E^ST reflects upon the inspirations behind her stellar EP 'Life Ain't Always Roses'

For a while now, we've been following the journey here at Purple Sneakers of Aussie musician E^ST. We ran a piece with her back in 2016 on her top five musical prodigies under the age of 18 as she was also a youngin', and it's crazy to think how far she's come in such a short space of time.

She's had a busy 2018 supporting Panic! At The Disco on their recent arena tour around the country and she's just added a huge project to her repertoire - her long-awaited EP Life Ain't Always Roses.

The seven-track release marks her most personal one to date and whilst it acts as a journal of sorts, the way these tracks have been put together brings something totally new and refreshing to the pop landscape. Working with producers Japanese Wallpaper, M-Phazes and Dann Hume on this one, it's a true culmination of all of the best aspects of E^ST's back catalogue.

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I think what's most apparent about this one is how immersive this record is - you're being invited into her world, and with each passing track, her vision and understanding of the world becomes more vivid.

The EP has a myriad of huge pop moments. It's a rare release in that there are so many of these massive moments that are all musically, substantially varied. There's the downtempo glistening notes of 'Heaven In My Mind', a slow-building percussive ballad in 'Pure', 'Alien''s other-worldly sci-fi hum, spectacular vocal moments on 'Ad Break Pastime' and so many more beautiful takings from this record.

To celebrate the release of the EP and because we're so damn invested in this project, we wanted to hear more about E^ST and her process. She'll be heading out on a national tour in support of the EP very soon, so get acquainted with the tracks and her reflections upon putting this body of work together.

1. This one is pretty obvious, but I was heavily inspired by my friendships and relationships. I went through so much with the people in my life (and the people who aren't in my life anymore) while making this EP.

2. I was listening to a lot of different types of music while making these songs... From Brockhampton to Cyndi Lauper, to The XX to Sting. I try not to limit what I listen to, and hope that reflects in my songwriting.

3. A lot of these songs were written because I started to learn to actually take the time to stand back and look at my life, whereas in the past I would always rush through things and never stop to think about what was actually happening. Reflection like that can be so scary, but so important

4. I also travelled a lot throughout making this EP, and I can kinda hear my surroundings influence on the songs. I Don't Lack Imagination was written in Atlanta, and it definitely has more of a hip-hop/groove feel, and Blowjob was written in rainy London. Ad Break Pastime I wrote in my bedroom, and I think it's the most intimate of the songs.

5. I think at the end of the day what really brought these songs into the world was me growing up. It's crazy what you'll learn and do just by spending more and more time living. When I was 16 I thought I knew everything, but this EP shows that I was wrong haha.

E^ST's Life Ain't Always Roses EP is out now. Stream/buy it here.

LIFE AIN'T ALWAYS ROSES EP NATIONAL TOUR

Supported by Kota Banks & Jack Gray

Saturday, November 3

Howler, Melbourne

Grab tickets here.

Saturday, November 10

Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane

Grab tickets here.

Saturday, November 24

Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth *

Grab tickets here.