Melbourne dance powerhouse Simona Castricum reminds us why she’s so highly rated
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01.09.2021

Melbourne dance powerhouse Simona Castricum reminds us why she’s so highly rated

Simona Castricum
Words by Lucas Radbourne

Simona Castricum's new release Grateful for the Heartache and its accompanying video mark a deep, mournful return.

Melbourne dance powerhouse Simona Castricum has released her first music in 2021, a single titled Grateful For The Heartache’, her first release since 2020’s ‘Panic/Desire’ LP. It’s mournful and yet mysteriously uplifting, with an irresistible melody that belies its deeper significance.

That LP saw her recognised as a nominee for two Music Victoria Awards in 2020; Best Electronic Act and Best Solo Artist. She’s been making music since the 1990s, but has more recently evolved into one of Melbourne’s most unique live electronic acts and DJs.

What you need to know

  • Simona Castricum has released her new single Grateful For The Heartache
  • It’s a ghostly tribute to a late musical collaborator
  • It’s also the first release from Simona’s forthcoming collaborative project SINK

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Panic/Desire melded the experimental with her knack for deep, grooving basslines and alluring soulful vocals. Grateful For The Heartache has the same catchy melodies as its undercurrent but is far spacier and a good degree more mournful. It’s a 1980s’inspired effort with haunting vocals reminiscent of Depeche Mode.

She describes it as a haunting tribute about loss, grief, acceptance, and remembrance—a ghostly tribute to her late musical collaborator and friend Daphne Camf. It is the first release from Simona’s forthcoming collaborative project SINK featuring visual artist Carla Zimbler. Watch the clip below.

Creating music since the late 1990s, Castricum’s music is inspired by gender and sexual nonconformity, architecture and dreamy future cities between URL and IRL spaces.

2020’s ‘Panic/Desire’ is her third full length studio album—which debuted at #1 on the AIR 100% Independent Album Chart. Her iconic live festival performances include Golden Plains, BIGSOUND, HYBRID, Something Unlimited, Paradise, and Gaytimes.

Follow Simona Castricum’s work on Facebook, Spotify or Instagram