Perth indie-grunge outfit Unicorn kick off a bold new chapter with their blistering latest single, Sweet Ride. Driven by sharp guitars, euphoric rhythms and frontwoman Jenna Hardie’s unmistakable vocals, the track transforms determination and perseverance into an anthem for anyone refusing to let doubt or negativity get in their way.
Following a huge 2025 that saw the band release Wonderful Wonderful and Spirals, Unicorn have continued their momentum into 2026 with two WAM Song Of The Year nominations and performances alongside Australian favourites including Jebediah, Clouds and Def FX. With Sweet Ride offering a raw and empowering glimpse into Hardie’s songwriting mindset, Futuremag caught up with the frontwoman to talk about turning lyrics into personal journal entries, finding strength in self-belief, the evolution of Unicorn and what comes next for one of WA’s most exciting rock outfits.
Futuremag: Sweet Ride is described as a song about determination and perseverance. What was happening in your life when you first started writing it, and what were you trying to remind yourself of?
Jenna: This song was born out of adversity — it’s about bullying, and about not listening to naysayers. People who laugh at your dreams. People who underestimate you. It really lit a fire in me to share the importance of believing in oneself (and believing in myself) and being able to rise above the noise and negativity of others.
Futuremag: You’ve described your lyrics as almost like journal entries or messages to yourself. What did you need to hear when you wrote this one?
Jenna: Perseverance and dedication are essential ingredients to achieving your dreams and goals. This thread runs through a lot of Unicorn songs and when I reflect on our previous releases – Twisted and Circus both touch on this same theme too. Maybe I need to hear it for myself. ‘Don’t give up, keep going… you got this!’
Futuremag: There’s a real sense of defiance in Sweet Ride, pushing back against people who underestimate or undermine you. Was there a particular person, experience or situation behind that feeling?
Jenna: The beauty of songwriting is turning difficult times into something creative, positive and powerful. Nobody likes talking about being bullied or being underestimated – it is a difficult and uncomfortable subject matter, but singing about it (loudly and joyously) is how you can take the power back. I’ll keep the specifics to myself, but for everyone that has experienced this (which is probably almost everyone) you will know exactly what I mean.
Futuremag: The song feels both aggressive and euphoric. How did you go about finding that balance between the heavier, more visceral side of Unicorn and the feeling of release in the chorus?
Jenna: This was so much fun to record — sweet, euphoric moments juxtaposed against heavier sections. We got playful with ‘doo wop’ backing vocals and a moment of the mellotron (for that essential 60s feel), then slammed into the heavy intro, full rock stadium vibes and proper Aussie attack on the vocals (absolutely loved leaning into the Aussie drawl). The line “let’s make it wild and take it too far” is the whole point of the song and we really leant into that in the studio, to go further, take it all the way, and then some more.
Futuremag: What changed between the first version of Sweet Ride and the song we’re hearing now?
Jenna: It started life as ‘Sweet Wave,’ but going on a ride sounded like more fun. Honestly, we didn’t change much — a few tighten-ups here and there. Plus the extra studio flourishes you just can’t pull off as a four-piece, like keys and backing vocals. I had a listen to the very first demo I did, which is acoustic guitar and singing in the lounge room – and it is pretty darn close to the finished product in terms of the song skeleton. We gave it the muscle (and the sugar and the spice).
Futuremag: Was there a particular moment in the studio or rehearsal room where you realised, “Yep, this is the song”?
Jenna: It’s usually the songs we have the most fun playing that make the cut for studio recording. We had a couple in the running, but this one was new, heavy, and really good fun to play. It’s empowering, it’s unexpected, and when we play it live, we feel the song connecting with the audience. It feels sweet. Just like a sweet ride.
Futuremag: You had a big 2025 with Wonderful Wonderful and Spirals. Where does Sweet Ride sit in that progression for you? Does it feel like a continuation of what you’ve been doing, or a new direction?
Jenna: Songwriting with Unicorn is a journey, so this feels like a continuation, but we are leaning toward a heavier rock direction. We love some heavy riffage. We are obsessed with cracking drum fills. And beautiful melodies that make your spine tingle and the goose bumps. You can expect more of that to come next year with some new songs we just finished recording.
Futuremahg: Unicorn has been described as everything from art rock and cabaret punk to grunge and baroque pop. How do you see the band’s sound evolving at the moment?
Jenna: Unicorn keeps its grunge heart. When people compare us to Veruca Salt or PJ Harvey or Muse – It feels like a suitable comparison. It’s music I grew up listening to. A lot! And then there are bands like QOTSA that we all froth over. We are heading into heavier territory. We love an unhinged moment, and the mix of polish, prettiness and raucous. The push and pull. The pretty and the ugly. The rock and the roll.
Futuremag: You’ve built a pretty distinctive identity within the WA rock scene since your debut in 2021. What do you think has changed most about Unicorn since those early days?
Jenna: We’ve continued to finesse our craft, working together as a team to create our uniquely Unicorn sound from songwriting, stage performance, and the connection we have to our music friends, fans and community. We probably have more confidence now too, navigating tech issues or a broken string like pros – an impromptu solo song thrown into the set if required.
Futuremag: You’ve also picked up international radio play in places including Japan, the UK, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. Does it feel strange or exciting knowing that a band from Perth is connecting with audiences on the other side of the world?
Jenna: It’s really exciting to think someone on the other side of the world is listening to a Unicorn song, written and recorded in Fremantle, Western Australia. That’s the wonderful part about streaming these days – it’s global. We’re talking about an overseas tour in the next 18 months, so now we just have to decide where we’ll go to share our music with new audiences.
Futuremag: You’re launching Sweet Ride at The Buffalo Club in Fremantle on 22 August. What can people expect from the release party that they won’t get from simply listening to the single at home?
Jenna: A Unicorn show is an energetic, fun and fabulous event. We like to bring the community together for a night of great music, friends and exciting vibes – think big sounds, fantastic support bands, rock and roll costumery, and a spot of retail therapy for you too (band merch of course). A rock show not to be missed. We love connecting with everyone, having balcony chats, taking silly pictures, catching up with old friends and making new ones.
Futuremag: You’re playing alongside Flora Road and Shadow Planet. What makes a good bill for Unicorn, and what are you looking forward to about sharing the night with those bands?
Unicorn: A good bill is about energy and heart, not just genre. We want bands who bring their own brand of unique musical loveliness. Indie rockers Flora Road and neo-soul jazz outfit Shadow Planet both do that, and we’re excited to share the stage and give the crowd a night to remember.
Futuremag: Finally, for anyone heading to The Buffalo Club on 22 August: why should they come along and take the ‘Sweet Ride’ with you?
Jenna: A Unicorn show isn’t something you watch — it’s something you’re part of. Come celebrate yourself, chase your dreams, and make it wild with us. It’s going to be a Sweet Ride!
