Aussie Indie-rock quartet Boysnlove recently released their delicate and emotionally charged single, Honeymoon Diver. The band’s singer and songwriter, Annie-Rose Collis, who’s originally from the Illawarra, explores loss, longing, and betrayal in the song’s lyrics. “This song was created after hearing the true story of the death of Tina Watson. A woman on her honeymoon and ‘allegedly’ drowned by her new husband,” says Annie. “The most harrowing part was imagining that moment under water when it dawned on her, not that she was drowning, but that her husband didn’t love her. It made me think about all those times when I’ve trusted someone and then they reveal who they really are, and how it’s hard not to blame yourself for not seeing them clearly. It was inspired by a true story, but I very much drew from my own experiences of betrayal.” 

Words Emily Perkins 

Laying all emotions on the table, lyrically and instrumentally, is therapeutic for Boysnlove, also made up of Edward Boyd, Georgia Mulligan and Holly Conner, and they hope their songs resonate with fans. We chatted with Annie-Rose about the band’s recent EP and some history, highlights, and hopes for the future.

How did the band come together?
Originally, most of us lived together in Sydney and our bassist Eddie just booked a show at the Townie [Newtown Hotel] after we had only played a song or two together in the living room. This meant that we had to just figure it out by the time the show rolled around. I hated him for it, but it worked out!

Why do you make music? 
As the singer and writer, I get a lot of my feelings down and out through music – it just feels good. As a band it’s even better, it makes the feelings really come to life. I know that the rest of the band have their own projects that they get their own things out of, but especially in the beginning, I didn’t know what I was doing and they all rallied around to get me up to scratch. It means everything.

How did you guys come up with the band name?
It was actually something Eddie’s partner at the time used to say as a silly throwaway comment about what she’d talked about with ‘the girls’ – tongue-in-cheek style. It sounded good, and back then I was writing a lot of angry feminist-type music, so I thought it was funny. 

The lyrics and meaning behind Honeymoon Diver are emotionally raw – what does it feel like to be vulnerable through music?
It can be hard at times. Especially when your fans are mostly your friends and family, you’re just laying out your innermost thoughts to people who know you and know who the songs are about. When you’re feeling raw about something, it can be physically hard to sing, but it’s also what I value most about music.

What do you hope that your music does for listeners?
I hope it makes them feel how I feel when I listen to a song that really gets me in the heart. 

Who would you guys love to collaborate with?
I love Indigo De Souza, and I love the autotune they use. I could see Boysnlove getting onboard with that vibe!

Where is the band’s dream location to perform?
I just went to Primavera Sound Festival in Portugal and saw Stella Donnelly play. It’s always inspiring to see an Australian female musician play at a huge show, so that’s the dream for now.

What’s been the highlight for Boysnlove so far?
Supporting Middle Kids at The Metro was pretty epic! But honestly releasing this song and video clip has been my favourite – I’m really proud of what we made.

You’ve shared stages with Middle Kids, Tyne-James Organ and more! How did it feel to be alongside those artists? 
It’s so great! I think it feels like the community is really rooting for you – it felt special. 

Where do you see the band in five years?
Honestly, I don’t even know where I see myself in two weeks, so who knows! But I’ll never stop singing, so we’ll be somewhere, playing something, to someone – I hope.

Listen to Boysnlove