Hey, PopRockers! We caught Perth’s rising star Danella at her album launch for Somedays, and the excitement was unreal! She sold out Lyrics Underground, proving how much fans craved her new music.
The night was a soulful fusion of incredible talent, featuring the Gina Bella Trio and Helen Shanahan. These three amazing artists kept the energy high and delivered an unforgettable, engaging performance.
The Gina Bella Trio kicked off the night, featuring Gina on guitar and vocals, Gwyn on bass, and Anthony on drums. Her sound blended blues with a catchy pop hook, creating a unique and engaging vibe. She performed tracks from her debut EP Moving On, along with a surprise cover
She opened with Moving On, immediately proving her songwriting talent to anyone hearing her for the first time. The track pulled you in with its groovy tempo and infectious bass line.
Circles kept the energy high, making you tap the table to its rhythm. Just when you thought you had the song figured out, Gina unleashed a blues-infused guitar solo that poured into your ears like liquid sound.
Next, she surprised the crowd with a cover of Smooth Operator by Sade. Gwyn’s bass groove, combined with Gina’s soft timbre, captured the song’s original energy and elegance perfectly.
Then came Lost. Gina introduced it as a song about grief so powerful it makes you feel completely adrift. You might expect Anthony to use drum brushes for this track, but instead, he kept the beat lively. Somehow, grief had a groove—who knew?
Do You Miss Me? followed, quickly becoming one of my favorites. This breakup song leaned into pop elements, steering clear of melodrama. Instead of weeping into your pillow, you’d find yourself singing along. It carried a pleading, needy energy but kept the message simple—if you miss me, just hold me for one more night.
Then, we slowed things down with Merry Go Round. If you want a song that showcases Gina’s vocal talent, this is it. Her silky, quiet tones could soothe even a rampaging rhino. Definitely add this to your relaxation playlist.
Whipped Cream brought back the heat, channeling Barry White vibes in the best way. Gina, Gwyn, and Anthony cranked the energy up, letting loose musically. The song captured that exhilarating stage in a relationship where you can’t get enough of each other—just like the first time you try whipped cream.
She closed the set with Broken Hearted, an 80s-inspired banger with an infectious groove and a hook that stuck with you. The trio picked the perfect finale, leaving the crowd dancing on their stools and chairs.
If you’re tired of generic pop with no heart or soul, you need Gina Bella on your playlist. She’s a star on the rise.
Up next, we experienced the folk acoustic brilliance of Helen Shanahan. She has supported artists like Passenger and Missy Higgins, released tons of music, and hasn’t even turned 30!
She opened with Deer in the Headlights, delivering a powerful performance alongside her partner for the night, Steve Hensby. If you’ve been to Lyrics Underground, you know its acoustics are flawless. When Helen hit the titular lyric, you felt it in your DNA. She bought the “wow factor” at the sheer power of her voice.
Next came Subtlety in the Silence, a song about reflecting during life’s quiet moments. Helen’s lyrics, “You hear more in the quiet,” really struck me. Her harmonies with Steve shined beautifully, elevating the song’s emotional depth.
Then, she played Under the Maple Tree and shared that her last album was produced in Nashville, country music’s capital. This track carried strong country influences, telling a heartfelt story about seeking forgiveness after hurting someone you love. Helen’s storytelling ability truly stood out.
She followed with Outside, a song about anxiety and the fight to overcome it. Helen didn’t hold back, reaching her vocal peak with raw emotion. One moment, she was subdued; the next, she burst out like a jack-in-the-box. It was an emotional rollercoaster that captured the song’s message perfectly.
Bad relationships took center stage next with Cement. This track described a relationship so fractured that even cement couldn’t hold it together. While the song’s story focused on something broken, Helen and Steve’s chemistry remained rock solid.
Then, we got something universally relatable—Saying No. This song tackled the regret of not speaking up when you should have. We’ve all been there, right? Helen and Steve brought high energy, making it clear that sometimes you need to say a firm “No!”—and they delivered that emphasis perfectly.
Crowd participation came next with Finding Gold. Helen wanted to warm us up for Danella and had everyone singing along to the word “gold.” This song felt like a stadium anthem, easily drawing the audience in. If anyone ever doubted folk music’s power, Helen had them completely captivated.
She closed with Camouflage, a song evoking images of jungles and lions, but its message ran deeper. It explored the desire to break free from isolation and become part of the world rather than staying a wallflower.
Whether intentional or not, Helen mirrored this theme throughout her set. She lured us in with quiet moments, then ambushed us with raw, unfiltered energy. She mastered the ebb and flow of the stage, leaving a lasting impression.
After a brief intermission, it was time for the evening’s headliner—Danella. She isn’t a one-size-fits-all artist. Instead, she fuses elements of soul, pop, and everything in between. Her music feels like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’ll get, but it’s always fantastic.
