She's already leading the charge when it comes to the R&B renaissance here in Australia, but if we needed any more proof of Lara Andallo's star power, we need only take a look at her latest single, Diamond In The Rough.
A slow-burning piece of pop-infused R&B from the Filipino-Australian musician, Diamond In The Rough effortlessly switches between genres, incorporating elements of futuristic electronica, while boasting production reminiscent of hip-hop and trap. Together though, these elements all combine to show Andallo at her fearless best.
Smooth and slinky, yet equally powerful, in its delivery, the single sees Andallo showcasing a more mature and confident energy, owning and embracing her sexuality while embracing new and exciting directions, and allowing herself to eschew the comparatively 'safe' direction she was previously heading in. Lyrically, the track is also something of an exploration, depicting a search for that mythical 'diamond', only to discover it's more than just a little 'rough' around the edges.
"At the time I wrote this song, I felt like I had found a rare connection with someone, but not at all in the ideal circumstances," Andallo explains. "I was feeling the pressure & tension of the situation, but you need high pressure & heat to make a diamond right.
"I wanted to play into the mystery of 'what could be' or being 'caught' visually, and that’s why we shoot the dance video in the dark with minimal lighting."
Paired with a video directed by Melanie Or, Diamond In The Rough is a slick and powerful entry in Andallo's already-impressive discography. Serving as her first new track since June's Head To Toe, it's indicative of the new direction we find her heading in after a couple of years on the down-low.
READ MORE: INTERVIEW: WHY LARA ANDALLO IS THE R&B RISING STAR AUSTRALIA NEEDS
Currently, it's looking as though Andallo's next career will be a global one, having joined UK producer Joel Corry on his Australian tour earlier this year. "Joel asked me to join him on his Australian tour after hearing my music and seeing my previous live performances," she explains. "I’m super grateful for his belief in me, he definitely gave me confirmation that I’m doing all the right things."
