There’s a really interesting duality in the music of Alex Hardy. Having only dropped her debut single in January, the Sydney-based singer-songwriter has very quickly carved out a sound that feels simultaneously grounded and far-reaching; it’s rooted in earnest, soulful tones, but stretches into far more exciting sonic territories.
Now, with the release of her follow-up single, Too Much To Ask, she continues to establish her penchant for crafting immersive and infectious gems of sound. If you’re not already across this artist, now’s the perfect time to change that.
On her new single Too Much To Ask, Sydney-based singer-songwriter Alex Hardy delivers an irresistibly sultry slice of soul-pop.
Throughout the new single (co-written by jazz pianist and composer Freyja Garbett), Alex Hardy glides through a sultry concoction of jazz, soul, and dream-pop, delivering something that feels both familiar and fresh. With rich, textured instrumental arrangements and smooth, gauzy vocal hooks, Too Much To Ask is oozing with musical charm.
Often, with such ambitious brands of pop music, ideas are stifled by limited production. But rest assured, that is not the case here. Produced by Sarah Belkner, the mix here is lush and generous, inviting you into Hardy’s sprawling universe of sounds.
Across its four-minute run-time, the track builds into something quite cinematic. Euphoric saxophone solos are woven through otherworldly harmonies, creating something that’s both transcendental and emotionally direct.
“It’s a reminder to myself, from myself, saying Girl don’t put up with that shit you are worth more, you deserve love and don’t you forget it,” Hardy says of the track.
These still may be early days for this Sydney artist, but judging by the quality of everything we’ve heard so far, I think we can safely expect plenty more great tunes. In the meantime, do yourself a favour and listen to the new track above.
