Djilang/Geelong-based singer-songwriter Daisy Kilbourne has made a massive impression on me with her debut single “Mother.” Its simple melody and stripped-back production is the perfect vehicle for Daisy’s incredible lyrics which recount her experience watching her mother’s gradual unravelling after losing the love of her life. This depiction of grief is so personal, but it’s bound to resonate with anyone who’s been in the orbit of a deep loss.
“I wrote this song after the passing of my father, watching my mum lose parts of herself with him as he left,” Daisy explained. “You can’t help but wonder if they’ll ever come to be the person they were before, and you feel guilty that you can’t make their pain go away. It isn’t easy talking about these things, but if it’s something that can help people overcome their grief, then it’s worth it.”
“Since the song is so personal, we thought about adding a real personal touch to it. So at the end of the song, all the harmonies are actually sung by my siblings, Rose, Lily, and Ivory,” she added. “For something quite emotional, recording them was the funniest night of my life. It was nice to create a good memory to attach to this song, and also hear how much Ivory sounds like Dad when he sings.”
Instead of a traditional music video, Daisy has paired this release with a documentary. Directed by Nick Rae, it celebrates her father’s life and the passion for music she shared with him.
Daisy hopes to continue connecting with music lovers when she releases her forthcoming EP later this year. You can hear more of her original music at the following shows:
1 June 2024 – ReSound @ Kala, Wadawurrung Country/Ocean Grove
22 June 2024 – ReSound @ Lou’s Pizza and Wine, Djilang/Geelong
5 July 2024 – Pivotonian Cinema, Djilang/Geelong
Image used with permission from Daisy Kilbourne