RAYHAB’s 'Residue' a Bold, Moody Journey of Self Discovery
After already captivating audiences with a series of whimsical, moody alt pop singles, Greek-Australian songwriter, musician, and producer RAYHAB is finally unveiling her much-anticipated debut EP, 'Residue'. This collection of tracks represents an exploration of self-reflection and emotional growth, blending dreamy sounds with deeply personal themes.
Inspired by the styles of Kate Bush and Lorde, 'Residue' is a bold body of work. It delves into themes of self absorption, reconciling with the past, and seeking deeper meaning in the chaos of everyday life. The EP reflects RAYHAB's journey, both geographical and emotional, through her time spent in Melbourne before returning to her roots in New South Wales.
“I wrote the EP whilst living in Melbourne and named it Residue because each track felt as though it had this residual energy from the experiences I had there. Each track is layered with deeper meaning, as I think I was on this quest at the time to understand life and find meaning/purpose within the chaos of the rat race”
The EP opens with a mix of dreamy textures and intricate production, creating an atmosphere that feels both expansive and intimate. From there, RAYHAB transitions into exploring more personal narratives, including confronting modern day narcissism with her emotionally charged single 'Not About You'. The song captures the emotional turmoil of traversing a world that often prioritises the self, which makes its inclusion on the EP all the more fitting.
The EP closes with 'Dormant Life', a haunting farewell to RAYHAB's former life in Melbourne. This track acts as a moment of reflection and redound, encapsulating all the lessons and emotional imprints left behind. It’s a dark yet poetic goodbye, bringing in a new chapter for the artist as she settles back in Sydney.
Produced and recorded across several Sydney studios, including the renowned Studios 301 and Forbes Street Studios, where RAYHAB is currently the in-house engineer, 'Residue' is a culmination of RAYHAB’s journey through various creative spaces.
The project’s sound blends polished pop with raw, DIY textures that lend it an authenticity and vulnerability that is rare in today’s music scene. A perfect example of this is the track Residue’s 'crusty feeling' guitars, recorded with her brother (and acclaimed musician) Adam Newling in their parents’ living room.
“I think that’s partially why the EP sounds like it sits in this in-between world of polished pop and not, It does feel like a reflection of my inner psyche, that of being attached to two cultures and never feeling like I fully belonged in either.”
Through 'Residue', RAYHAB captures a unique blend of the ethereal and the grounded, of complex emotion and raw humanity. It’s a story of movement, of both physical and emotional distance, and of finding oneself amidst the chaos of life.
'Residue' is both a continuation and a fresh reinvention, marking a new beginning in her musical narrative. As the artist herself moves forward, her EP reminds us that every place we leave behind, every connection we form, and every moment of self discovery leaves its own residue, shaping who we are and who we will become.