Off the back of an incredibly productive 2017, which saw her release her debut EP Motel, share the stage some of Australia’s finest plus a stint in Nashville, Emilee South tumbled back into the local scene in July with her new single ‘Heartbreaker’. Clocking in at less than three minutes, it’s a cut of unrelenting, rollicking rockabilly goodness. Packed with driving drums and fuzzed-out guitars, with everything dripping with reverb, the track ticks all the boxes to make it a certified psycho-surf hit, however, Emilee really makes the track her own with her evocative, unsettling vocals. It’s a welcome return for Emilee, and with chops like this, it’s safe to say that ‘Heartbreaker’ definitely holds its own amongst Australia best rock ’n’ roll.

To match the single is a brand new clip that pairs excellently with Emilee’s authentic sounds and transports viewers back a good 50 years. Created by local legend Rhea Caldwell, the clip wouldn’t feel out of place in a Quentin Tarantino film and plays like a flashback into greaser-era America (despite being immediately recognisable for any local crew). With shots moving between a classic diner scene and a drive-in backdrop blurred behind engine smoke, it’s a perfect throwback; expect classic cars, sultry dance-moves and a whole lot of leather.

To celebrate the release of the new clip and with a heap of exciting shows on the horizon, we caught up with Emilee to chat all things ‘Heartbreaker’.

TJ: Hey Emilee, what’s the story?

ES: Hey! You're premiering our music video for 'Heartbreaker' today! That's pretty exciting, so thank you.

Your new single ‘Heartbreaker’ is a heap of fun - want to tell us about the track and clip?

Thanks! 'Heartbreaker' is a heap of fun to play. My band and I recorded it live to tape, at The Aviary Recording Studio in Abbotsford. Matt Dixon plays baritone guitar, William Lee's on double bass, and Dan Berry is on drums.

The clip was conceptualised, directed, shot and edited by wonder-woman Rhea Caldwell. I really wanted to do something cool at the Coburg Drive-In, and Rhea came up with this idea, convinced me to do it, and got it all together! As well as being able to drive that slick Valiant around, Glenn (the manager of the Coburg Drive-In) was very kind, and just let us run amok during a busy night of school-holidays (there were lots of curious kids in dressing gowns)! My baritone-babe, Matt Dixon, plays the Heartbreaker (cheesy as), and Will's talents shine in multiple roles - he's unstoppable! Overall, it was a lot of fun to make, and Rhea was a real dream to work with. 


Your sound really harks back to the days of good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. What draws you to that kind of style?

I've always really loved old blues, soul and rock 'n' roll. When rock 'n' roll started out, it was all about having a party, and the band played so that the audience could tear up the dance floor, right? Live music was the entertainment, so I really want our shows to feel like that, too! I also really love the simplicity of the songwriting, and playing really loud guitar whilst dancing around on stage.


 You’re also playing Bigsound next month - you must be stoked! Any idea what to expect?

So stoked! I've never been up to Bigsound before, but Matt and I were at Americana Festival in Nashville last year, so I'm betting it might be a bit like that - one giant, ridiculously fun (albeit slightly exhausting) party, where we make a heap of new friends, and see a bunch of killer shows. I'm focusing all my energy on delivering two really rockin' showcases - so, it'll be a guaranteed riot! International touring is something I'd love to do, so hopefully we can make some friends at Bigsound that will help us with that.


 What’s the rest of 2018 looking like for Emilee South?

Aside from Bigsound, we will be playing Out On The Weekend in October, joining some of my all-time faves (C.W. Stoneking)! Then, Kyneton Music Festival with a bunch of pals, which will also be a heap of fun. We've got another single in the works, too - so, expect to hear more from us on that soon!