It’s been a rough year for Melburnians everywhere, but this city’s creative spirit has only grown stronger during lockdown. Melbourne dream-pop artist Julia Lostrom has called in fellow Melbourne artist REYKO! for the inspirational City, and it’s an ode to the best city in the world, Melbourne (I am biased, because I live in Melbourne, but I stand by it). It’ll get you feeling ready to take on the world. The track’s dreamy aesthetic mirrors the haze-like state we’ve all been in for the last few months. However, the world seems sharper and clear than ever (in part thanks to the lack of air pollution this year because we’ve all been inside).

Almost as soon as the song starts, you’ll find yourself getting lost in both Julia’s vocals, and the track’s production. Julia’s vocals are silky and smoky, while REYKO!’s auto-tuned croon is the perfect complement to her voice. There is truly an incredible amount of talent in Melbourne, and Victoria at large, and Julia and REYKO! are two of the leaders of the next generation, or the new wave. Melbourne’s creative arts scene is one of the strongest in Australia, so the lyric “this city doesn’t sleep” is pretty apt. I can’t wait to go back to gigs sooner rather than later, and I’d love to see City played live.

Speaking about the track, Julia says it came together thanks in part to the New Wave Infinity crew (who I interviewed here). Julia says, “This song came together purely by coincidence. I finished work late one night and went to hang out at my friend Holly’s house with some of the New Wave Infinity crew which REYKO! and Rachael Vowles are both a part of. We started talking about how lucky we are to live in Melbourne and be surrounded by such incredible people who constantly inspire us and make us want to be better and do better.

“We spoke about an idea to bring Melbourne creatives together and help each other out so we can show the world what this city has to offer. Holly has a studio in her space, so we just started jamming for fun and after a few hours, City was born. A special night with special people, deep conversations and good vibes all around brought this song to life and we hope its essence will be translated through the airways once it’s out.”

READ MORE: Sunday Sessions - 22nd of November

Check out City below. The track comes with a music video directed and shot by Rachael Vowles, and it’s a love letter to the Melbourne streets. Julia and REYKO! travel through Melbourne, capturing the joys that this city has to offer. If you’re from Melbourne, you’ll recognise many (if not all) of the landmarks featured in the video. If you’re not, it’s like a virtual tour. I know I’ve been missing the hustle and bustle of the Melbourne CBD, as well as the hidden treasures of the suburbs. This song will make you feel like nothing’s changed in Melbourne - because in many ways, it’s better than it’s ever been.