As Molly Millington grew up, a realisation dawned on her: the man who plays the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz, an actor called Frank Morgan, actually plays many other characters in the movie as well. Often, the only delineation between his characters would be a moustache or a top hat. 

“It was like the Superman effect,” she says. “It made me think of all the different perspectives people can have of us.” This realisation was perfect kismet. Molly had already been searching for a title for her debut album, and had already been exploring all the different roles she’d put upon herself – and others had put upon her. And so, the album was titled Frank Morgan. 

Frank Morgan (due out February 27 2025) is a masterful offering that nods towards influences like Kacey Musgraves, Julia Michaels, Sabrina Carpenter and, with Molly’s utmost reverence, Dolly Parton. The overwhelming feeling that persists throughout Frank Morgan is undistilled joy. And, with Molly having toured with Montaigne, Thelma Plum, Kita Alexander, Alex Lahey and performed on festival stages including Laneway, Groovin’ The Moon, Out Of The Woods, BIGSOUND and Lost Paradise, it’s easy to imagine the ecstasy of hearing her play these new songs live. 

Molly transforms into a old-time country radio host for “Girl Next Door” to a gentle optimist in “Lover’s Song”. On “Your Villain”, the lead single from the record, Molly adopts the role of the villain in someone else’s story. Molly tells me that while this was a more difficult role to come to terms with, the acceptance came with time and a newfound sense of maturity. 

“Just Drive” is a sprawling rambler of a song, the perfect road trip soundtrack with all its nostalgia and high hopes for the future. The whole song points to the euphoric chorus, where Molly unleashes the beautiful top range of her voice. 

Working with longtime collaborator Xavier Dunn, it’s impossible to miss the comfort, ease and free-flowing creativity that exudes from each song on Frank Morgan. When asked what’s changed between this record and her brilliant EP 5 Stages (nominated for Best Independent Pop Album or EP at the 2024 AIR Awards), she thinks for a moment. 

“I realised it’s not good to always be rushing everything all the time,” she says eventually. “In the music industry, the grind is such an idolised thing. I’ve still been working my fucking ass off,” she laughs. “But also, just letting myself be in the moment.” 

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