“Elke Louie is an emerging indie folk artist from Gympie whose debut single Killing Time showcases her raw, heartfelt storytelling and hauntingly intimate vocals; adopting a gentle, up close and intimate sound with the plucked guitars and the minimalist instrument ensemble, she offers a compelling listening proposition with just her voice and her guitar and piano against the world — as melodies waft into your ears, you’re transported to a world unlike any that you may otherwise see; and when the song does end, you’re left hankering for the repeat button.” – Lost In The Manor, UK. REVIEW
Gympie indie folk singer-songwriter Elke Louie has revealed her sophomore single ‘Sandman’ is set for release on January 30, celebrating with a launch show at Solbar in Maroochydore on February 1, with special guest Ayla.
‘Sandman’ is the follow-up to Elke’s stirring debut single ‘Killing Time’ which was released late 2025 which a received international praise and clocked up 5k+ streams in its first month of release.
Co-written with celebrated songwriter Jen Mize, the new single ‘Sandman’ delivers uplifting summer vibes that invite you to sway along as the song explores the frustration of waking up unable to remember your dreams and reflects on that unsettled feeling when something meaningful slips away.
ELKE LOUIE ‘SANDMAN’ SINGLE – OUT 30 JANUARY 2026
Pre-save now at https://gyro.to/Sandman
SINGLE LAUNCH: SOLBAR, Maroochydore – SUNDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2026
with special guest Ayla. Front bar, 6-8.30pm, Free Entry.
www.facebook.com/events/1172912041258835
Recorded at Mantle Records with Clare Quinn and Lawrence Menard of Those Folk, Elke Louie is turning heads with her evocative songwriting and captivating vocals, collaborating with established artists like Jen Mize from The Rough And Tumble, along with Clare and Lawrence — all successful international touring musicians in their own right.
Reflecting on the journey of writing and recording ‘Sandman’, Jen Mize shared her appreciation for the creative collaboration, saying, ‘Co-writing with a young songwriter like Elke is a truly rewarding experience. It’s been so cool getting to watch Elke grow as an artist over these past few years, and I really dig the song we wrote. I’m very much looking forward to our future co-writes. Elke came to the recording process with openness and professionalism, such a fun day in the studio.’
Producer Lawrence Menard echoed these sentiments; “Recording ‘Sandman’ was such an exciting process! Getting to hear Elke & Jen’s songwriting come to life in the studio was something that every producer hopes to experience”, Menard said.
ELKE LOUIE PRESS
“Strong debut from Gympie’s Elke Louie on ‘Killing Time’. Lush, haunting indie folk that seeps deep into your soul. That chord shift & vocal slide during the chorus will get you every time – such a cool progression.”
– SINGLE REVIEW The Point Music News, Australia
“Killing Time is a stunningly melancholic debut single, a sample of what’s to come on Elke Louie’s debut EP, scheduled for release early next year. With a voice that conveys both raw emotion and delicate storytelling, Elke combines the warmth of the guitar with heartfelt lyrics, creating songs that sound deeply personal and, at the same time, universally relatable”. – SINGLE REVIEW Indie Oclock, Brazil
“Elke Louie steps into the light with the quietly devastating ‘Killing Time’. There’s something irresistible about a debut that already feels lived-in, a first chapter that arrives with a kind of trembling honesty. Elke Louie’s ‘Killing Time’ is exactly that: a soft, striking introduction from a Queensland songwriter whose voice carries the weight of reflection and the tenderness of someone learning to trust their own story.” SINGLE REVIEW No Transmission, UK
