Tess Parks – Koalas (2024)
Thank you Tess Parks for enforcing the reason why I love discovering new music! This Canadian artist, based in London, has a sound I felt an instant connection with. For me, I get clear influences of slowcore, wrapped up in perfect pop production. I’ve been lost in her new single ‘Koalas’ all afternoon, bringing on a state, which I can only describe as forced mindfulness. I honestly have lost an hour to this track on repeat.
I love the collaborative nature of the song, in which Parks’ long-time band member Ruari Meehan produced the music in London and sent it on to Parks who was in Toronto at the time. This production approach has always interested me, ever since The Postal Service released ‘Give Up’ 21 years ago. Honestly ‘Koalas’ is a testament to this approach; Parks’ songwriting compliments Meehan’s music perfectly to create a superb track. Lyrically it does well to embody the idea that we’re all just on this journey and we all second guess how the world sees us and whether what we’re doing is what we’re meant to be. When talking about the track, Parks explained:
“I couldn’t bring myself to listen to the song properly until early February. When I finally did, it was one of those moments when you hear a song and you know it’s going to be one of your favourite, most cherished songs for your whole life. It’s the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard.”
I couldn’t agree more, this song for me just hits differently.
I was really pleased to hear that ‘Koalas’ has helped instigate the production of the new album Pomegranate. Until then I will be exploring all that came before, so if you like it as much as me get on it too and October will come around before you know it!
Find out more about Tess Parks on her Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
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