Melbourne singer/songwriter Lani teams with award-winning producer Gary Pinto to write her new single Chameleon; finding a sweet spot between the dreamy sounds of Lana Del Ray peppered with the nostalgic pop of The Beatles. She leans on the very personal here; where betrayal drives the narrative.
The Mornington Peninsula-based singer has also worked on an electronic dance music vocal collaboration with DJ Mju for his track Jungle Ride – a coming together that all happened thanks to an Instagram exchange.
Lani spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
I love Melbourne because it has a rustic charm that really speaks to me. There’s something about its old-world feel mixed with modern life that makes it incredibly special.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
The beef ribs at Squires Loft are hands-down my all-time favourite dish. I honestly rave about them all the time; nothing else compares.
FAVOURITE BAR
Electric Bar in Prahran; it’s super fun and moody with a fantastic vibe. I always order a Cosmopolitan.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
A Long Island Iced Tea – a mix of everything, bold but classic. I’ve always been a bit of an old soul, and like the drink, there’s more to me than meets the eye. Strong, layered, and definitely not boring.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Starbucks and Grill’d whilst watching Dynasty.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
It would have to be the local Dubbo pub next to the caravan park. It definitely wasn’t anything fancy, but it holds some of my favourite memories. I spent time there with my family, and the atmosphere was laid-back, welcoming, and full of character — sometimes it’s the simple places that mean the most.
FAVOURITE WINE
A sparkling bottle of wine called Strawberry Kiss by Hickinbotham, Dromana
FAVOURITE WINERY
Hickinbotham in Dromana – it’s so classy and beautiful with the most amazing views.
NEXT DESTINATION
I would love to get to Europe, but for now it’s uni and releasing my new music.
A SONG THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE
Get Free by Lana Del Rey genuinely changed my life – not just because of what it’s about, but in the way it was written and the melodic choices she made. The lyrics spoke to me on such a deep level, especially themes of personal freedom, inner conflict, and choosing light over darkness. The simplicity and softness of the melody, paired with her dreamy vocal layering, made the message hit even harder. It’s one of those songs that felt like it understood me before I even understood myself.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW SINGLE CHAMELEON AND WHAT WE CAN EXPECT WITH THE NEW EP?
The new music is deeply inspired by personal experiences, especially people who’ve truly changed my life for the better. I draw on a range of melodic influences from The Beatles to Lana Del Rey too, and other timeless classics to create a delicate, almost nostalgic feel. Chameleon is particularly close to my heart; written about an old acquaintance who two-faced; constantly lying to others. The song is a reflection on trust, truth, and how people shape the way we grow.
