featuring @lana_karlay @masonandjulez
18-year-old Australian singer-songwriter Lana Karlay returns on 16 October with her fifth single of the year, ‘Ghost of You’ – an intimate R&B/pop duet exploring the emotional aftermath of a relationship and the memories that remain long after two people have gone their separate ways.
Marking a new creative direction for Lana, the track moves away from the pop-rock sound of her earlier releases, embracing a more understated blend of airy vocals, heartfelt storytelling and conversational songwriting. Written alongside Australian brother duo Mason & Julez, ‘Ghost of You’ captures the experience of trying to move on while still finding reminders of someone in everyday life.
“It’s the weird in between where the relationship is over, but you’re still haunted by them,” Lana explains. “The song looks at that from both sides, which I think makes it so interesting. Both sides are trying to let go, but still thinking about each other.”
Written earlier this year during a three-week songwriting trip to the United States, ‘Ghost of You’ was built around the idea of telling one emotional story from two different perspectives. Rather than relying on dramatic breakup statements, the song draws listeners into familiar moments: scrolling through old photos and messages, instinctively leaving space for someone in the passenger seat, and experiencing the little habits that make letting go so difficult.
The song’s central theme of a ‘ghost’ is not supernatural, but emotional. For Lana, it represents the memories and feelings that unexpectedly resurface during ordinary moments, reminding us of people who are no longer part of our lives.
The collaboration with Mason & Julez was a natural fit. Sharing similar beginnings, the brothers also grew up in Victoria, Australia, with a passion for music and ambitions of pursuing careers in the United States. They eventually convinced their parents to relocate to Los Angeles to follow their musical dreams, having started posting covers and writing songs at just 11 and nine years old. Their shared determination and commitment to music helped establish an immediate connection with Lana.
Having previously worked together on Lana’s release ‘Cross Your Mind’, the trio took their creative partnership further on ‘Ghost of You’, with the brothers becoming more involved in the songwriting process. The single was mixed and mastered by Mark Parfitt, with an accompanying music video filmed in Los Angeles by RYE Productions.
The release follows an exciting year of achievements for Lana, including a support performance for Darcie Haven as part of the Church Geelong series. She has also received recognition as a Runner Up in the Unsigned Only Top 12 Teen category and as a finalist in the American Songwriter Road Ready 2026 competition.
Despite an increasingly busy music career, Lana continues to balance her creative ambitions with her final year of high school at Geelong Grammar. Currently completing Year 12, she has also taken on the role of Music Captain, managing school leadership responsibilities alongside rehearsals, ensembles and performances.
With ‘Ghost of You’ marking her fifth single release this year, Lana’s growing catalogue reflects her dedication, discipline and determination to keep developing as an artist. Learning to manage her time while balancing school and music has only strengthened her focus on building a future in the industry.
At its heart, ‘Ghost of You’ is a song listeners can make their own. Although inspired by personal experiences, its themes extend beyond romantic relationships, offering a relatable soundtrack for anyone who has struggled to let go of an ex, a friendship, a situationship or someone who once played an important role in their life.
With graduation just around the corner, Lana sees the end of Year 12 as the beginning of an exciting new chapter. As she prepares to dedicate even more time to her music, ‘Ghost of You’ offers another glimpse into an emerging artist who continues to evolve, experiment and find her own voice.
With heartfelt storytelling and a fresh musical direction, Lana Karlay is proving that she’s only just getting started.
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