Not every relationship comes with the answers we hope to find. Sometimes, even when love is genuine, things fall apart, leaving behind memories, unanswered questions, and the difficult realization that some chapters are meant to end. On his latest single, “Tell Me True,” Australian-based singer-songwriter Oscar LaDell explores the complicated emotions that come with looking back on a love that didn’t last. Blending heartfelt storytelling with soulful instrumentation, the track captures the bittersweet experience of remembering something beautiful while learning to live without it. Released October 30, the single offers an introduction to his upcoming album, Untouchable, arriving November 20.
LaDell has spent the past year building an impressive presence on the international music circuit. After completing 20 performances throughout the UK, Europe, and United States in 2025, he recently returned from another extensive US tour, bringing his music to audiences across New York, Texas, California, and beyond. His growing reputation has also placed him alongside an impressive lineup of blues musicians, including Nick Moss Band, Eric Bibb, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, Robben Ford, and Charlie Musselwhite. With performances throughout Australia and New Zealand continuing to keep his momentum alive, LaDell is also preparing to take the stage at Queenscliff Music Festival.
“Tell Me True” leans into a beautifully understated combination of blues and soul. Gentle piano passages and vintage acoustic guitar establish an intimate foundation, while LaDell’s smoky, textured vocals bring an unmistakable sense of lived-in emotion. There’s a wonderful contrast between the song’s warm, almost sun-soaked musical atmosphere and the heartbreak buried beneath its lyrics. Rather than relying on an overly dramatic arrangement, LaDell allows the emotion to develop naturally, delivering moments of vocal intensity that make the song feel deeply personal. It’s the kind of track that invites listeners to slow down and sit with their own memories.
Lyrically, the single explores the difficult space between holding onto the past and accepting that it can no longer be part of the future. There is frustration in revisiting what went wrong, sadness in recognizing what has been lost, and eventually, a sense of appreciation for the moments that made the relationship meaningful in the first place. That emotional progression gives the track its depth, transforming what could have been another breakup song into something much more reflective.
For LaDell, songwriting is rooted in genuine experiences and the people he encounters throughout his life as a touring musician. The conversations, relationships, unexpected encounters, and late nights spent on the road all contribute to the stories he brings into his music. Speaking about the inspiration behind the single, he describes it as a travelling song that offers a moment of warmth amid an album filled with late nights and gritty studio experiences. He wanted to approach heartbreak from a different perspective, pairing sadness with a gentle, summery musical atmosphere. As the song progresses, those initially happy memories become increasingly distant, allowing the beauty of what was lost to carry the emotional weight of its ending.
The accompanying music video, filmed, directed, and edited by Matilda Macandrew, was captured in the breathtaking surroundings of St Bathans, Aotearoa/New Zealand. Featuring expansive mountain scenery and peaceful waters, the visuals complement the song’s reflective nature without overwhelming its message. The natural landscapes create a feeling of freedom and stillness, reinforcing the idea of looking back while continuing to move forward.
With “Tell Me True,” Oscar LaDell offers a heartfelt preview of what listeners can expect from his forthcoming album, Untouchable. It’s a reminder that heartbreak doesn’t necessarily erase the good memories, and sometimes the hardest part of letting go is accepting that something can be beautiful even when it wasn’t meant to last. Untouchable arrives November 20, with LaDell celebrating the release at The Gem in Collingwood, Melbourne, on November 22.
Album Launch Details
- Date: Sunday, November 22
- Venue: The Gem, Collingwood, Melbourne
- Tickets: Purchase Tickets Here
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