Australian dream-pop artist Hatchie has unveiled "Carousel," the latest single from her forthcoming third studio album, "Liquorice," coinciding with her return to the United States for a series of live performances. The track offers a potent glimpse into the sonic and thematic landscape of the new record, which is set to further solidify her reputation as a leading voice in contemporary shoegaze-influenced pop.
Hatchie, the moniker of Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Harriette Pilbeam, has strategically timed the release of "Carousel" to amplify her current U.S. tour. The single, characterized by its immersive soundscape, delves into complex emotional territories. Themes of fixation, longing, and a sense of emotional stasis are meticulously woven into the fabric of the song, amplified by layers of shimmering shoegaze textures and propulsive, swirling guitars. The track culminates in an expansive chorus, creating a palpable and almost tangible listening experience that has resonated strongly with fans.
Hatchie’s "Carousel" Captures Fixation and Longing
The new single "Carousel" serves as a potent introduction to the artistic evolution Hatchie is showcasing on "Liquorice." Pilbeam, who hails from Brisbane, has emerged with a focused and impactful release schedule to kick off the new year. The song’s sonic architecture, described as "dripping in shoegaze and swirling guitars," builds to an "epic chorus," creating an atmosphere that is both ethereal and intensely emotive. This sophisticated production, coupled with introspective lyrical content, highlights Hatchie’s continued artistic growth.
The visualizer for "Carousel," available on YouTube, further enhances the song’s immersive quality, offering a compelling visual accompaniment to the auditory journey. This visual element plays a crucial role in the artist’s engagement strategy, providing fans with a multi-sensory experience that complements the music’s evocative nature.
U.S. Tour and Australian Homecoming Highlight Busy Schedule
Hatchie’s current U.S. tour kicked off with a performance at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles on February 5th. The itinerary includes a highly anticipated show at New York’s Music Hall of Williamsburg on February 20th. These dates are part of a broader promotional push for "Liquorice," her first album released through a global partnership with Secretly Canadian.
Following her U.S. engagements, Pilbeam is set to return to her native Australia for a headline performance in Sydney. This homecoming concert is scheduled for May 3rd at The Vanguard and is part of "The Great Southern Nights 2026," a significant festival celebrating live music across New South Wales. The festival boasts an impressive lineup featuring prominent Australian artists such as Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, Thelma Plum, and Jet, underscoring Hatchie’s established presence within the national music scene.
The inclusion of a new show at The Vanguard in Sydney on May 3rd, as part of The Great Southern Nights 2026, marks a significant moment for Hatchie and her Australian fanbase. This date, alongside a previously announced sold-out show at Melbourne’s Bergy Ballroom on February 27th, demonstrates the strong demand for her live performances back home. The artist herself has expressed considerable excitement about returning to Australian stages, particularly to present her new album.
Expanding Musical Horizons with "Yo Gabba GabbaLand!" Soundtrack
Beyond her album releases and touring, Hatchie has also contributed to the soundtrack for Season 2 of the children’s series "Yo Gabba GabbaLand!" This collaboration places her alongside a diverse array of acclaimed artists including Santigold, CHVRCHES, Ziggy Marley, and Sharon Van Etten. Her original track for the series, "Movin’ My Body," is now available on Apple TV+.
Pilbeam shared insights into the "Yo Gabba GabbaLand!" project, explaining that the opportunity arose through a fan working on the show. She expressed admiration for the series from afar and found the prospect of contributing to the soundtrack to be an enjoyable endeavor. The selection process involved choosing from a pre-existing set of songs, and Hatchie’s team immediately connected with "Moving My Body," indicating a natural synergy between her artistic sensibilities and the show’s playful ethos.
"Liquorice": A Carefully Crafted Sonic Tapestry
"Liquorice," the album from which "Carousel" is drawn, represents a significant milestone for Hatchie, marking her debut release under the Secretly Canadian banner. The album was preceded by a series of impactful singles, including "Lose It Again," "Sage," and "Only One Laughing," each offering distinct facets of Pilbeam’s evolving sound.
The recording of "Liquorice" took place at the Los Angeles home studio of producer Melina Duterte, also known for her work as Jay Som. The album benefited from the collaborative efforts of Stella Mozgawa, a respected drummer known for her work with bands like Warpaint and Courtney Barnett, who provided drumming duties. The mixing was handled by Alex Farrar at Drop of Sun studios in Asheville, North Carolina, with mastering by Greg Obis in Chicago, a testament to the geographically dispersed yet meticulously coordinated production process. This collaborative approach across various studios and by acclaimed industry professionals has resulted in a polished and cohesive sonic offering.
Hatchie has articulated her anticipation for performing her new material for her Australian audience. "I can’t wait to finally play my new album to my Australian fans," she stated. "It feels like forever since I’ve played a show in Sydney and it just feels right to do it with our old friends GAUCI." This sentiment highlights the deep connection she maintains with her home country and the significance of these upcoming performances. She further expressed her delight at the positive reception of "Carousel," looking forward to creating more memorable moments on the road.
Upcoming Hatchie "Liquorice Tour" Dates for 2026
The "Liquorice Tour" is set to bring Hatchie’s distinctive sound to audiences across the globe. The initial leg of the tour focuses on the United States, with subsequent dates planned in Australia.
U.S. Dates:
- February 5: Lodge Room, Los Angeles, California
- February 20: Music Hall of Williamsburg, New York, New York
- April 12: Empty Bottle, Chicago, Illinois (*New Show Added)
Australian Dates:
- February 27: Bergy Ballroom, Melbourne, Victoria (*Sold Out)
- May 3: The Vanguard, Sydney, NSW (*New Show Added)
Fans seeking tickets and further information are directed to Hatchie’s official website, hatchie.net. The addition of new dates in both the U.S. and Australia reflects the growing demand and widespread appeal of Hatchie’s music, particularly following the release of her highly anticipated album "Liquorice" and the success of singles like "Carousel." The tour promises to be a significant event for fans of dream-pop and shoegaze, offering a chance to experience Hatchie’s evolving artistry live.
