In celebration of the 15th anniversary of her hit song “The Show,” Australian pop stalwart Lenka has unveiled her newest single, “Champion,” ahead of her upcoming album, slated for release in November. Collaborating with longtime friend Josh Pyke, the track explores themes of robust and liberating love that empower individuals to pursue their own successes and adventures.
CelebMix has the honour of premiering the music video – directed by Lenka herself – featuring a beautiful concept with stripped-back performances from both respective artists and animations by Lenka’s partner.
Lenka describes the video as existing in a world with classics like “Islands In The Stream” and “Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” making her and Josh the Ma and Pa of the internet. “When it came time to do a clip for this track, I’m not much of a dancing guy, whereas Lenka’s great at working the camera, and a playful chemistry emerged where I was the straight man to Lenka’s Liberace, although I did manage some shoulder pop flair and hand flinging at the end,” Josh says about the music video. “It’s worth the wait.”
“Working with Josh was literally a laugh a minute,” Lenka says about the collaboration with Josh. “I’m so glad we finally got to work together. We’ve known each other for years and years, and he’s also in a healthy long-term partnership. Might not be the coolest subject to write a pop song about, but I feel like it’s worth immortalizing these wins.”
Josh Pyke echoes the sentiment, saying that he has known Lenka for years as a mate, “but we’d never worked together, so when we eventually got together in my studio to write, we already had a foundation of friendship to start from, and the song flowed really freely,” he continues. “We also wanted to write an earworm that won’t leave your brain, and I think we achieved both things.”
Lenka’s upcoming album marks her first full-length album since ‘Recover‘ in 2020. Produced by Dave Jenkins Jr in Sydney, Australia, across 2022 and 2023, the album takes listeners on a journey through various vintage styles of the 80s, late 90s, and early 2000s, infusing higher energy into danceable beats across different genres.
“I love being in the studio and leaning into various vintage styles to create something new,” Lenka says about her upcoming album. “I’m so proud of the way this album turned out. It’s very special to me, and I feel really connected to these songs.”
Lenka’s musical journey continues to evolve, and “Champion” is a showcase of her ability to stay fresh and relevant, collaborating with Josh Pyke to deliver a track that not only celebrates love but also underscores the power of resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Connect with Lenka: Instagram | Facebook | X
US Tour Dates
Sunday, October 8 – Resident, Los Angeles
Intraspectral Australian Tour Dates With support from JEFFE
Friday, November 17 – The Gaso, Melbourne
Friday, November 24 – Valley Loft, Fortitude Valley Brisbane
Saturday, November 25 – Great Club, Sydney