The Brighton dream pop musician’s new EP Goodbye Lavender arrives on May 29 via Venn Records
Winter has truly given everything she’s got this season, especially with the new music funneling through the chilly airwaves. As people travel to and fro through the blizzards and slush, the tunes may be the only thing keeping them sane. For listeners who need that extra push, Opal Mag is there to rescue them. With the release of their latest single “World End“, from their upcoming May 29th EP ‘Goodbye Lavender’, via Venn Records, she is sure to bring a respite. The Brighton musician was clear about her intent: “‘World End’ is an exploration of emotional imbalance, where one person’s pain is minimized while another’s takes centre stage, revealing how that imbalance can be quietly reinforced to serve someone else’s sense of control – kicking them when they’re down”.
“World End” is an entrancing dream pop bop that already hooks from the first series of riffs. Her subsequent vocals are shaded yet enthrall the ears. There is a sense that this is a rare tale being conveyed that listeners are required to open up their ears. The track is a contradiction of sorts with its foreboding feel tied to an appealing tune. At the 2:30 minute mark, her haunting vocals hang in the air and grip the listener with a successful coo. Opal Mag may be just the spell-binding fortune teller of the year. People will be sure to pay attention.
What was it like working on “World End” with Harry Jordan? Were there any specific moments in the studio or writing process that stood out?
It was great to work with the same producer on this entire EP. Harry really helped narrow down the sonic identity of this project and bring cohesion. Also having all the same players on each track helped keep consistency with the feel and parts. Being in a new space (Bam Bam Studios) felt so inspiring and Harry really made us feel at home. Being in the countryside helped us all throw ourselves into the world of the EP.
How has your sound evolved in this iteration compared to your past work?
It feels like this collection of tracks lean more into the dream-pop space than before with slight country and americana inflections from the use of pedal steel. It was nice to explore the dreamier side of my songwriting. Whereas my previous tracks have more of a consistent fuzzed out guitar tone.
What is one thing you wish you knew when you first started making music?
Not every song has to make it. It can block my creativity by putting too much pressure on each song having to end up in the set or recorded. Sometimes it’s better to just play around and experiment.
Who is your ideal headlining act that you would love to open for or collaborate with?
I would love to tour with Wolf Alice or Alvvays! They inspire me a lot.
What are your hopes for the rest of 2026?
I’d love to have the opportunity to do a proper UK tour of my own, support a really cool artist and play in Europe. I haven’t done that yet, so it would be an amazing experience.
