Airling: Ethereal Pop from Australia's Indie Scene

Airling is the captivating musical project of Australian singer-songwriter and producer Hannah Shepherd. Hailing from Brisbane, she has carved a distinct space in the indie electronic landscape with her atmospheric sound and emotive vocals, gaining significant attention through national radio play and festival appearances across Australia.

Early career

Hannah Shepherd began her journey under the Airling moniker in the early 2010s, emerging from Brisbane's vibrant indie community. Her initial foray into the public eye came with the 2014 release of the haunting Love Gracefully EP, which showcased her signature blend of delicate vocals and textured electronic production.

Breakthrough

Airling's breakthrough arrived in 2016 with the critically acclaimed Hard to Sleep, Easy to Dream EP. The lead single, The Runner, became a standout track, receiving high rotation on Australia's Triple J radio and propelling her to wider recognition. This release solidified her collaboration with producer Tom Iansek from #1 Dads and Big Scary, further defining her studio sound.

Key tracks

The Runner — This 2016 single became an indie anthem in Australia, defining her early sound with its driving rhythm and soaring chorus.

Stallin' — A key track from her debut EP, it highlights her ability to craft intimate, emotionally resonant pop songs.

Not a Fighter — Featured on the 2017 compilation "Like a Version," this cover demonstrated her unique vocal interpretation and expanded her audience.

Move Me — This later single, released in 2021, marked a return with a more mature, synth-driven direction.

Her collaborative work has also been pivotal, including featuring on tracks for Australian electronic acts like Japanese Wallpaper and Big Scary. Airling's music, while not achieving mainstream chart dominance, maintains a respected position within the Australian alternative charts and continues to be a staple on indie-focused radio.

Fans of Airling's ethereal indie pop may also enjoy the textured sounds of Meg Mac, who shares a powerful vocal presence and soulful electronic production. The atmospheric work of Wafia explores similar intimate electronic pop landscapes. For another Brisbane-based artist blending folk and electronica, explore Hatchie.

Airling's discography receives regular airplay across a network of independent music radio stations and online alternative radio streams that specialize in curated indie and electronic pop. Her songs are frequently featured in programming designed to spotlight emerging and established talent from the Australasian region.

Listeners can discover the immersive music of Airling through the dedicated indie and alternative radio stations available on onairium.com, where her tracks are part of a curated selection highlighting the best in atmospheric pop.