Witching Hour Queen Of Wands

Following her whirlwind entrance into 2021 with the dark and dreamy 'Hell Hath No Fury Like', Melbourne muse Witching Hour - the moniker of local creative Claire Quartz - today returns with the announcement of her forthcoming debut EP, 'Book Of Shadows', out Friday 30th July. 

Accompanying the announcement comes her new single 'Queen Of Wands' - a punchy, punk-infused power-pop anthem written as an empowering ode to self-love and relishing in one's own company. 'Queen Of Wands' explores a new side of Witching Hour's previously dark, synth-laden discography, leaning into a sound reminiscent of international icons Paramore and Olivia Rodrigo, and closer to home, the likes of Cry Club and Tired Lion.

Tinges of darkness creep into the track through its relentlessly energetic verse, all the while building into an infectious and cheerful chorus which serves as the perfect soundtrack to any bedroom mirror sing-a-long.

"'Queen Of Wands' distills the precious, potent magic that comes from finally choosing yourself," Quartz reflects. "After experiencing one damaging relationship after another, I had at last let go of the desire I had to swiftly and effectively find the right person to spend my life with, and the tendency to contort the wrong people into that vision.

"Once I released my grip on that outcome and sat with the fear and uncertainty of not having control over that part of my future, I felt life and vibrance rush back to my body. I finally felt like my truest and most authentic, colourful self again. I was living alone in a wonderful apartment with my cat, I was taking myself out on dates, and it was such a restorative and special time in my life. I felt totally renewed, and the little haven I'd created for myself served as a kind of cocoon, fostering my transformation. The song is an ode to that apartment, and that revelation."

In addition to drawing inspiration from her personal transformation, Witching Hour also nods to her passion for the occult in 'Queen Of Wands'.

"I felt that the energy I was living out was an apt embodiment of the Queen of Wands tarot archetype. The Queen of Wands is fiery, independent, strong, joyous, passionate, warm, confident, and yet deeply in touch with her shadow self, and she perfectly encapsulated the powerful return to self that I experienced."

The new single was recorded with, produced, and mixed by ENTENTE, the production duo composed of Ezekiel Fenn and Michael Best, who also perform alongside Witching Hour as part of her live band. Mastering duties were handled by Patrick Cummings in collaboration with Witching Hour.