An afternoon with Azure Ryder

As far as first impressions go, they don't get much better than rising star Azure Ryder's. Making her mark earlier this year with her debut EP, Running With The Wolves, she delivered a body of work which not only cemented her as one to watch, but also laid down firm foundations upon which she was sure to build something spectacular.

Just months later, she came good on this promise. Kicked off by the emotional and heartfelt 'Petty Isn't Pretty', and the powerful 'Stronger', she backed up her stellar debut with a second EP titled Crazy With The Light. Delving once again into that emotionally stirring, heartfelt and authentic brand of storytelling and songwriting, Azure Ryder continued her ascent, proving that despite the challenging circumstances we all found ourselves in this year, it is possible to overcome.

At once inspirational, genuine, warm and uplifting, Azure Ryder's music feels like home or spending time with an old friend. It's immediately familiar and universal, while still personal to her and forward-thinking in its modern approach to off-centre pop. Having drawn influence and grounding from the earth and her natural surroundings, Azure channels the energies from around her into fittingly grounded and down-to-earth music, allowing for instant connection with listeners all over the world.

It's not just us that has fallen head over heels for Azure Ryder. Her debut EP alone has more than 10 million streams, with single 'Dizzy' being the number 1 most played on triple J. She delivered an exceptional Like A Version of Dua Lipa's 'Don't Start now' as well as a live performance of 'Dizzy', and as soon as she was able to perform shows, she quickly sold out not one or two but four Oxford Arts Factory gigs earlier this month. There's not a lot that is certain as we come out of 2020, but one thing we can bank on is that while she's already had an impressive rise, we can surely expect a whole lot more from Azure in the future, and we can't wait.

We caught up with Azure in the midst of her completely sold out run at Sydney's Oxford Arts Factory, taking her seaside for a stunning photoshoot. Check out our photos below, as well as some shots from her live show!

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All photos by James Simpson for Purple Sneakers

Words by Emma Jones

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