PREMIERE: Left On Seen announce debut EP and return with sensually charged pop-punk scorcher ‘Goosebumps’
(Credit: Emily Williams)
Kaurna/Adelaide queer pop-punk sweethearts Left On Seen have today returned with their tantalising first release for 2024 (and the first preview of their forthcoming debut EP Wilted), a provocative new single called ‘Goosebumps’ – a sexually charged anthem about defiant self-empowerment and smashing double standards.
In a world built on the back of the suppression of female sexuality, Left On Seen are stealing back the narrative of what it means to be a sexually positive, queer person in heavy music. Especially frustrated with the double standards of who “can” fully embrace their sexuality in the scene, the band explore what it feels like to be constantly oversexualised and fetishised by those you’re not sexually or romantically involved with.
Ashlea Jaye (vocals) says of the release: “Due to growing up disabled, chronically ill, and with undiagnosed ADHD and Autism, I’ve had a lot of negative experiences being taken advantage of and coerced into situations I have not been comfortable with.
“This song was born after I was stood up at an art gallery, because the person slept through the date, after being overly attentive and enthusiastic in the talking stages. After waiting for a half hour with no response, I headed to Will’s house, where we ended up writing ‘Goosebumps’ in an afternoon because we couldn’t stop laughing at how ‘tongue-in-cheek’ the song is. We really leant into the fantasy world of everyone who has ever had a crush on me, firmly viewing me as an enigmatic ‘manic pixie dream girl’ and forgoing who I actually am.”
“We’ve seen a rise in heavy and alternative women embracing their sexuality and leaning into topics and themes often explored by men. Seeing women like Peni Parker, Emmy Mack of RedHook and Mikaila Delgado of Yours Truly taking back their narratives, it has given me the confidence to come forward with my own stories. The guys can’t have ALL of the fun now, can they!?”
Will Adam (guitars) adds, “When we first wrote this track, Ashlea was not very confident flaunting herself sexually onstage, due to a history of sexual harassment and abuse in gig settings. However, this song has been incredibly empowering for her to play live. It has been a lot of fun watching her embrace that side of herself. It has been a huge boost in her self-confidence.”
Ashlea further adds, “As a queer and disabled mother, I am SO ready for there to be people not okay with us releasing a song talking about having and enjoying sex. I know that my mere existence is political, and some people have a problem with how I take up space, especially in the music industry. I, on the other hand, relish in the fact that there are people out there who don’t like me and how I exist in the world. Unfortunately for them, I am stubborn, determined, and INSANELY cheeky. ‘Goosebumps’ is a great example of that.”
‘Goosebumps’ arrives alongside an eye-catching lyric video helmed by Bianca Hendy, vocalist of Chelsea Manor and Lickity Split.
Following the release of ‘Goosebumps’, October will see Left On Seen release the second single from Wilted – ‘Burned Out’, featuring Rhys of Gadigal/Sydney band SoSo.
Left On Seen came out swinging in 2022 with the release of their explosive debut single ‘Life Support’, showcasing their unique brand of rambunctious storytelling and theatrical nonsense. It immediately cemented them as one of Adelaide’s most exciting new bands, and they’ve since shared the stage with beloved acts like Forever Ends Here, Those Who Dream, Synge, SoSo, Down & Out, Drastic Park, Mannequin Death Squad – among many others. Most recently, the band supported Something Something Explosion & LOSER on their co-headlined Release tour.
Comprising seasoned music professionals Ashlea Jaye (Peripheral Noise) on vocals and Will Adam (Down With The Ship, Doc Oc!) on lead guitar, Left On Seen are a force to be reckoned with – keep an eye out for their debut EP Wilted in Q1 2025, and a stack of live shows on the horizon.
