Jangle, Joy and Hanging On: Meet The Tullamarines

Adelaide’s jangly overthinkers follow up their triple j breakout with 'Lying' — a hooky confessional wrapped in 90s shimmer and self-doubt, and their most addictive track yet.

There’s something quietly radical about a band like The Tullamarines. In a music landscape obsessed with posturing and polish, these Adelaide indie-pop charmers trade in sincerity — the kind that hits like a pang in your chest but leaves you smiling anyway. Their latest single, ‘Lying’, is a bittersweet sugar rush: jangly, sun-soaked, and riddled with doubt. It feels like anxiety in a floral button-up, spinning in circles at golden hour — all self-deprecating grin and cracked-open heart.

It’s the kind of song that makes you want to dance and disappear at the same time. It's animated and feels like it has tongue firmly in cheek, like it's 2005 all over again. That duality is the Tullamarines’ sweet spot — a fizzing mix of imposter syndrome, emotional candour, and irresistible hooks. Fresh off their breakout hit ‘Running On Empty’, they’ve clocked triple j love, editorial playlisting, and tour dates with the likes of Dice, Old Mervs, The Preatures, and Ball Park Music — not bad for four self-proclaimed overthinkers from Tarntanya/Adelaide.

We had a chat with Lucinda about the emotional guts of ‘Lying’, their insecurities in stereo, and why sometimes the saddest songs hit hardest when they’re dressed in sunshine.

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Congrats on ‘Lying’ — it feels like sunshine and self-doubt in equal measure — what was the first spark of inspiration for the track?

I wish I could take everyone into the room where this started, but honestly, I barely fit myself — there’s so much stuff piled up. I wanted to go somewhere between The All-American Rejects and Wallows, started by layering some drum loops and playing the chord stabs, and honestly, it came together really quickly after that.

You describe yourselves as “perennial overthinkers.” How does that play out in your songwriting process?

The overthinking probably happens in every part of the process. For the last couple of releases, there’s been a lot “left on the cutting room floor,” so to speak. We all do demos at home, have multiple ideas that don’t make it to the group chat — nervous that the ideas aren’t good enough, not the right vibe, etc. Of the tracks that make it through, lyrics are changed last minute, and we’re probably all still having doubts. Then mixing — we are a bit of a nightmare, to be honest. Mix revision 4, we’re deciding to add string parts, changing vocal takes — all the usual. Izaac Wilson, who we’ve been working with on the last few tracks, has some patience with us, which we’re glad for. Once we’re out the other side, it’s out in the world — we definitely feel like it’s worth it, that the song is in the best form we could make it.

There’s a real contrast between the upbeat, jangly sound of ‘Lying’ and its heavy lyrical themes — was that contrast intentional?

Definitely! We love playing with the contrast, and it’s been a part of our sound since the very beginning. We’re a bit of a soppy bunch, as most musos are — a bit stuck in our heads. All the bands we loved growing up had that energetic sound, especially at the live shows, to get you out of your head. We really love the craft of making it a fun time at the show, and it starts from the songs.

You’ve had a massive year already. How has it all felt from the inside?

It’s pinch-me moment after pinch-me moment, but at the same time, it’s this weird feeling of waiting. We’ve had so many cool shows already, and reactions to songs, but there’s an apprehensiveness — is this going to be the last biggest thing, or is there going to be one bigger? We don’t really know which way it’s going to lead. We’re just taking it all in our stride, know it’s such a privilege to be doing what we’re doing, and soaking it all in!

Were there any particular artists or records you had on rotation while writing or recording ‘Lying’?

Ben demoed this one in the summer and said there was a lot of One Direction being played around the house at the time. All of us were also getting into the latest Valley record — Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden.

What’s one thing you hope people feel or take away when they hear this song?

That so many thoughts are normal, but speaking up about them is better than letting it fester — or at least having a go. And hey, if you write a chorus about it, you get to shout your feelings at strangers most weekends, which is pretty cathartic.

You’ve shared stages with some brilliant acts — any standout memories or pinch-me moments so far?

Supporting Ball Park Music about a month ago still feels like a pinch-me moment. We all grew up listening to them, going to our first festival with them playing, having their albums on iPod Nanos when we were younger — so it was an absolute fever dream!

What’s next for The Tullamarines after this release?

We’re about to start the biggest touring stint we’ve been on — first supporting Old Mervs over a packed weekend and then supporting The Preatures until August! It’s going to be fun and we’re stoked to be a part of it. Pumped for the places we’ve never been before and slightly bracing for the red-eyes. We’ve also got a lot more new music coming out over the rest of the year that we’re excited for. We’ve been playing some of them at the recent shows and it’s feeling good. Super excited for people to hear it!

What does vinyl mean to you? What is your top 3?

Vinyl is super special — it’s more intent listening, it’s actually supporting the artist, it’s the whole art of the cover, the sleeves, the vinyl itself, and it’s yours. There’s something more romantic about putting on a record. Then from the artist’s perspective, having your art that you can hold in your hand and say, “I made that,” is really special too. I think we’re all slowly building up our collections, but for myself: 1. Salt – Angie McMahon – first record in the collection, so it has a special place 2. Flounder – quinnie – great birthday cake-making album 3. Cub – Wunderhorse – reminds me of music I used to listen to with my Dad