Imageby Savannah van der Niet //

Fresh from dropping her latest single ‘Wonder,’ Gold Coast local San Mei shows us around her favourite haunts.

Having already racked up 60k listens in a less than a fortnight on her first new music since her 2017 debut Necessary, it’s looking like this year is going to be a big one for San Mei. Her latest ‘Wonder’ combines distorted guitars with airy vocals and synths to create a sound that’s both heavy and dreamy at the same time.

Lyrically the tune leans more toward the romantic side though. “It’s about that classic ‘butterflies’ moment when someone unknown to you captures your attention, and you’re not sure why. It’s that person becoming a daydream to you, wondering who they are, what they’re about and not necessarily wanting them to become anything more than some intoxicating illusion,” San Mei says.

But what does San Mei get up to when shes not busy creating the delicious sonic soundscapes of her catchy pop tunes? She took us out and about on the Gold Coast last weekend and shared her favourite spots to eat, drink and swim:

Best breakfast: Caffeine Kings, Miami

San Mei says, “This cafe is killing the coffee and breaky game at the moment. It’s a little bit of a hidden gem and the combo of deliciousness and laid back-ness is killer.”

Best Milkshake: FuFu, Mermaid Beach

“I have an out of control sweet tooth, so this had to make the list. FuFu is a fairly unusual Chinese-American eatery with an unreal LA-kitschy aesthetic. Great food, beers etc – but drinking the perfect milkshake in a place like this made me fall in love with it.”

Best Bar: Après Surf, Mermaid Beach

“This place has killer beers and food, but the best part for me is feeling immediately transported to a Twin Peaks set as soon as you walk inside.”

Best Beach: Rainbow Bay (Coolangatta)

“This part of Cooly is so magical and has a little bit of a secluded feel compared to some other beaches on Gold Coast. It’s also a really fun spot to catch a wave (even for a novice like me).”

San Mei is also playing a bunch of shows around Brissy and the Goldy over the next couple of months, be sure to get yourself along to one before she blows up – info here.