Publicity Campaign: Lana Karlay - ‘Don’t Let Me Go’

Seventeen-year-old pop/rock artist Lana Karlay is set to captivate audiences with her latest single, ‘Don’t Let Me Go,’ out November 19. The new track marks a bold evolution for the 17-year-old Melbourne-based multi-instrumentalist, blending raw emotion, classical flourishes, and her signature punchy sound.

Music has been woven into Lana’s life since the age of five, when she first began studying violin and piano, inspired by her parents’ eclectic record collection. From singing in choirs and musical theatre to performing with Opera Australia, Lana’s journey has been defined by a relentless drive to connect with audiences through honest, heartfelt storytelling. Her songwriting took flight in her early teens, and by Year 9, she knew music was her calling.

This year, Lana’s talent earned her coveted spots at songwriting intensives at both the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and UCLA in Los Angeles, further shaping her craft. She also holds a Musical and Performing Arts Scholarship at Geelong Grammar School, a testament to her dedication and skill.

Written from a place of deep feeling, ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ was born at the piano, where Lana’s creative process always begins. The song explores the ache of holding onto someone you love as they fade away, delivered with a dramatic, cathartic intensity. The production, led by acclaimed producer Adam Moseley (Trident Studios, London), features a live band recorded at Gold Diggers Studio, LA, and a sweeping string quartet arranged by award-winning composer Liam Wallace at East West Studios.

Lana’s influences are as diverse as her sound, think the grit of The Rolling Stones and Blondie, the emotional depth of Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, and Lizzy McAlpine, and a classical sensibility that brings her music to life with rich, orchestral textures. ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ is a pop-rock track with a classical twist: dramatic, heartfelt, and undeniably unique.

Lana’s previous single, ‘Sober,’ showcased her knack for transforming personal stories into universal anthems. The track’s music video, directed by Esthy and shot in Los Angeles, captured the song’s vulnerability. With three independent singles released in just a few months, Lana’s momentum is undeniable, gaining her recognition at home in Australia as well as abroad.

The release comes ahead of Lana heading back to LA in January to work on her debut album.