It’s been a pretty incredible 12 months for imbi the girl. After dropping their debut single ‘acidic' around this time last year and following it up with the hugely successful ‘V.I.P' in late 2017, they’ve been quickly making their mark on the Australia music scene with their intoxicating mixture of hip-hop and soul.

Last month imbi the girl dropped their latest single ‘swell’, and sure enough, we’re in for a treat yet again. Led by imbi’s charismatic vocals and playful lyrics, and based around a woozy, slow jam groove, it’s an enthralling track that somehow manages to feel both intimate and euphoric at the same time. Like the name suggests, ‘swell’ constantly ebbs and flows, seamlessly blurring the line between melodic R&B and traditional hip-hop.

It’s a really innovative return from imbi the girl, and with so much charm and confidence, it’s clear that we’ll be hearing a lot more from them soon. We couldn’t resist exploring what influences lie behind the track, so we got in touch with imbi the girl to get a closer look.

You know what I’m talking about, right? That classic shot of the shoreline teetering back and forwards, the tide ebbing and flowing, leaving nothing but a foamy milk-moustache on the sand as a space safer until the waves roll in once more. It’s become a bit of a cliche but hey, “if facts are grains of sand, cliche’s are boulders” (Watsky). I love this image, it triggers my emotions on so many levels - it reminds me of home (I live close to the beach), just seeing that ebb and flow helps me feel calm and connected, it reminds me of the temporary nature of everything and also the inherent fluidity of life in general, and emotions especially. I definitely drew a lot of energy and inspiration from the ocean to write this song.


“Like you know, whatever” - Lisa Simpson

I have a tattoo commemorating this episode, specifically the lessons Lisa learns throughout. The way she goes through the motions of putting on a facade and pretending to be someone she isn’t just to gain the camaraderie of her peers is something I think too many of us can relate to. Lisa’s feelings grow and change and develop throughout the episode and it’s comforting/affirming to watch. In the end, Lisa learns to love herself for all her quirks and qualms and she finds that others do the same - it’s a journey and a process that we’re all on but Lisa definitely helped inspire me to address these feels.


'LSD' (feat. Chance The Rapper) - Jamila Woods

THIS SONG GETS ME GOOD! Not only does it discuss “a body of water inside me” but it also touches on themes of fatherhood (in Chance’s verse) and the strength of a love for the ocean. All of these themes are things I bring up in ‘Swell’ and really tried to address in as eloquent and subtle a way as Jamila Woods. When I first heard this song, it resonated with me on such a deep level. I definitely cried/still cry when I hear it.


Birds And The BEE9 – Sampa the Great

This entire album is a blessing. It heals and nourishes the soul. Sampa has managed to create a body of work that is as important as it is cleansing, it is as progressive as it is familiar, it is true art with a distinct energy and power of its own. I try to emulate this in all my art, and ’Swell’ was no exception. When I went to write ‘Swell’, I was overwhelmed with emotions, the writing of the song was my own healing process. I know music has the power to heal, I only hope that people listening can feel that love and nourishment too.