ASIRAH ABDUL KADIR

the drives to tuition classes, the sleepovers, the crying, the arguing, the apologising, the hugging and all the love I’ve been so lucky to receive from these girls. I’m so thankful for this tender song of yours for immortalising one of the sincerest and defining friendships I’ve had to date.

But I lived and I grew, and I got to blast Perfect Places the morning I turned 19 in a city far away from that quiet suburb, those gentle friendships, and those silly little crushes. It was the start of a new chapter in my life, moving to Australia alone and starting university, so it was invigorating being reminded that I’m 19 and I’m on fire.

Now here I am writing this letter to you, freshly 22. Your latest album couldn’t have come at a better time as I navigate my way through my early 20s and my homesickness grows wider by the day. My heart still swells a little when I hear Stoned at The Nail Salon, especially in the evenings when the sun is dipping just below the horizon and golden light fills my kitchen, as I wait for my parents’ call. The heavy bass line hums in my chest as I try to make sense of my place in this little corner of the world. And when the South Australian sun has emerged in its full glory by the end of the winter, I’ll play Secrets from a Girl (Who’s Seen it All) on my walks to class. Remembering how much I’ve grown and how far I’ve come since 16.

So I hope you understand now why I couldn’t have possibly penned this all down within 10 minutes. I’ve been carrying your songs with me throughout the most formative years of my life; throughout all the changes and all the firsts. You were like that cool big sister in a way, your words acting as warm reassurances. Thank you for coming to Adelaide last night and playing these monumental songs. I hope you wouldn’t mind, but I brought 16, 17, 18 and 19-year-old with me to your show. We loved being able to scream and dance communally into the void.