“‘Hold Ya’ is a slick piece of dreamy pop from the critically-acclaimed far north Queensland artist” Rolling Stone

Three times Queensland Music Award winner, singer songwriter LT today shares her delightful new single, Hold Ya – a sugary slice of heartening dream pop.  The track is accompanied by a charming Chelsey Johnston video that perfectly captures some lovely moments of connection between people.

Soaked in nostalgia, Hold Ya is clever indie pop that showcases LT at her best.  Littered with triumphant brass notes and uplifting guitar, the track is buoyed by LT’s dreamy voice with that refreshing Aussie pronounciation she’s known for.  “Hold Ya was written during a pretty turbulent time,” explains LT, “It’s a story about two people in love, however through the struggles they’ve endured they begin to drift apart.  Neither of them want to leave, but both of them are desperately seeking reassurance that the other wants them to in fact stay and it turns out they both do.” Listen to Hold Ya

Already notching up some impressive acclaim pre-release, Hold Ya placed LT as a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and a finalist in the Queensland Music Awards (Blues & Roots category).  And LT’s last single Overthinker was part of the Slow Down Songs campaign last month, she’s one of ten Queensland acts (including Jungle Giants, Tijuana Cartel and more) who have donated their tunes to a Spotify campaign addressing road safety outside schools, alerting drivers when they are five kilometres from a school zone. The Slow Down Songs campaign on behalf of the Australian Road Safety Foundation sees Spotify insert the songs, edited to include the safety message, into the personalised playlists of its Queensland premium users.  

Filmed and edited by emerging filmmaker and fellow Cairns local, Chelsey Johnston, with visual effects and animation by Annie Murray from Bigger Picture Animation, LT insights, “Chelsey had the beautiful idea of capturing moments of connection between people. Mothers and daughters, best friends and lovers all connecting in different ways.  She messed around with the speed of the track during the filming process, which really signified to me the changes of pace we all experience in any relationship.  Relationships change, move, disappear and re-invent themselves all the time and our life can be quite tough if we don’t allow them to do that.  Sometimes you’ve got to try harder, and sometimes you have to let go.  We chose to film at the Cairns Roller Skating Rink as it’s dear to the community and holds so many memories and stories of connection within its 1980s decor.” View Hold Ya video

The UK-born, Papua New Guinea-raised, far north Queensland resident, LT recently rebranded from Leanne Tennant. After the release of her third studio album Happiness Is….. in the troubled year of 2020, Leanne had the space and time to reflect on her career to date – and where she wanted to head in 2021.  She explains, “I rarely ever get called by my full name, and I really felt that after such a complicated year it was time to simplify my life and go by the name most know me by and start 2021 with a fresh outlook. LT feels so right to me.”

Thrilled to get back to performing live after the year that was, LT recently supported Bernard Fanning and has announced shows at Bearded Lady (Brisbane) on April 17, Brother Jenkins (Cairns) on April 22 and will play the Sunshine Sounds Festival (Eumundi, QLD) on May 1 and 2.

LT’S TOP 5 SONGS ON SPOTIFY RIGHT NOW >>>

Soko – We Might Be Dead Tomorrow
I first heard this song when binge watching ‘End of the fucking world’ on Netflix.  It’s such a great series with a killer soundtrack with this one jumping out at me.  I love it.

Lizzo – Cuz I Love You
Listening to Lizzo makes me feel strong and proud to be a woman.  She fills me such a wonderful energy and I love to jump around my house singing out loud.

Lorde – Hard Feelings
I’ll often put Lorde on if I’m getting ready to go somewhere and need a pick me up.  I love her songwriting and it always gives me a little buzz.

JJ Cale – After Midnight
JJ Cale has become a favourite over the years.  I discovered him later in life and wasn’t a fan at first but now he’s one of my solid faves.  This song makes me feel happy and free, and makes me want to go camping with my family and friends.

The Streets – Too Much Brandy
This song reminds me of a time in my life.  Albums ‘Original Pirate Material’ and ‘A Grand Don’t Come For Free’ were on repeat for a few years and have recently made a re-appearance in my playlists.  Mike Skinner is a genius and it reminds me of my family back home in the UK.