In My Room session.
Taking the stage, Gazal first performed new single, “Backpack”, showing off her quick-witted and relatable writing style, which speaks directly to her generation. She followed this with a stripped-back version of “Daisychains”, showing off her musical talent that extends past lyricism and into a musical direction and production distinct amongst her contemporaries.
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Follow Gazal’s journey through the Fresh Sounds Class of ’26 and beyond here.
