Lyn Bowtell Releases Bittersweet Single, ‘Cold Shiver’
Lyn Bowtell returns with a new single that marks a fresh step forward in her musical journey. ‘Cold Shiver,’ out May 16, blends the sound of late-70s rock with country sensibility – driven by retro piano, Allman Brothers-style guitars, and a storyline steeped in memory, reflection, and longing.
Written during a songwriting retreat hosted by Carter & Carter in Victoria, the track was born from a spontaneous co-writing session with Carmel Charlton, Elissa Parsons, Jenny Churchill, Lea Groves, Michelle Walker, and Melanie Gray.
“We had a spare hour, so I threw it out there, ‘Let’s write something!'” Lyn said.
“At first, they looked at me like I was mad, but we split into melody and lyric teams and just went for it. No pressure, no rules, just pure, spontaneous creativity. It was winter, and the working title was Cold Weather, but what we ended up with was something none of us could’ve written on our own.”
At its core, ‘Cold Shiver’ tells the story of a fleeting connection that left a lasting mark – one person hoping for more, the other chasing a moment.
“We imagined a guy meeting a girl at a ski resort,” Lyn explained.
“She was just after a bit of fun, but he fell harder than expected. There’s no bitterness in it, just a wistful kind of hope. That feeling when you remember someone and, out of nowhere, you get that chill … a cold shiver. It’s playful, nostalgic, and a fun to perform.”
The track showcases Rod McCormack’s soaring guitar solo and Duncan Toombs’ rich backing vocals, all captured with a production style that preserves the raw, unfiltered energy of the original co-write.
“Rod played that solo like a kid in a candy store – it’s just brimming with joy,” Lyn said.
“And Josh Schuberth nailed the drum part in one take. The whole recording feels like you’re walking into a bar, ready to tell your mates about the one that got away.”
‘Cold Shiver’ will be accompanied by a music video, shot by Roaming Creatives, set for release on May 30.
“The video really captures that spark when you meet someone unforgettable, the kind of moment that lights you up and lingers long after it’s gone,” Lyn said.
‘Cold Shiver’ is another reminder of why Lyn is one of Australia’s most respected storytellers – thoughtful, grounded, and always authentic in what she has to say.