Melbourne-based artist Romanie returns with her stirring new single When Will We Lose Hope?—a raw, reflective track that grapples with despair while holding tightly to the idea of hope and community. The release follows her May single Uh Oh and continues to usher in a new era for the Belgian-born singer-songwriter, one defined by grit, vulnerability, and sonic depth.
Written during Adrienne Lenker’s School of Song workshop, the track was born out of Romanie’s reflections on global unrest and her own uncertainty about pursuing music in times of turmoil. “I was feeling kind of lost in the world, wondering if making music was the right thing to do in a time of turmoil, reading the news and looking at villains ruling the world and destroying the planet,” she shares. “It’s a really sad song, but I really want to emphasize the element of hope in it too, because it’s important to keep loving and caring for the community.”
Co-produced with Sam Swain (RAT!hammock, Obscura Hail) and recorded at Sunset Pig Studios and Treehouse Studios with Alex O’Gorman, When Will We Lose Hope? pairs Romanie’s effortless vocals with stark lyricism, offering both a haunting meditation and a gentle reminder of resilience.
The single arrives alongside a striking self-filmed video co-directed with Guy Perkins (Angie McMahon, Spacey Jane). Merging lo-fi chaos with sleek modern visuals, the video mirrors the song’s themes of exhaustion, anger, and the emotional toll of systemic violence—captured poignantly after Romanie clocked off a 15-hour double shift.
Since her debut album Are We There Yet? (2023)—nominated for the Australian Music Prize—Romanie has emerged as one of Australia’s most compelling indie voices. With accolades including the Upstart Award, a triple j Unearthed x NIDA win, and international recognition through the International Songwriting Competition, her artistry continues to resonate deeply.
Live, Romanie has shared stages with Telenova, Blanco White, 10cc, Yoke Lore, Katy J Pearson, The Moving Stills, Mia Wray, and more, cementing her reputation as a captivating performer.
With more music on the horizon, When Will We Lose Hope? reinforces Romanie’s ability to craft songs that are as vulnerable as they are vital—offering both solace and strength in uncertain times.
