After years of singles and teasers, inner west multi-instrumentalist Milan Ring has finally released ‘I’m Feeling Hopeful’ into the world…

The 14-track effort sees the inner west muso explore all the highs and lows of being alive, utilising the complimentary soundscapes of R&B and hip hop for a meditation mental health, self-realisation and chaos. Sonically the album is executed in her signature analogue-style, the self-mastered and mixed debut flush with instrumental layers that help add an added sense of immersion to the overall project.

In terms of features the project is flooded with talents and voices from all over the world, from South London rapper Che Lingo’s hard-hitting bars on ‘BS’ to the sultry rhythms of Chicago’s Jean Deaux on ‘Pick Me Up.’ But naturally, she’s got local acts flooded throughout as well, the likes of Malyangapa, Barkindji woman BARKAA featuring on ‘Let It Glide’ and frequent collaborator BLESSED on ‘Sydney Hue,’ both of whom intermingle with Milan’s own utterances with total synchronicity.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the various tracks, Milan explains how they are all born “from my observations of the world around me and the world within.

 “We either fall deeper into the chaos, or find a way to rise above it.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ4TY59F-lQ

Naturally, the track listing is rife with such sentiments, cuts like ‘Hide With You,’ ‘Fluttering’ and ‘I Can Fix You’ acting as sonic heartbeats for the overall project, helping to ground the listener in the emotion within and between the various tracks. A personal favourite is ‘Keep Me Safe’ however, the lone acoustic guitar and Milan’s vocals acting as an emotional highpoint as she sings about wanting protection and reprieve from harm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkMZ03ZfMzQ

But of course, the record as plenty of attitude and smokiness as well, cuts like ‘BS’ ft. Che Lingo, ‘Pick Me Up’ ft. Jean Deaux and ‘Let it Glide’ ft. Barkaa acting as the more punchy parts of I’m Feeling Hopeful, the parts that remind you that although Milan regularly sings about emotion and vulnerability, she’s got a totally badass side to her as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5ulIYLUHng

Naturally, the tail end of the record is equal parts meditative and soothing, putting the listener at ease after the journey that is I’m Feeling Hopeful. Title-inspired track ‘Hopeful’ finds a good midway between the various energies and emotions of the tracklisting, the various sounds of the preluding tracks infused within as Milan alternates from full chest voice to autotune and everything in between.

The sultriness of it however continues into second last track ‘Daily,’ and by the time you reach closer ‘Hands Are Tied,’ you fully realise the musical complexity and range of I’m Feeling Hopeful, an understanding that only magnifies with each and every listen.

Milan Ring’s debut album I’m Feeling Hopeful is out now. You can buy/stream it here. You can also check out the newly announced dates for the I’m Feeling Hopeful tour below.

April 9, 2022, | Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
April 14, 2022 | The Outpost, Brisbane
April 30, 2022 | Darlinghurst Theatre, Sydney
May 7, 2022 | Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth