Award-winning Melbourne singer-songwriter Magdalia has never shied away from honesty, and with her latest single “Out of Focus”, she takes listeners deep into her world with a track that is as personal as it is sonically polished. Known for her powerful vocals and unflinching storytelling, Magdalia channels her own lived experiences into a pop soundscape that feels both heartfelt and empowering.
Written alongside Olivia Regueira-Garcia of The Artist Studio Sydney, “Out of Focus” is more than just a catchy pop track. At its core, it explores Magdalia’s journey as a late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman, while also reflecting on the confusion of witnessing her father lose his sight during her childhood. Both experiences, though difficult, are woven into the song’s DNA.
As Magdalia herself explains, “I wanted to write something that felt good to perform but still told a story that mattered to me. Both experiences were tough and confusing, but they made me who I am. ‘Out of Focus’ is about finding clarity in the middle of all that.”
That tension — between struggle and self-discovery — is what gives the track its emotional resonance.
Musically, “Out of Focus” balances heartfelt lyricism with an undeniable pop sensibility. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Ariana Grande, Griff, and Dua Lipa, the track blends dream-pop textures with sharp pop hooks. But while those influences are clear, the sound remains unmistakably Magdalia. Her commanding vocal presence sits front and center, guiding the listener through layers of shimmering synths and buoyant production.
Olivia Regueira-Garcia handles production duties, while Liv Volpe of DownUp Studios provides mixing and mastering. The result is a track that feels sleek and modern, yet never loses its emotional depth.
Adding to the song’s impact is its live music video, filmed by MOUK Media at Bakehouse Studios as part of their Artist Residency program for disabled artists. Using deliberate shifts in focus and blur, the visuals echo the track’s themes of clarity, confusion, and perspective. For Magdalia, the video wasn’t just an artistic exercise but a personal milestone: “Filming at Bakehouse was a dream for me. We played with effects to visually tie everything back to the story behind the song.”
Magdalia has already built a reputation as one of Melbourne’s most exciting rising voices. With a Music Victoria Amplify Award nomination, the 2024 RSOM Songwriter of the Year title, and a Bakehouse Artist Residency under her belt, she continues to cement her place in Australia’s pop and indie landscape.
Her growing online presence — marked by blunt humor, relatability, and even a love for Formula 1 — has won her fans on TikTok, while her live performances have left lasting impressions everywhere from The Paris Cat Jazz Club to major festivals like The Festival of Sails.
What sets “Out of Focus” apart is how it balances vulnerability with confidence. The track is deeply personal, yet crafted with enough polish and universality to resonate with anyone searching for clarity amid life’s chaos. It’s pop music with substance — infectious enough to sing along to, but layered with meaning that lingers long after the last note fades.
With “Out of Focus”, Magdalia proves once again why she’s been hailed as “Melbourne’s rising star”. The track showcases her ability to blend sharp pop instincts with personal storytelling, making music that is both deeply relatable and sonically fresh.
As she prepares to launch her debut EP later this year — supported by Cardinia Arts Grants and preceded by one more single — Magdalia’s upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. If “Out of Focus” is any indication, the next chapter of her career will not only amplify her voice but solidify her place as one of Australia’s most compelling new artists.
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