On May 30th, 2025, Australian singer Lottie McLeod released her newest album, ‘Bug’, after her father’s nickname for her. McLeod embarked on an Australian tour with musical act LoveLoveLove from the 10th to the 26th of July 2025.
McLeod’s father taught her how to play the guitar the year before he passed from brain cancer. While McLeod was always interested in the performing arts, this tragedy was the catalyst for much of her songwriting. Music was profound in her journey through grief, igniting in the face of her father’s legacy.
Rolling Stone Australia described ‘Bug’ as a tribute “perfect for those reflective moments”.
During her time in the Music Industry College, McLeod’s mentors and peers encouraged her to reach for the stars. In 2025, her dreams have manifested before her.
McLeod won the Queensland Music Award in the 2023 Youth Category and came second place in the ‘Unsigned Only’ competition for her single ‘Happy Birthday’, and in 2024 she was a finalist in the ‘Needle in the Hay’ competition.
Lottie McLeod described as “One to Watch” as she won the Queensland Music Award in 2023. Photo: Supplied.
This year, McLeod has reached new heights following the February release of her single ‘The Line’. She was soon named the ‘Triple J Unearthed Feature Artist’ and awarded the QMusic ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’.
‘The Line’ is one of five songs on ‘Bug’, which combine experimental production and indie-folk guitar stylings. Assistant Music Director at Triple J, Claire Mooney, recommended fans of Lizzy McAlpine or Phoebe Bridgers to tune into McLeod.
‘I love how she pours her heart out within every lyric’, said Eugenia Kourkoutas, a fan of McLeod. Kourkoutas interviewed McLeod in 2024 before ‘Bug’ debuted. Now, she says her favourites from the album are ‘Expire’ and ‘So Much Better’. Kourkoutas added, ‘I’m super proud of her and where she’s going with her career’.
Preparing for the tour with McLeod, LoveLoveLove’s Denis Janse said the headline tour was a good way to ‘champion an upcoming female artist whose music I love’.
Around a month before the tour started Creative Australia granted additional financial support which Janse said felt ‘very special’.
Janse, who looks forward to honouring LoveLoveLove’s loyal audience, reflects on his values, excited to shift away from concerns with numbers and ‘rewarding long-time local fans’.
McLeod says she is mindful her career is ‘in its early stages’, but she is eager to put herself out there and grow as an artist.
‘I hope it’s the first of many touring opportunities’.
