Australian-born, London-based singer-songwriter Ebony Buckle returns with her highly anticipated second album, Hearts Get Started, released on October 4, 2024. Following up on her 2021 debut Disco Lasers, this album showcases her unique blend of folk, rock, pop, and conceptual artistry. Known for her ethereal yet grounded sound, Buckle’s new work promises to take listeners on an expansive musical journey, with each track offering a world of its own.
Described as a “puzzle” by the artist herself, Hearts Get Started is a deeply personal collection of songs. Some of these compositions are Buckle’s oldest, representing various points of her creative evolution. “This album is a collection of songs written over several years, with some being my oldest compositions. It feels like a puzzle, with each track representing its own world and story, yet when combined, they form stepping stones along my musical journey,” she says. The album serves as a prequel of sorts to Disco Lasers, giving fans a deeper understanding of the music that shaped her path toward that critically acclaimed debut.
Buckle’s ability to create music that blends genres—folk, blues rock, pop, and ambient sounds—makes Hearts Get Started both a reflective and adventurous album. The record opens with the captivating track Fall Behind, setting the tone for a ten-song exploration of soundscapes that are as varied as they are cohesive. With every track, Buckle’s genre-bending approach reveals a sense of creative freedom, pulling influences from every corner of the musical spectrum.
One of Buckle’s defining traits as an artist is her ability to intertwine deeply personal, conceptual themes with a sound that feels universal. She collaborates closely with her husband, Nick Burns, crafting songs that reflect the complexities of human experience. Their shared songwriting and performances add a layer of intimacy to the music, creating something more than just melodies and lyrics; it’s a conversation between the two artists, mirroring the internal and external struggles we all face.
“I like to think of Hearts Get Started as a prequel to our first album Disco Lasers—it’s all the music that got me to that point,” Buckle explains. This metaphor of musical stepping stones provides listeners with insight into her artistic development and personal growth. Each track, while standing alone in its storytelling and style, is part of a larger narrative, ultimately leading to the creation of Disco Lasers.
What makes Hearts Get Started particularly exciting is its refusal to be easily categorized. Buckle pushes the boundaries of conventional pop, blending elements of rock, folk, and ambient pop into something wholly original. Her willingness to explore different musical forms is evident in every track, making this album feel like a rich sonic tapestry. Atwood Magazine, praising her creative individuality, notes that “Buckle is incomparable to any other artist, with her originality shining like the North Star.” This originality is on full display throughout the album, which refuses to conform to any one genre or style.
From the gentle, folk-inspired melodies to the more rock-driven moments, the album exudes an adventurous spirit that showcases Buckle’s vocal prowess and songwriting depth. Her voice, haunting and powerful, carries the emotional weight of each song, whether she’s delivering introspective ballads or upbeat, groove-infused tracks.
Hearts Get Started arrives on the heels of a series of teaser singles that Buckle released throughout the summer of 2024, building anticipation for this new phase in her career. These singles hinted at the album’s diversity, and now, with the full release, it’s clear that Buckle is entering a new era of artistic maturity. The release of Hearts Get Started continues her emphatic momentum in 2024, a year that has seen her gaining traction across both critical and fan communities.
The release is further enhanced by a launch performance at London’s Camden Club on October 17th, where Buckle will bring her conceptual pop to the live stage. Known for her mesmerizing live performances, Buckle’s return to the stage is highly anticipated, particularly by fans eager to experience the emotional and sonic range of her new material.
Buckle’s music isn’t just about creating beautiful soundscapes—it’s a reflection of the human condition, addressing themes of belonging, identity, and emotional resilience. Whether she’s touching on personal struggles or holding up a mirror to the world around her, she delivers her message with clarity and heart.
Performing since her early days on the UK stage, and having first gained widespread recognition for her iTunes World Chart-topping performance of Silver Dagger in the BBC drama Inspector George Gently, Ebony Buckle’s journey as an artist has been one of continual growth. Hearts Get Started is not only a milestone in that journey but a testament to her staying power and her ability to consistently push the boundaries of her music.
As Hearts Get Started reaches listeners, it is clear that Ebony Buckle’s work is far from done. This album, which draws from the past to push into the future, signals that more exciting releases are on the horizon. As a conceptual pop artist with a deep sense of narrative and musical exploration, Buckle remains a standout figure in the independent music scene. Her artistry, which blends genres and explores the intricacies of the human experience, is unique, and Hearts Get Started proves that she’s only just beginning to show what she can do.
For fans of genre-defying music that is equal parts thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, Hearts Get Started offers a deeply rewarding listening experience. Hearts Get Started is now available on all major streaming platforms. For more updates on Ebony Buckle’s music, performances, and releases, visit her official website or follow her on social media. Be sure to catch her live at Camden Club on October 17th for a night of music and storytelling unlike any other.
Connect with Ebony Buckle on
English