Sadie Mustoe. Remember the name. The Australian singer-songwriter has been making waves in the folk scene, and her latest single, ‘White Flag,’ is a proof to her rising artistry.
This is not a song of defeat. It’s a raw, unapologetic expression of anger, a sonic venting that is as therapeutic as it is infectious.
Mustoe is taking ‘White Flag’ on the road, with a tour across Western Australia and Victoria. She’s promising a mix of intimate acoustic sets and full-band shows that will get you on your feet.
And if the single is any indication, these live performances will be electric. There’s a fire in this song that is meant to be experienced live, a collective catharsis waiting to happen.
The track is a potent cocktail of folk and rock. Think the storytelling of Joni Mitchell , a “full-throated, robust baritone” of Welsh singer Tom Jones , Lauryn Hill , the visceral energy of Wolf Alice, with a dash of Florence & The Machine’s heart.
It’s a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new. Mustoe has a knack for combining genres in a way that feels organic and exciting.
The song compels you to shout, to move, to feel. It’s a headbanger with a heart of gold.
The production, handled by Ben Irawan and Sam Varghese, is superb. Heavy guitars and an earworm chorus are balanced with eerie, beautiful verses.
A guitar and fiddle solo adds a touch of the unexpected, a moment of pure musical joy. Every element is perfectly placed, creating a rich and dynamic composition.
At just 21 years old, Mustoe has already achieved a remarkable amount. She was the winner of the 2022 Queenscliff Music Festival’s ‘Foot-in-the-Door’ award and the runner-up for the 2021 Folk Alliance Australia ‘Folk Youth Artist of the Year.’
She’s been writing and recording since she was 10, and her experience shows. Her previous singles, ‘Power In This World’ and ‘I Find You Interesting,’ have already garnered significant attention, with the former gaining over 21,000 streams on Spotify.
‘White Flag’ sees Mustoe pushing her creative boundaries even further. Her unique chord progressions on guitar, experimental violin techniques, and enchanting voice come together to create something truly special.
She’s backed by a band of top Melbourne musicians, and their chemistry is palpable.
This is an artist on the rise, a voice that demands to be heard. Sadie Mustoe is not just a musician; she’s a force of nature. And ‘White Flag’ is her storm.
What does it mean to wave a white flag? In the context of this song, it’s not about giving up. It’s about acknowledging the fight, the struggle, the anger.
It is about being strong when you are weak. Just remember that letting it all out is sometimes the best thing you can do.
