Anika Louise captures Australiana family life in nostalgic folk-pop gem 'Pearl'

Photo Credit: Mia Knox

Emerging Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter Anika Louise returns with her most personal and nostalgic release yet, Pearl, out 2 July. A poignant folk-pop tribute to her late Great Nanna, Pearl captures a century-spanning story of love, family, and legacy, delivered with Anika’s signature warmth and authenticity.

“Pearl is written about my Great Nanna,” Anika explains. “She was an incredibly kind and loving woman and was born 100 years ago on June 9th this year. She had 10 children, which I found really fascinating, and I grew up going to really big family Christmas and Easter events at her house which formed some beautiful core memories as a kid, and those memories inspired the song.”

Drawing inspiration from the storytelling finesse of Missy Higgins and the melodic nostalgia of early Taylor Swift, Anika creates a sound that feels both tender and timeless. Lush acoustic guitars and soft backing harmonies surround her evocative lyrics, as she paints vivid portraits of intergenerational love, resilience, and the beauty in ordinary life.

“I asked my mum and grandparents a lot of questions about their childhood growing up and about her life to accurately capture her life story,” she shares. “I thought it was really cool that she had 10 children and created such a large family, and that although she herself didn’t have a lot, she was so giving to everyone around her. I really wanted to capture the amazing person she was and the incredible life she led.”

The track was brought to life with the support of an acclaimed local team, produced by Josh Dyson (who also contributed guitars and bass) and Timothy Nelson (also on keys, banjo, and guitar), with Ashton McLernon-Smith on drums and mastering by Brodie Stewart. The recording process took place over four days, which Anika describes as “so so fun.”

“I wanted the song to feel really nostalgic, warm and organic, and for it to sound both old but also modern at the same time. I think we achieved that which makes me really happy. Josh Dyson and Timothy Nelson are so good at what they do, they had so many great ideas and really helped bring the song to life.”

Anika Louise has spent the past few years steadily building a name for herself in the West Australian music scene. A celebrated live performer, she’s been a finalist in the Fairbridge Festival Songwriting Quest, a WAM Song of the Year nominee, a winner of the Underground Sounds competition, and has performed everywhere from RAC Arena’s Telethon stage to opening for the Perth Symphony Orchestra.

With Pearl, Anika steps into a new chapter of her artistry, one grounded in storytelling, emotional depth, and a growing creative confidence. It’s a warm, shimmering tribute to the women who came before her, and a powerful reminder of how music can carry a legacy across generations.

Anika Louise’s new single, Pearl, is out now

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