Singer-songwriter Hassall‘s Dinner Table is a heartfelt and crafted track that opens a window into her personal experiences and struggles. Serving as the first release from her upcoming debut album, the single paves the way for the album’s official launch in July.
Production for the song was carried out at Golden Retriever Studios under the guidance of Dave Jenkins Jnr, a producer and musician known for collaborations with Australian artists Daniel Johns, Godi, and Vera Blue. Joining Hassall in the studio was her partner and drummer, Will, creating a close-knit environment that allowed for organic and collaborative creativity.
Reflecting on the recording process, Hassall shared the spontaneous yet precise energy that shaped the track. “This was one of the only songs where I had a reference track from the start—Leith Ross’s ‘Everyone I’ve Never Met’. The parts came together quickly, and I even got to record the bass myself, which was so much fun,” she said. Notably, Hassall worked with Will to create an intentionally chaotic drum fill for the song’s intro, designed to throw listeners slightly off-balance before bringing them sharply into focus as the full instrumentation kicks in.
Musically, “Dinner Table” is awash with colourful synth melodies that run throughout, setting a textured and immersive tone. Hassall’s vocal delivery shines with a storyteller’s charm. Her emotive voice is both commanding and vulnerable, ensuring every lyric resonates with sincerity.
The song offers an intimate exploration of Hassall’s personal battle with misophonia—a neurological condition causing heightened sensitivity and emotional reactions to specific sounds. “Since I was a teenager, I’ve had an intense aversion to the sound of people eating, breathing loudly, or sniffing. I’d yell, cry, or leave the room—it was hard to even sit at the dinner table with my family,” she explained. Dinner Table dives into this lifelong challenge and the self-reflection that comes with it. It also explores her insecurities about how these traits affect her relationships, with raw honesty captured in the lyrics: “I don’t expect you to deal with my shit. I wouldn’t either.”
The single’s lyrical production reflects the meticulous care Hassall has poured into her debut album. With Jenkins Jnr’s seasoned guidance and the intimate support of her partner.
