FELIVAND KEEPS GROWING WITH NEW ALBUM my body’s my true north 

Words | Graciella Clark

Photo Credit | Meg Siejka

The alternative R&B/soul songwriter seamlessly blends intimate lyricism with a captivating mix of funk and alternative soul, further solidifying her place in the ever evolving music world and proving she’s definitely one to keep your eye on. 

There’s something rare and extraordinary about FELIVAND's ability to craft narratives with her voice that pull you into a daydream-like state. Her comforting melodies create a space for emotional honesty, personal growth and self-realisation, inviting the listener to engage with a deeper layer of feeling and relatability. 

This vulnerability, paired with the softness of her voice, envelops you in a cloud of atmospheric bliss. The album’s mellow drums and synths make for a satisfying listening experience which showcases ‘my body’s my true north’ as easily one of her most compelling releases to date. 

The concept behind the album is a powerful reminder to listen to your body and practice introspective awareness. As FELIVAND explains, “When I listen to what my body’s telling me, it feels like an unwavering light at the end of the tunnel, an orienting point—something fixed like a ‘true north’ while everything else around it spins. When I follow thought, I’m in with everything that’s spinning.” This is an album about trusting feeling over thought, a theme that shines throughout every track. 

In making this shift from overthinking to instinct, FELIVAND has produced a body of work that firmly places her at the forefront of the Australian R&B and soul music scene. However, the album never confines her to one genre. It’s clear she’s staying true to herself while also breaking new ground, incorporating atmospheric synths and intricate bass lines that showcase her pure talent and creativity. 

Listening to the album feels like that first breath of fresh air after being inside all day or catching a sunset as it dips below the horizon. Each song invites you to groove along, basking in its warmth, as the ebb and flow of her melodies wash over you. 

“water off you back” opens the album with a bang, setting the stage for what’s to come. The layered vocal melodies, jazz-inspired elements, and addictive synths blend together effortlessly, creating a soft, free-spirited vibe that leaves you wanting more. 

“hey you” is a standout. The song is defined by powerful vocals, a strong drum beat and impressive bass lines that weave through the song. The chorus has a way of sticking in your head in the best possible way, making it a track you’ll find yourself returning to. 

“Sadie” builds on the track before it, layering rich jazz elements and infectious energy that perfectly accompanies FELIVAND's intimate lyricism. This song has a magnetic, passionate force that will have you swaying along without even realising it. 

“heartstrings” transports you into a synth-heavy world that recalls artists like BANKS, yet still carries the ethereal atmosphere FELIVAND is known for. Her voice guides you into a deeply immersive space that is both emotive and captivating. 

“this very thing” brings back the funky groove with bold bass lines and snappy drums, while “broad daylight” slows things down, offering a pure R&B vibe. These two tracks show off her impressive range, seamlessly transitioning between genres while maintaining a sense of emotional depth. 

“grey area” shifts the album into a high-energy gear with a funky, pop-infused twist. The upbeat tempo makes it one of the most lively and energetic tracks, giving the album a burst of momentum before the closing moments. 

The album winds down with “four corners”, a track that feels like a nod to some of FELIVAND’s earlier work, such as her 2018 release Same Old. The passionate groove and intricate production bring this song to life, giving up a reflective moment within the album. 

Finally, “tired” closes the album with a soft acoustic beginning, quickly building to become one of the most melodically explorative songs on the record. The outro, where her voice mingles with jazz elements, is hauntingly beautiful and ties the entire album together. It perfectly embodies the album's central theme of trusting your body’s wisdom and physical feelings. 

my body’s my true north is an album for those who want to truly connect with their music on an emotional and physical level. Each track has a palpable effect on the body, making it impossible not to groove along. Passionate, raw and deeply personal, this album is a testament to FELIVAND’s ability to carve out a space that is uniquely her own. 

Listeners will undoubtedly resonate with the universal realisation that overthinking can create a chaotic, spinning reality. But throughout this album, each song offers comfort, familiarity and a sense of connection, as though the music itself is your companion. This body of work reminds you to take a breath, accept where you are and always trust feeling over thought. 


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