ELINA ROBERTS-TURNER — “BY MY SIDE”

“By My Side is one hand out the car window and the other resting on someone’s shoulder.”

Penrith’s own Elina Roberts-Turner steps into the spotlight with her debut single “By My Side,” released on September 18. A song that’s grown from its acoustic singer-songwriter beginnings in 2021 into a fully realised, vivid and textured production — brought to life by First Nations producer Dyagula at Church St Studios.

“By My Side” is a track about connection — about moving through good and bad times together. Whether it’s with family, a friend, or a partner, Elina’s debut feels like an old friend you can always pick up with right where you left off.

“Make me a cup of tea in the morning” is an all-too-familiar line for Gamilaroi kids who grew up making cuppas for our grandmothers and aunties. It drops you straight into that romanticised feeling of chucking a “sickie” and spending the day together. (This is your sign.)

There’s a warmth in the 90s-style backing vocals that dance around the melody — an echo of the storyteller’s inner dialogue. And where most bridges just serve to lead us back to the chorus, By My Side lands on my list of tracks with a successful B-section. It takes you somewhere else while driving the nostalgia home.

Michael Stavrou’s mix is reminiscent of The Pretenders — every instrument sits neatly in its own pocket, championed in its own right. Paired with Don Bartley’s mastering, the track takes on a golden warmth that feels like home.

Overall, “By My Side” is a feel-good reflection of our everyday moments — the kind that make up the heart of community. Elina Roberts-Turner has taken a leap of faith into the music industry and delivered a radio-ready debut that recalls the sincerity of Missy Higgins and Ben Lee.

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