Australian songwriter Maple Glider returned last month with the new single “Dinah” landing alongside news of the artist born Tori Zietsch’s sophomore album under the moniker, I Get Into Trouble. The track recreated the indie-folk sounds of Zietsch’s 2021 debut To Enjoy Is the Only Thing while pairing softly strummed acoustic guitar tones and soothing vocals with scathing lyrics condemning religious hypocrisy—further skewered in the track’s playful official music video.
There’s something about the sing-along dynamics of the track and its engaging narrative that makes for the perfect driving music (wouldn’t recommend watching the video while behind the wheel, though!)—a trait that carries over to most of the songwriter’s discography—and, perhaps not coincidentally, a trait she looks for in the music she consumes herself. “I often connect with albums and songs properly for the first time when I’m in the car,” she shares. “When you’re in transit you actually can’t be anywhere else—you’re still getting to where you need to be and have already left where you came from—so I guess all you really are is in that moment, moving through the changing scenes of everything around you.”
As we look forward to October 13 when we can begin soundtracking our 30-plus minute drives to I Get Into Trouble, Maple Glider shared with us her own driving playlist for commutes out of the bustling city and into the calm Australian countryside more conducive to consuming songs by artists like Waxahatchee and Beverly Glenn-Copeland. Check out her playlist along with descriptions for each song below, and pre-order the new LP here.
Winten, “Waving to My Girl”
Winten is one of my best friends, and this is off her debut album out in August. It’s one of my absolute favorite songs to shake my head and sing my lungs out to—though I feel very concentrated whilst driving and listening to this song for some reason [laughs].
Jen Cloher, “My Witch”
Such a bloody good song off an incredible album: I Am the River, the River Is Me. I listen to this whole album on road trips, to be honest, it’s one of my favorite-ever albums. The video to this song is also amazing.
Folk Bitch Trio, “Analogue”
One of the best groups going around. They get me right in the feels. A perfect song for looking out the window and feeling romantic.
Juice Webster, “Returning”
This song is off Juice’s upcoming album Julia. All the songs she has released so far are so visceral and make me feel alive. Perfect to put on driving past the seaside. Especially after a cold dip.
Samia, “Amelia”
I love Samia. I’ve been playing her albums a lot recently. She’s so talented and her voice is incredible. This is a favorite track of mine to blast in the car and feel really good and excited about whatever, especially with friends.
Becca Mancari, “Over and Over”
I saw Becca Mancari play a few years ago. I was quite drunk and remember dancing/swaying a lot. This hook gets stuck in my head over and over again. Windows down, for sure.
Coco, “Empty Beach”
I heard this song for the first time on a tour up north in the winter. It makes me think of driving through rolling hills and laughing with my band a lot.
Bumpy, “Leave It All Behind”
I read in an interview with Bumpy that this song was inspired by a camping trip after a heap of lockdowns and is a romantic reminder to leave the city and slow down for a while. Definitely blasting this song on the way to my next camping trip. Her whole EP Morning Sun is incredible and perfect to listen to wherever the heck you may be or are leaving to.
Miya Folick, “Nothing to See”
One of the first times I listened to this song was at sunrise by the beach, and I always have that picture in my head when I hear it. I love Miya Folick. I went to see her play a show in Brighton a few years ago and have been a big fan since. Also a great song to listen to when driving through the night.
Hannah Mckittrick, “Big Plan”
Han is one of the most entrancing and beautiful people to watch perform. This song is perfect for looking down long roads, watching the landscape change form, reflecting on what has been.
Leah Senior, “The Music That I Make”
Leah makes everything feel warm and curious, and this song is no exception. I feel full of gratitude and acceptance when I hear this song. Somehow things feel better
Waxahatchee, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning”
I bloody love Dolly Parton, and if this list was longer there’d be many songs of hers here. The cover of this song by Waxahatchee is gorgeous and has that perfect hopeful long drive feeling.
Beverly Glenn-Copeland, “Ever New”
This song just makes me feel so good and full of new beginnings. I love how much it feels like spring. Kelsey Lu’s transportation of this song is also so stunning.
Angie Mcmahon, “Letting Go”
This is an excellent one to belt out to—and I’ve done that a lot whilst I’ve been in the car alone.
Kim Jung Mi, “Haenim”
I listened to this song for the first time whilst reading Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart after she referenced the song. I had a good cry as I finished the book. I was camping out near Gariwerd and drove looking out to very old gum trees, kangaroos, and emus in the summer heat.
