Thelma Plum returns with new single 'Nobody's Baby'

Image: Kira Puru
Published: 24 July 2024

Gamilaraay artist Thelma Plum today returns with the single ‘Nobody’s Baby’, her first new music of 2024.

Written by Plum and Alex Burnett and produced by Burnett and Xavier Dunn (Jack River, Cxloe, Graace), ‘Nobody’s Baby’ is a moody, cinematic gem that opens with a soundscape straight out of a 1960s Western film before moving into a lush pop environment complete with whistled refrains and sweeping melodies.

The story of the song introduces a touch of melancholy as Plum sings of the difficult period of growing from girlhood into adulthood and the generational transfer of learned behaviour. ‘When I get these voices in my head / Telling me you’re better off instead / Am I good enough? / Am I worth your love? / I don’t think I can stay,’ she sings.

"‘Nobody’s Baby’ is about the intersections of girlhood and growing up. When I was younger I was kind of forced to grow up fairly quickly and it impacted me in ways I’m only discovering now that I am an actual adult,” Plum says. “I was always wanting to make myself seem older and more mature, and always trying to prove myself. I feel sad for the younger me but I am also proud of her. It’s complicated and I didn’t necessarily understand it all until I wrote this record, in particular this song. I still don’t really understand it but maybe ‘Nobody’s Baby’ will help me explain that to you, and maybe me too.”

Plum has also released a music video for ‘Nobody’s Baby’, directed by Studio Antics. Set in an equestrian field, the video was shot on Kodak Film giving it a throwback, vintage feel and features Plum styled by Kourh, Marta Design and Nicol & Ford, with jewellery by Immortale.

‘Nobody’s Baby’ follows the 2023 single ‘We Don’t Talk About It’, which was Plum’s first foray back into music after her 2022 EP Meanjin. A musician for over a decade, Plum first burst to international attention with the release of the 2018 single ‘Clumsy Love’, which was certified double platinum in Australia, and her 2019 debut album Better In Blak which peaked at number 4 on the Australian album charts and earned her six ARIA Award nominations.

One of Australia’s most powerful, charismatic and emotive performers, everything Plum releases has an inexplicable ability to wind a spell right through your heart and ‘Nobody’s Baby’ is no different. With more new music due later this year, Plum’s return to, and next chapter of, music is set to be one of 2024’s brightest moments.

‘Nobody’s Baby’ is out now via Warner Music. You can buy and stream here.
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