Prologue

The release · Antonia

Behind the song

Adelaide singer-songwriter Antonia unveils “Prologue”, the first single from her forthcoming EP "now that we’re all friends”: an introspective introduction to a body of work exploring validation, toxic cycles and the difficult process of moving forward. Forever inspired by literature and an avid reader since early childhood, the title “Prologue” is a natural homage to the literary introductions that have shaped Antonia’s life, while serving as the catalyst for the EP’s broader story. Written during a period of repeatedly reliving negative experiences and seeking validation from people who did not have her best interests at heart, “Prologue” explores the exhaustion of remaining psychologically attached to the past. “I wanted to convey the feeling of being mentally entrapped in a repetitive cycle of reliving negative experiences. It’s such an exhausting experience, and has drained so much of my energy”, Antonia explains. Sonically, “Prologue” introduces Antonia’s distinctive combination of contemporary folk songwriting and theatrical vocals. Influenced by artists including Lizzy McAlpine, Gretta Ray, Tori Kelly and Faouzia, her music combines intimate singer-songwriter sensibilities with an expansive, nostalgic atmosphere. A self-described “lyrics-first” songwriter, Antonia draws heavily from journal entries and the hundreds of lyric fragments stored in her phone. “Prologue” itself grew from a lyric she originally wrote in 2023: “catharsis in its first and final stages. For Antonia, releasing the song is both a creative milestone and an opportunity to connect with an audience who shares her appreciation for emotionally direct songwriting, and alt-pop/folk textures. With a background in speech pathology, Antonia’s inherent fascination with the voice brings a technical understanding of vocal performance to her music. In her own words, “I can't wait to find my alt-pop/folk, dramatic vocal appreciating audience.”