Mackay singer Jonte unveils his reflective and uplifting new pop number ‘Lay Me Down.’

If you’ve ever lost a beloved pet (or for those without pets: teared up watching Mufasa’s demise in Lion King), you know firsthand the grief and lessons our furry companions teach us about life and death. Through sharing his own experience, Mackay’s Jonte Tupaea is helping bring new meaning to the ‘circle of life’ on his catchy new single, Lay Me Down, out 25 February.

Opening with the line, ‘I always wondered what it felt like to leave life,’ Lay Me Down immediately draws you into its emotional depths. A slick and infectious beat provides the backdrop to Jonte’s honeyed vocals as he guides listeners through the very personal and universal experience of life, loss and moving on, in a pop piece that’s as reflective as it is uplifting.

“Lay Me Down represents the process of moving on after the death of a loved one and is applicable to a range of audiences – I’m sure many people can relate to this process,” said the talented 16 year old singer-songwriter.

Drawing on his own experience, the track was written about the death of a pet chicken, with Jonte explaining, “I wrote the song through her perspective and what I think she would want to see from me as her owner. The day after, it so happened that a butterfly landed on my foot as I was walking; I believe this symbolizes a loved-one or pet has moved on to a better life.”

Recorded with established Gold Coast producer Josh Beattie, Lay Me Down follows on from Jonte’s previous singles Halloween and Kinky Boots, and continues his penchant for writing poignant songs that connect to the universal fabric of human life. His latest single is also a taste of what’s to come on his debut EP, which is slated for release in May.

“My debut EP represents a roller coaster of emotions symbolising life experiences I’ve been through that inevitably made me stronger. Lay Me Down signifies a feeling of loss and learning to move on which is a great preview of the record. I hope people can connect to the songs.”

With more music on the way and support slots already under his belt for household names like Busby Marou and Christine Anu, Jonte is an Aussie pop star in the making (so be sure to keep an eye on him).

Feel the feels and stream Jonte’s uplifting new single Lay Me Down exclusively below. Lay Me Down is out this Thursday, 25 February. PRE-SAVE HERE.

‘LAY ME DOWN’ – JONTE

Feature image: Jonte by Cherrie Hughes