Sydney's Charli Lucas Dances Through the "Heartbreak"
Photo Credit: Darcy Goss
Fresh from joining Laneway Festival’s Sydney Stage and a support slot for Keli Holiday, Charli Lucas is fast becoming one of Australia’s most exciting emerging voices in indie-pop . Originally from an acting background, Charli is no stranger to performing. After studying acting, however, she stepped away from the screen, finding that creating and releasing her own art in the form of music felt far more fulfilling:
“I think the thing with acting is it’s very much about waiting to see where you fit into someone else’s puzzle, in someone else’s dream. Whereas I think with music, it’s very much something I’m putting out into the world, it’s got my mark, and it’s part of my story”.
It’s no wonder that she is so easily able to captivate audiences, as her energetic stage presence has snuck up on crowds during her support slots. In 2025 she had the opportunity to support one of her favourite artists, Alessia Cara on her Australian ‘Love & Hyperbole’ tour.
“I think getting to perform live and seeing something you make connecting with fans right in front of you is like the wildest experience - it gives you such a high”.
Her daydream-like melodies, layered vocals and almost rebellious coming of age tracks feel like riding a bike through winding suburban streets or laying in a sun-fueled daze on the beach. But most importantly - they feel relatable. In her newly released EP ‘I shouldn’t (but I love you)’, it feels like we’re reading Charli’s journal as she narrates the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with relationships, situationships and everything in between.
In her own words, Charli describes her music as “raw, honest lyricism paired with fun production and musical qualities, so it’s kinda like you’re dancing to depression, in a way”.
That contrast - between upbeat, infectious rhythms and emotionally heavy lyrics - perfectly mirrors the wonderful chaos of young adulthood. A perfect indie-pop ballad, How to: Ruin Everything is a perfect example of this. An upbeat catchy track with lyrics that hit truly hit home - “Never know how to be a man who understands that love is an action/ It's not just something you say”.
In the same tone of the EP, FKN Embarrassing is a song that encapsulates that awkward, cringe-inducing feeling of getting the infamous ‘ick’, i.e. repulsion that cures you of your feelings for someone. It’s a light-hearted anthem that brings to life a feeling that is unfortunately all too familiar. The EP then finishes with the stripped-back sombre (but i love you), retelling the same emotional story through a more vulnerable lens. It’s a fitting finale that highlights Charli’s range, both sonically and emotionally.
With a sound that is as dynamic as it is deeply personal, Charli Lucas is not only capturing the experiences of her generation - she’s preserving them, like moments sealed inside a time capsule. Since she started releasing songs in 2020, she’s been on a steep incline - and we don’t think she’s slowing down anytime soon.
Listen to Charli's new EP "i shoudn't (but i love you) below:
