Mallrat’s new album, Light hit my face like a straight right, is a bold leap into a world where suburbia meets magical realism. With raw vulnerability, she transforms the everyday into something extraordinary. Her visual style, like her music, is a seamless meld of dreamy, intimate aesthetics — featuring soft colours, fluid imagery, and vintage-inspired fashion.
Drawing inspiration from Brisbane, the city she calls home, Mallrat weaves its essence into her work, collaborating with other artists to craft a sound that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant. “I’m just trying to make something that feels real, even if it’s not always pretty,” she tells METAL. This album comprises personal reflection and creative exploration, marking her evolution as an artist unafraid to push boundaries and define her sound. Here’s a closer look at the mind of one of Australia’s most exciting voices.
Butterfly Blue really put you on the map as more than just a bedroom pop artist. How has Light hit my face like a straight right taken your sound to the next level?
Honestly, this album feels like a huge step forward in every way. I’m super proud of not only the songs but the visuals and artwork too. Ideas and worlds that I’ve kept in my head for ages are finally out there, and I’m stoked that people get to experience them. It feels so good that they’re no longer just in my head, and hopefully, others can see them the way I do.
Your music is so raw and personal. How do you find the confidence to let those emotions pour out in your songs?
I kind of trick myself into being vulnerable, to be honest. I tell myself that no one has to hear the song if I don’t want them to. I’ve never kept a song for myself, but it’s nice to know the option’s there.
You’ve said that going home makes you feel like an alien. How does that sense of not quite belonging affect your music?
I think feeling like an alien just makes you really aware of everything around you. I don’t have that feeling as much anymore – I’ve found a place where I feel more at home – but I still tend to observe things from the outside, and I think that influences the way I write.
Is there a place where you feel like you truly belong now? If so, where?
I feel like I belong in so many places now! But if I had to pick, I’d say Melbourne feels like home. So many of my best friends from Brisbane have moved here, and I’m lucky to have a solid crew around me.
Your album mixes magical realism with everyday suburbia. How do you make the ordinary feel extraordinary?
I think it’s just about letting my imagination take the reins. It’s like playing along with a child’s imaginary friend. When I look at something sad or empty, I try to either find beauty in it or create it myself.
Brisbane is such a big part of your music. How does it continue to shape your creative process?
For this album, I really wanted Brisbane to shine in the visuals. I’ve been working with Tom Carroll, an amazing director who’s also from Brisbane, and we wanted to make sure we gave the city the love it deserves.
“When I look at something sad or empty, I try to either find beauty in it or create it myself.”
I love how each song on the album feels like stepping into a new, intimate world. Who are the artists that inspire you when it comes to creating such vivid, unique sounds?
Thank you! I’m inspired by so many different artists, but right now, I’m really into ML Buch, Caroline Polachek, and Oklou.
Alice Ivy, your friend and fellow musician, called Horses one of her favourite songs she’s worked on. How does she influence your music?
She’s such a gift, honestly. Alice is an incredible producer and guitarist, and I love how she blends those technical skills with such a playful, open approach to writing. She’s also hilarious and a great friend, so every time we work together, it’s always so much fun. I feel super lucky to know her — we’ve made so many of my favorite songs together.
Your sound has been compared to everyone from Hayley Williams to Radiohead. How do you feel about those comparisons, and what do you think defines your own sonic identity?
That’s really cool! I think I take influences from a lot of different places, so none of them feel super defining to me anymore. I don’t think it’s a good or bad thing, it just is. I definitely have a love for country and folk, but it comes through in a subtle way — in how I tell stories or structure melodies. As for artists like Two Shell or Lily Allen, I think you can hear that influence more clearly in things like production choices and vocal style.
With such a range of collaborations, from Azealia Banks to The Chainsmokers, how do you know which ones are the right fit?
Azealia Banks is one of my all-time favourites, and I could just hear her on Surprise Me, so I had to reach out! The Chainsmokers collab happened pretty organically — they loved my song Wish on an Eyelash, which is super short, and they turned it into a longer version. They were kind enough to share it with me, and I loved how it turned out.
What do you want listeners to take away from Light hit my face like a straight right?
Honestly, just any kind of feeling. Music is such a privilege when it can make someone feel something, so I’m just grateful to be a part of that.
And finally, what are you most excited for in 2025?
I’m really looking forward to sharing the album and then just making more music with my friends!
