Their debut album, "Feel It Break" (May 2011, Domino), came after a long sequence of bands for Stelmanis, representing a near ten year musical progression performing as an artist, then fleshed-out by a full band. The album made into several year-end critics' lists; notably, both the Toronto Star and New York named it the best album of 2011, with the former calling it "an outright stunner". Stereogum named Austra a Band to Watch on March 14, 2011.
Their sophomore album "Olympia" was released on June 18, 2013, from which the first single Home was released on March 7, 2013.
In 2014, the band released their first EP, "Habitat EP".
More settled and dominant than ever, the band's sound represents Stelmanis' influences tightened into a shiny metal ball — pianos give way to keyboards as songs build and pull, their urgent, dark melodies arpeggiating through multiple synthesizers, wrapping themselves around Stelmanis' voice.
Sites: Official Site
Utopía
Austra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People riding highways from the workplace to the home
I raise my head, I see they're different than us
But I only wanna hold your hand my whole damn life
I can picture a place where everybody feels it too
It might be fiction but I see it ahead
There's nothing I wouldn't do
Cut me a slice of the apple that I grow
My work is valid, I can't prove it but I know
A woman screams, she's looking for meaning behind
A man who made her cry her whole damn life
I can picture a place where everybody feels it too
It might be fiction but I see it ahead
There's nothing I wouldn't do
There's nothing I wouldn't do
Utopia
Utopia
Utopia
Utopia
Utopia
Utopia
Like a hunter with teeth
There's nothing I wouldn't do
I'm running through a fountain of dirt
There's nothing I wouldn't do
There's nothing I wouldn't do
The opening verses of Austra’s song “Utopia” describe the alienation and detachment that one can often feel living in a large, bustling city. The lyrics encapsulate the feeling of being surrounded by masses of anonymous strangers, living out their daily lives in their own private bubble. Despite this, the singer expresses an unwavering desire to hold onto her partner’s hand, to maintain a connection amidst the chaos.
As the song progresses, the singer expresses a yearning for a better, more equal world. She imagines a utopia where people feel connected and equal, and where her work is valued and valid. The inclusion of the woman screaming for meaning behind a man who made her cry highlights the reality of inequality and abuse that still exists in our society. Nonetheless, the singer remains determined to fight for a better world, embracing her hunter-like drive to achieve it.
The repetition of the word “Utopia” throughout the song functions as an affirmation of the singer’s desires, a space where everything is attainable.
Line by Line Meaning
I live in a city full of people I don't know
I reside in a city where I don't identify most individuals around me
People riding highways from the workplace to the home
I witness strangers using highways to commute between work and home
I raise my head, I see they're different than us
On observing them closely, I realize that they have distinct features and personalities than ours
But I only wanna hold your hand my whole damn life
Despite differences from others, all I desire is to love and cherish you forever
Cut me a slice of the apple that I grow
Give me a piece of the fruit I cultivate
My work is valid, I can't prove it but I know
I know my effort is worthwhile, even if I can't justify it to others
A woman screams, she's looking for meaning behind
I hear a lady shouting out, hoping to find significance and purpose in life
A man who made her cry her whole damn life
A man who caused her tears throughout her life troubles her
Utopia
An ideal, imaginary world where everything is perfect
Like a hunter with teeth
Similar to a predator with sharp teeth
There's nothing I wouldn't do
I am willing to do anything
I'm running through a fountain of dirt
I am moving hastily amid dirt and filth
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: Kaitlin Austra Stelmanis, Maya Postepski
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Julián Andrés Marín Silva
I live in a city full of people I don't know
People riding highways from their workplace to their home
I raise my hand, I see they are different than us
But I only wanna hold your hand, my whole damn life.
[Chorus]
I can picture a place, where everybody feels it too
It might be fiction but I'm seeing ahead
There's nothing I wouldn't do
There's nothing I wouldn't do
Cut me a slice of the apple that I grow
My work is valid, I can't prove it but I know
A woman screams, she's looking for meaning behind
A man who'll make her cry, her whole damn life
[Chorus]
I can picture a place, where everybody feels it too
It might be fiction but I'm seeing ahead
There's nothing I wouldn't do
There's nothing I wouldn't do
Utopia (5x)
[Outro]
Like a hunter with teeth
There's nothing I wouldn't do
I'm running through a fountain of dirt
There's nothing I wouldn't do
There's nothing I wouldn't do
Amir Anore
Two years later and I still listen to this everyday
Ronney Rendon
it's just sooooooooo good
Hitori Yume
I thank spotify for recommending me such an amazing artist.
Tobias Jeppsson
Yeah, I want to thank you spotify too! and Austra of course :)
GrozaJockey
Some of the most beautiful vocals I have ever heard in my life, strait through the flesh and body to the soul.
R. Alexander
There is something about Austra's music that it is timeless for me.
Bryan Hess
I forgot about her for a couple years. Was looking over some old playlists a few days ago and found her again. :)
Filip Štancel
Austra is certainly one the most underated bands to these days.
Ronney Rendon
SO TRUE
kt
same with iamamiwhoami