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This NITH spotlight, made possible with Mullet Wines, shines the light on Hope D – a Brisbane artist known for turning personal chaos into powerful pop
Brisbane’s Hope D has built a steady reputation for turning personal stories into sharply crafted pop songs.
Her latest track “Nails”, submitted as part of this year’s Needle in the Hay competition, is a tight, bass-driven tune that doesn’t overcomplicate things.
It’s hooky, polished, and made for repeat plays – whether you’re on the move or lying low.
Since dropping her debut single “Swim” in 2019, Hope D (Hope Defteros) has steadily carved out her space in the Australian music scene.
She’s taken out multiple Queensland Music Awards, played festivals like Splendour in the Grass and Laneway, and released a debut EP (Cash Only) followed by her first album Clash of the Substance in 2023.
Her work touches on partying, identity, and self-reflection – without leaning too far into theatrics.
Nails doesn’t try too hard, and that’s part of the charm. It’s confident and clear in its direction, sitting somewhere between indie pop and alt-rock, with a live energy that cuts through.
Needle in the Hay exists to spotlight artists like Hope D – talented, experienced, and ready to level up.
This spotlight is made possible thanks to Mullet Wines, a brand that, like Hope D’s music, skips the polish and keeps things real.
🎧 Listen to Nails now and follow Hope D here and on Instagram for updates.
Happy Mag’s Needle in the Hay is an annual music competition across Australia and New Zealand, spotlighting emerging artists right when it matters most. With over $50,000 in prizes and 250 copies of the winner’s single pressed to 7-inch vinyl, it’s a serious leg-up for new talent.
This year, the comp is proudly powered by Mullet Wines—Australia’s boldest, most unapologetic wine brand. As the official prize partner, Mullet Wines is amping things up, offering the top three artists full single recording and production sessions at Happy’s own Noise Machines Studio.
Launched in 2024 by Fourth Wave Wine, Mullet Wines is all about big flavours and bigger energy. Their mantra? Business at the front, party at the back. And they mean it.
Check out Mullet Wines here and see how they’re shaking up the drinks scene.
Keen to enter Needle in the Hay? Hit this link for local entries or this one if you’re international.