Naarm/Melbourne-based alt-folk artist Stella Dunai celebrates the friendships and connections that leave their mark on us with ‘Move On’, a warm ode to meeting people, growing alongside them and carrying pieces of those relationships forward. “People come into our lives for different reasons and lengths of time,” she explains, reflecting on the many small exchanges that help shape who we become.
There’s a wonderfully playful energy to ‘Move On’, led by intricate layers of acoustic guitar. Fast finger-picked parts tumble over one another alongside an equally nimble bassline, while galloping drums give the track its jaunty, forward-moving bounce. Dunai’s warm vocal remains conversational at its heart, occasionally taking on a more playful quality that sits naturally against all that movement. Despite its energy, the song retains the intimacy of indie-folk, with the detailed guitar work providing much of its character.
Most importantly, ‘Move On’ radiates the cosy optimism at the heart of its message. Rather than dwelling on how long somebody might remain in our lives, Dunai celebrates the ways we continually shape one another, capturing some of the simple excitement and openness of making a new friend.
