NOKA find space to exhale on debut single 'Breathe'

With their debut single 'Breathe', Brisbane-based trio NOKA step into the spotlight with a tender meditation wrapped in the grit and melody of ’90s-inspired alt-rock. Comprised of Mariana on vocals, Pedro on guitar, and Ana on bass, the band channels a decade-spanning appreciation for grunge and indie into a song that marries raw energy with emotional precision.

The song’s genesis is deeply personal, inspired by the all-consuming love and quiet exhaustion of parenthood. It captures that joy of giving everything to the people you love, and the subtle, sometimes overwhelming reminder that your own space and breath must be reclaimed. Mariana’s vocals glide effortlessly between reflective softness and impassioned urgency, carrying the weight of that duality with warmth and sincerity. Pedro and Ana’s instrumentation underpins this emotional journey with just the right balance of intimacy and drive, allowing each layer to resonate.

What makes 'Breathe' particularly compelling is the band’s hands-on approach. The track was self-produced, with every choice shaped entirely by NOKA. Collaborating with a UK-based mixing and vocal engineer added polish while preserving the raw honesty at the heart of the song. The result is a soundscape that is spacious yet grounded, echoing the emotional push-and-pull the lyrics explore.

In 'Breathe', NOKA prove that vulnerability can coexist with strength, and that alt-rock still has room for heartfelt nuance. It’s a track that resonates beyond its personal origins, speaking to anyone who has loved deeply, given fully, and sought the courage to reclaim their own breath. With live shows on the horizon, this single marks a new chapter for NOKA, one poised to turn intimate honesty into universal connection.