The band took the stage first, setting the mood. Nathan Gaunt handled guitar, Gina Bella and Anthony played keys and drums, while Mikey Wiegele rocked the bass. They seamlessly rolled into Six Months In The Sun.
Written in Margaret River, this song captured the escape from city life to coastal solitude. Danella’s voice commanded attention instantly, proving the hype was real.
Next came Long Drives, and it completely shattered my expectations. I had underestimated Danella’s vocal talent—she pulled off tricks worthy of Norah Jones or Joss Stone. This song belongs on your next road trip playlist.
Danella then paused to talk about her album, Somedays. She shared how much it meant to her, revealing her deep passion for music. You could see the emotion as she spoke.
Naturally, the title track followed. Danella joked that performing this song gave her chills, and you could tell it was true. Lost in the music, she delivered a heartfelt performance. The song dreamed of better days, leaving the audience smiling.
Then came a personal story about her journey into music. She talked about working at Repco as a sports coordinator and jamming with a coworker, Ben. That friendship inspired her love for music, and fittingly, she invited Ben onstage for the next few songs.
Participate In Our Love came first, a masterful composition with an irresistibly quirky chorus. The entire Underground sang along, caught up in the moment.
Next, Danella brought out her ukulele for Rambutan. As soon as she said the title, the audience erupted. This was a fan favourite. Being a sucker for romantic beach songs, I loved every second.
Then, she brought Mikey Wiegele back onstage and credited him for pushing her to finish the album. He believed in her music and encouraged her to bring her singles together into a full project. Kudos to Mikey!
Up next was I Can’t Be Your Rock, a song that tugged at heartstrings like Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me. Danella wrote it after her baby’s birth and a performance at Ellington Jazz Club. This track will hit you right in the feels.
Then came my sister’s favourite—That’s Life. Danella went full jazz mode, pulling out vocal tricks while the audience sang the chorus on cue. This song celebrated life’s stages, from work to retirement to the rare honour of receiving a royal letter at 100.
When I Say followed, offering a journey of emotions. The first half felt introspective and subdued. Then, the cathartic release burst through, like birds soaring into the sky. Nothing beats a ballad that explodes with raw emotion.
Then, it was time to rock! The band reassembled, and Static Soul kicked in with electric energy. Danella and the crew gave it their all, delivering a high-energy performance. If you love getting loose and dancing, this song is an album highlight.
The mood shifted again with My Heart Stops In Rio, another standout from Somedays. Inspired by a flight over Brazil, the song captured the contrast between the country’s wild reputation and hidden beauty. Danella poured her soul into this one.
Space came next, inspired by a woman named Erin who gifted her child The Pout-Pout Fish. Research says the book’s little fish is always grumpy, but he finds happiness in the end.
And Space brought plenty of smiles. Beautifully emotional, it reflected Danella’s relationship with her baby Her passion radiated through every note.
Then, she surprised the crowd with a cover of The Ronettes’ Be My Baby. If I were to compare the original with Danella’s cover, I much prefer this. It is a testament to the talent of Danella and the modern meets golden era sound she strives for in her music.
Next, she performed Let’s Be Real from her previous album. This was a classic “call your ex out on their nonsense” anthem. Danella nailed the role of a jilted lover, her voice dripping with righteous sarcasm.
From a broken relationship to a strong one, she transitioned into Hold My Hand. The song was built around her wedding vows, describing her husband’s unwavering love and support.
She modified the vow slightly, adding don’t to the opening line. That small change shifted the song’s meaning, making it about craving love like an addictive drug.
Finally, the night closed with Strum For Two. The band went all out, giving everything they had. Anthony played with fire, and Danella poured her heart into the vocals, but Nathan and Gina stole the show. Their guitar battle was electric, and the audience devoured every note.
Danella truly earns the praise she receives from the music community. She pours immense effort into every aspect of her music, from creation to execution.
Gina Bella and her trio are another act worth following, alongside Helen Shannahan, whose folky brilliance really captivates
Somedays delivers a poignant journey filled with emotional highs and lows. Tracks like My Heart Stops in Rio and I Can’t Be Your Rock pull you into introspective moments, while Six Months in the Sun and Static Soul inject electrifying energy.
The night succeeded on two levels—it introduced new fans to incredible female Perth artists and solidified Danella’s presence in the scene. Her time in the spotlight will last far beyond six months. As my sister perfectly summed up on the ride home: “Danella is bloody brilliant.”
Echosmith began as a family dream in Chino, California. The band originally consisted of four siblings: Sydney, Noah, Graham, and Jamie Sierota. Growing up in a musical household, they were inspired by iconic bands like Coldplay, U2, and Fleetwood Mac.
Their father, Jeffery David, played a pivotal role as their manager and co-writer. In 2012, they signed with Warner Bros. Records, marking the start of their professional journey.
