A Quick Chat with Matilda Duncan

Congratulations on your new single ‘Grocery Store’! Can you tell us a bit about the influences behind the track and how it came together?
Thanks! I always feel like I write from a pretty personal perspective, but that felt like a new level with Grocery Store. It came together pretty fast, sort of poured out at the piano one day while visiting my parents' house. I tweaked it for about 18 months before it finally took on the final form in the studio stage.

How has your artistry developed since releasing your first track?
I’ve definitely leaned into more of a pop and upbeat style. My first track was released when I was only seventeen, so now, being twenty-three years old, I’d like to say my lyric writing especially has matured since then.

You've rubbed shoulders with some pretty big Australian artists, can you tell us how those opportunities came about and what you learnt from those experiences?
I’ve never had a booking agent, so almost all of those opportunities found me through word of mouth fortunately. I definitely learn a lot each time I do a larger tour or support show. Perhaps most importantly is to just focus on what I do best and trust myself. I’ve played supports for acts where I was nervous if their fans or audience would like me, maybe we were a different genre or they were a really tidy, polished band, but in the end it’s always turned out well. I’ve learned a lot about stagecraft and the art of a great live performance from watching these incredible artists up close.

When did you first discover your passion for music? Were there any particular artists that influenced or inspired you early on?
My parents were both musical and Mum had a background working in music, so it wasn’t something I had to discover really, it just always was. I was inspired perhaps more by the feeling of making music and bonding over that as a family when I was really young. There was a lot of country, or stuff like the Eagles and Norah Jones in the house. Once I found my own influences, I gravitated toward whatever I connected with, but definitely a lot of indie music in my playlists.

You're a Townsville local now living in Melbourne. Are you a Summer or Winter person? Does the season affect the type of music you write?
This question is unreasonably hard for me to answer! I love the winter, but only because Townsville’s summers can be so harsh. I’d prefer the beach lifestyle but I definitely feel like my music has a more ‘winter vibe’ about it.

What else can we expect from Matilda Duncan in 2025?
I’ve been in the studio a lot this year working on a project I’m really excited to share. There’s more music coming in 2025!