In November, a ‘pinch me’ moment awaits Milly Strange. When she performs at Town Folk Festival, on a hazy Saturday afternoon down in Dja Dja Warring Country, she’ll share a bill with Sharon Van Etten, indie rock hero and Milly’s personal inspiration.
“I actually performed her song ‘A Crime’ for my high school music assessment,” she tells Rolling Stone AU/NZ, “so to be on the same bill as her all these years later feels incredibly special and a bit surreal.”
One suspects that Milly is about to collect a lot more of these ‘pinch me’ moments.
Her self-titled debut album dropped in August, signalling the arrival in Australian music of a young indie rock singer-songwriter of supreme talent, assured spirit, and encyclopaedic musical knowledge.
Milly’s debut overflows with vivid imagery and muscular ’90s-indebted rhythms (the latter aided by her stellar backing band), as she effortlessly plays with different emotional shades: light and dark, hopeful and downbeat.
These eight tracks aren’t an easy listen, but they’re not supposed to be. “Writing these songs felt psychologically and emotionally necessary,” as she tells us. “Each one helped me give form to a part of myself I wasn’t ready to confront in real life. I feel like I can finally move forward from a lot of the trauma these songs helped me work through.”
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Before her upcoming shows, we caught up with the rising star as part of our Up-And-Coming Australian Artists series, supported by Mentos, to find out more about her early life, blossoming career, and what’s to come in the future.
Milly Strange’s self-titled debut album is out now.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: How much did music influence you in your early life?
Milly Strange: I knew from a young age that music had real power. I grew up surrounded by all kinds of sounds thanks to my parents, and I loved the way it made me feel, both as a kid and now as an adult. We regularly sit down together just to listen, trading new discoveries or revisiting old favourites. That kind of connection has been a binding thread in all of my relationships. It feels really special to now be able to extend that same intimacy to a room full of people at a show.
What artists influenced you growing up?
So, so many, but to name a few there’s Patti Smith, Kurt Cobain, Martha Wainwright, and PJ Harvey. I had a real fixation with grunge in high school, it really resonated with me. I owned an absurd amount of flannelette shirts and ripped stockings, wagging school and lying in the park with my best friend Chelsea, sharing a pair of headphones and listening to Nirvana on repeat. At the same time, I was drawn to the storytelling and emotional honesty of country and folk music. Driving around the country with my dad listening to Neil Young was just as impactful. Those influences have definitely seeped into my songwriting, the noise and the softness, the grit, and vulnerability. That contrast feels really true.
What are some career highlights so far?
Getting the opportunity to share stages with musicians I’ve admired and grown up listening to has been special, and those moments have really stuck with me. Playing the 10-year anniversary show of Butcher/Hairstylist/Beautician with Peter Bibby was huge. I’m also booked to support Tim Rogers, which honestly blows my mind, because I grew up listening to You Am I. Another huge standout is getting to play Town Folk Festival alongside Sharon Van Etten. I actually performed her song “A Crime” for my high school music assessment, so to be on the same bill as her all these years later feels incredibly special and a bit surreal. One of the most meaningful highlights has been people connecting with the music in such a real way. That’s the best part for sure.
Tell us about your latest album/EP.
This album is a cathartic exploration of grief, inner conflict, and personal transformation, tracing the emotional terrain of heartbreak, old friendships, and the parts of yourself you have to leave behind to move forward. Writing these songs felt psychologically and emotionally necessary. Each one helped me give form to a part of myself I wasn’t ready to confront in real life. I feel like I can finally move forward from a lot of the trauma these songs helped me work through.
What kind of personality traits and values do you believe it takes to succeed in the music industry?
Belief in your music and art. Have trust in what you’re creating, even when it feels vulnerable. Drive and hard work are essential, but it’s just as important to listen to your body and mind. Setting boundaries, taking breaks, and protecting your mental health. I also think being open to learning and evolving is essential for growth in this industry.
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How would you describe your music to a potential fan?
There’s a lot of variation in the Milly Strange sound. Each song explores different emotional and sonic terrain, but at its core, it’s always emotionally driven. A mix of catharsis and storytelling. I use my voice as a tool to carry emotion, sometimes soft and intimate, sometimes full belt, depending on what the moment calls for. I write about love, longing, identity, grief, and transformation, usually always kinda melancholic. I’m drawn to the light and dark and I try to make music that is honest.
What are your goals for 2025 and beyond?
I’m hoping to take the band overseas, to Europe and the US, and start building an international audience. Getting more touring and shows under our belt is a big focus, both here in Australia and abroad. I’d love to play more festivals and support artists I admire, especially within the communities that have inspired me from the beginning! I’m also in the process of working on my second album, which I’m really excited about. More than anything, I just want to keep creating.
