E^ST I'm Doing It

2020 has been the year of E^ST; spearheaded by her rebound banger "Talk Deep" making it into the Hottest 100, she began releasing a streak of winning singles, including 60's inspired ballad "FRESH OUT OF LOVE" and fast-paced quirky pop hit "MAYBE IT'S ME". Her most recent single "I WANNA BE HERE", marked her biggest pop moment yet, showcasing her world-class knack for melody and anthemic vocals.

Fast becoming favourites with triple j and pop tastemakers around the world, including receiving praise from NME, TMRW Magazine and Clash Magazine, these singles have built high expectations for her debut album "I'M DOING IT" (out now).

E^ST is set to wow sold out crowds at Sydney's The Vanguard on August 2nd and 3rd, performing tracks from "I'M DOING IT" for the first time. With a second show added due to high demand, those lucky enough to score tickets will have the chance to witness a special, stripped back, intimate performance from E^ST. 

triple j listeners were also recently served up a beautiful Like A Version rendition of Joji's "Slow Dancing In The Dark" from E^ST, a unique choice which showcased her signature pitch-perfect vocal stylings.

"I'M DOING IT", recorded with E^ST's "musical soulmate" Jim Eliot (Ellie Goulding, Anne-Marie, Halsey), sets her distinctive, sonorous vocals to songs which slyly toy with the traits of modern pop. With a story arc that takes place after the collapse of a relationship, the body of work finds Mel Bester investigating the ups, downs and uncertainties that come with being a young adult and finding your place in the world. Her life-affirming blend of feelgood sounds with self-analytical themes is enticing and refreshing.

"The first half of the album is all about being a heartbroken mess as your life falls apart, and it's wallowing in that with no effort to make sense of it," she said. "I mean you need to have a wallow " it's crucial." 

The turning point comes in the middle with a song, appropriately enough, called "Turn". After that, the jump into the final five tracks is huge. These are bonafide bangers, characterised by addictive melodies, snappy lyrics and crowd vocals. As she intones in "Walking Home In The Rain" "suddenly, the world doesn't look so bleak"; the track melds another sky-scraping hook with a new-found optimism. A highlight is single "I Wanna Be Here", which builds perfectly from a gentle piano ballad to a huge, anthemic, open-hearted ode to life.

"(The songs) are still dealing with sadness and heartbreak, but there's a conscious effort to do better and be better. The album takes on an optimistic tone as I grow as a person. By the end, the album's like: it's okay, I'm getting by, I'm coping."

E^ST has supported the likes of Panic! At The Disco and Twenty One Pilots on tour, as well as becoming an in-demand writer for other artists, from Noah Cyrus to Nicole Millar. 2020 has seen her feature on Sydney-based hip hop artist Kwame's single "Nobody", as well as support The 1975 frontman Matty Healy's acoustic set at Sydney's Metro Theatre alongside Ruel, Mansionair, and KUČKA.