The line “now I play the game without the gamble/ I won the war although I lost some battles” from New Zealander Molly Payton’s latest single “Handle” really speaks to the heart of the song. It’s a song about resilience and coming through turbulence to find a new sense of peace, reaching a place of contentment that at one point didn’t seem possible. And again it showcases her effortless ability to craft wide-screen cinematic melodies, insightful poetic lyrics and hugely impressive vocals.
She says of the track “I wrote ‘Handle’ last year in early winter. We couldn’t afford an Airbnb so we were staying at my manager’s mother-in-law’s house in Greenwich, pet-sitting her Tortoise. I moved to London at 16, and for the first few years, I was in such a rush to experience everything that I ended up burning out a bit. Then I experienced a huge loss which upended my life and led to me moving home to New Zealand. I really felt a bit like I was never going to be okay again, and even after moving back to London I struggled for a long time. Two years on, I’m sitting in this garden in Greenwich and the sun comes out and my boyfriend’s upstairs, and I just got that ‘wow things are okay now’ kinda feeling. Although initially the song was for him, when I listen to ‘Handle’ now it reminds me of that feeling of peace and relief I felt that day, so really I think the track is now for me more than anyone.”
‘Handle’, is from Payton’s forthcoming EP Compromise, confirmed for release on November 11th via The Orchard. It’s her second single of 2022, and follows her earlier offering ‘Do It All The Same’ as well a recent jaunt supporting Beabadoobee last month through Australia and New Zealand.
Molly Payton – Live Dates
03 Dec | Melbourne, AU | The Croxton Ballroom – supporting Palace
06 Dec | Brisbane, AU | The Tivoli – supporting Palace
08 Dec | Sydney, AU | Roundhouse – supporting Palace
27 December | Taupo, NZ | Le Currents festival
31 December | Wanaka, NZ | Rhythm & Alps festival
07 January 2023 | Whitianga, NZ | Coromandel Classic
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