Lisa Mitchell took time out for a European gap year before returning with new single The Boys

INDIE folk singer Lisa Mitchell finds inspiration and a new sound for her third album Warriors after enjoying a gap year in Europe.

Lisa Mitchell is back after a small hiatus. Picture: Supplied.

ONE of our favourite female artists Lisa Mitchell is back after spending a couple of years doing what most young Australians do, spending a gap year overseas.

The Australian Music Prize winner released her comeback single The Boys this week, after a two-year absence from the airwaves.

The song departs from her folk roots into a dreamy pop sound and the video, filmed in her hometown of Albury, shows Mitchell has also developed some acting chops in recent years.

The 26-year-old singer and songwriter said she started on her next album Warrior in 2013 before heading overseas with her partner, musician Jordan Wilson.

PLEASE HOLD FOR AUGUST 11. Portrait of singer Lisa MItchell for new single The Boys. Pic Stephen Cooper

Mitchell who landed on the charts almost a decade ago with her debut EP One Said To the Other has spent most of her teen years and early 20s on her career and needed to experience some normal life to refuel her creative tank.

“It has been a long time, two years since (last single) Wah Ha and we spent a bit of time living in London and Paris, looking after a friend’s cat,” she said.

“As much as I love creating for the sake of creating, in terms of what gets on an album it’s these moments when I am not looking for it, that are inspiring.

“Having a music career is such an incredible outlet for everything that happens in your life.”

One of her new pursuits while exploring life away from the recording studio and stage was dance.

mX . Lisa Mitchell photographed in the Luma Vibes lounge at QV Melbourne where she will perform on February 22nd. Picture by Andrew Tauber DETAILS ON THE CONCERT Where: QV Square � within QV Melbourne, corner Lonsdale & Swanston St, City When: Saturday 22 February, 5pm - Midnight Opening Times: DJ Chiara Kickdrum 5pm-8pm & 10pm-midnight Georgia Fair 8pm-9pm Lisa Mitchell 9pm-10pm Kit Webster Light Installation 9pm-7am For full details go to www.qv.com.au

She would Google dance classes in London and became particularly fond of hip hop moves.

“It’s really fun and really empowering to be able to do that kind of movement,” she said.

The Boys came from a more homegrown moment when she spent the day with her partner and his childhood friends after the death of one of their fathers.

“I realised in hindsight that was such a special day; it was fascinating watching how men connect with each other and how it is so different to how women connect with each other,” she said.

“I guess I was pleasantly surprised by the buoyancy of this group of guys who all grew up together.”

Mitchell will release her third album Warriors on October 14.

Originally published as Lisa Mitchell took time out for a European gap year before returning with new single The Boys