Lana Karlay’s ‘Never Real’ Captures the Playful Heart of Teenage Yearning

A sparkling new single bursting with 2000s nostalgia, playful synths, and teenage longing.

Seventeen-year-old Australian pop artist Lana Karlay is back, and she’s shaking things up. Today sees the release of her new single, ‘Never Real’, a bright, nostalgic track that marks a bold shift from her signature late-night sound. Written and recorded in Los Angeles with producers Adam Moseley and Esthy, the song embraces a more playful pop energy, pairing upbeat synths with a touch of 2000s nostalgia. At its heart, ‘Never Real’ is a cheeky take on that all-too-familiar moment of weakness—wanting your ex back, even though you know you probably shouldn’t.

Hear the latest single and album releases here.

The song’s journey mirrors its spontaneous spirit. Karlay wrote it during a creative burst in Silver Lake, transforming a slow, piano-driven ballad into an infectious pop anthem. Encouraged by Esthy’s playful energy in the studio, the production captures a sense of freedom and fun, the kind that makes you want to dance and sing without a care. Dynamic mixing by Esthy and Adam Moseley amplifies the track’s vibrant energy, keeping Karlay’s vocals and storytelling firmly in the spotlight.

The accompanying music video, filmed on location at Santa Monica Pier, radiates the same carefree joy. Karlay immerses herself in the iconic setting, riding the attractions and soaking up the atmosphere.

“I never pictured myself at 17 that I would be filming at Santa Monica Pier. It was honestly unforgettable. It’s such an iconic place, so getting to shoot a music video there was already amazing, but we also got to actually experience it while filming, going on the rides, eating the food, and just soaking up the whole atmosphere.”

‘Never Real’ hints at a new sonic direction for Karlay’s upcoming album, but her core—vocals, storytelling, and emotional honesty—remains unchanged. Each release invites listeners to connect, find their own meaning, and uncover new layers in her music. It’s a taste of things to come for the upcoming artist, who is set to release her album in the coming months.

It’s a trajectory that’s already turning heads: Karlay was the winner of the Forte Magazine X K Rock Emerging Artist Stage at Festival of Sails, and with Never Real, it’s clear why her music continues to strike a chord.

Give ‘Never Real’ by Lana Karlay a listen here.