Jem Cassar-Daley returns this week with “Tidal Wave”, a shimmering new pop release that sees the singer-songwriter dive into the emotional grey areas of modern love.
Co-written with producer Harry Charles, “Tidal Wave” marks a deeper foray into pop for Cassar-Daley, who’s been steadily carving her own lane since her 2021 debut. The song explores “a relationship moving faster and more intensely than anticipated,” the musician says.
“It encompasses the guilty feeling of being the one that’s less emotionally invested and how confusing and all-consuming that can feel,” Cassar-Daley explains. “As someone is trying to progress things further, you feel as though you’re out of your depths and yearn for things to go back to the way they were.”
Following the release of her breakout single “King of Disappointment” — which picked up Best Pop and Song of the Year at the 2024 Queensland Music Awards and Song of the Year at the AIR Awards — “Tidal Wave” continues her run of emotionally resonant, sharply crafted songs. The new single arrives just weeks after wrapping her ‘Kiss Me Like You’re Leaving’ tour, which saw her play to a sold-out crowd in Sydney and stop through Brisbane, Coutts Crossing and Melbourne.
Since launching her solo career, Cassar-Daley has toured internationally, played showcases at The Great Escape in the UK, and delivered a standout Like A Version cover of Gwen Stefani’s “The Sweet Escape”. She’s shared the stage with Thelma Plum, Tina Arena, King Stingray, Busby Marou, and more, and was most recently honoured with a place on Brisbane’s Walk of Fame.
As a proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung woman, Cassar-Daley continues to bring a rich tradition of storytelling to her music. With “Tidal Wave,” she opens another chapter — one that’s both deeply personal and quietly powerful.
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“Tidal Wave” by Jem Cassar-Daley is out now via Civilians.
