the partae

‘7 Seconds’ is such a compelling track. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and how Clive Wearing’s story shaped its themes?

Thank you for the kind words! A few months ago, AKINAT sent me the documentary about Clive Wearing’s heartbreaking story, and it had a profound impact on me. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Clive Wearing was a fascinating British classical musician who lost his memory and now experiences life in brief, seven-second intervals. His story made me think long and hard about the fragility of life. The fact that his wife, Deborah, remains a constant as his condition deteriorates only further proves that love truly transcends time. Drawing from both his story and our own life experiences, we wrote 7 Seconds.

How did the collaboration between the two of you come about, and what was the creative process like working together?

We’ve been collaborating for many years… honestly, the process is always seamless. AKINAT is an exceptionally talented producer, and I always love what we create together. Our history and deep understanding of each other really helps the process—plus, we know when to push one another creatively, which I personally sometimes need! When you’re creating music, it’s easy to get stuck on an idea, so sometimes you need to throw a musical spanner in the works or try something completely out of left field. That’s more often than not where the magic has been hiding.

You’ve mentioned that the track draws influence from Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams.’ How did that iconic sound inspire your approach to production and songwriting?

Yes!! Initially, we set out to write a song inspired by Dreams! It’s funny telling people that the Fleetwood Mac classic was an influence for us, as I feel that connection might be a bit difficult to make now. The track went through many iterations before reaching its final version, and I’m really curious to see if people can hear the little nods to that track throughout 7 Seconds.

Your music blends influences from artists like Jamie xx, Sabrina Claudio, and now Fleetwood Mac. How do you balance such diverse inspirations in your work?

Brilliant question! I love the depth and emotional range Sabrina Claudio consistently achieves through her music, the production and artistry of Jamie xx, and the unparalleled creative songwriting that forms the backbone of all Fleetwood Mac songs. I try to weave those influences together naturally—to be honest finding that  balance feels almost effortless because I draw inspiration from each artist in very different ways!

AKINAT, your production style is influenced by electronic greats like Four Tet and Jon Hopkins. How do you incorporate those elements while maintaining Joey’s vocal-driven sound?

I’m in consistent awe of artists like these guys – they’re particularly their ability to create a rolling, driving texture, with each element findings its pocket. It’s in that sense that i was inspired – not through genre but an appreciation of each and every sound arriving in its own time. 

Joey, living in Tokyo has clearly influenced your artistry. How has your time in Japan shaped your sound and opened up new creative opportunities?

For those who haven’t been: Japan, particularly Tokyo, is a living, breathing Blade Runner dreamscape—bustling streets, neon lights, and creativity everywhere you look! Living here and being consistently immersed in this culture has shaped me as an artist, giving me the freedom to explore and experiment, not just in music but beyond. I’ve always been passionate about fashion, and I love blending it with my artistry —the fashion scene in Tokyo is truly unparalleled!

What’s the music scene like in Tokyo compared to Sydney, and how does it influence the way you approach your work?

Live music is everywhere!! That has been the biggest difference I’ve observed between the two. Everyone loves live music here & makes sure there are ample opportunities to both perform and attend, across all genres. Musicians are championed for expressing themselves through their art, particularly Jazz musicians. If and when you visit Tokyo I highly recommend dipping into one of the moody Jazz bars like ‘Blue Note’ in Aoyama, having a cheeky cocktail & seeing where the night takes you! Living here has pushed me to search for live performance opportunities much more than I did previously, there is nothing quite as special as connecting with a person via music.

The themes in ‘7 Seconds’ touch on profound connections and love that transcends memory and time. How do you hope listeners interpret or connect with the story you’re telling?

Oh, I love this question! The beauty of music lies in how uniquely it can be interpreted by each listener. One of the most rewarding aspects of creating music is seeing how people connect with the tracks and relate them to their own life experiences. We also hoped that featuring samples of Clive Wearing himself might encourage listeners to explore his story, if they haven’t already. He captures the essence of life and love in the most profoundly beautiful way.

Since releasing your first single in 2021, your career has gained momentum. How do you feel you’ve evolved as an artist, and what’s next on the horizon for you?

I am feeling immensely grateful as we wrap up 2024. The New Year always feels incredibly cathartic—a chance to reflect and recognize how much I’ve grown over the past year. Heading into 2025, I already have four new songs ready to go. I’ve had the privilege of working with some sensational producers, and I can’t wait to share everything we’ve been creating!

Do you have plans to continue experimenting with different styles and textures in your music, and are there any collaborations or projects in the pipeline we can look forward to?

Absolutely! I will be hitting the ground running in 2025 with a few collaborations I secured at the end of this year. I couldn’t be more excited about the songs we’ve created—they definitely explore different textures/styles, and I’ve really pushed myself out of my comfort zone with songwriting! Keep your eyes peeled!

https://www.instagram.com/joey.sachi/

Can you share the story behind “Into The Dark”? What inspired you to explore  themes of rejection and abandonment in this track? 

‘Into The Dark’ is about the experience of realising that someone you’ve been seeing was  never as invested as they led you to believe. It’s that moment when you’re swept up in the  idea of something special, only to have the rug pulled out from under you with no  explanation. The abandonment comes in the aftermath, when you’re left questioning  everything – the moments you shared, the connection you thought you had – and you’re  haunted by the uncertainty of whether it ever meant anything to them. It’s a deep  emotional spiral, wondering how someone could so easily walk away if they truly cared. 

The music and lyrics became my way of channeling that hurt and turning it into something  more than just a painful memory. Instead of letting the experience feel tragic, I wanted to  create something powerful and cathartic. 

The song evokes a dystopian and cinematic soundscape. How did you approach  creating this atmosphere in your music? 

Heartbreak, especially when it’s paired with so many unanswered questions, can feel  apocalyptic. When I think back to that overwhelming sense of confusion and hurt, it felt like  the world was crashing down around me. I wanted ‘Into The Dark’ to capture that “end of  times” feeling. I layered synths and textures to simulate that intense emotional  overstimulation – like when everything is building up inside you, just on the verge of  exploding. 

In my mind, the soundscape had to feel futuristic, alien – like a chaotic sci-fi world where  nothing is familiar or comforting. This led me to approach the song as a synthwave track,  creating a sonic environment that matched the sense of isolation and turmoil in the story. 

You mentioned that you self-wrote, recorded, and produced “Into The Dark.” Can  you walk us through your creative process for this single? 

The process for ‘Into The Dark’ wasn’t overly planned or structured. It all started when an  arpeggiated synth melody popped into my head one day, and I immediately began laying it  down in my DAW before I could forget it. From there, the song almost wrote itself. I had a  clear vision of the sound and structure, so I just went with it – building the instrumental,  developing the lyrics, and finding vocal melodies as I went along. 

At the time, I’d been listening to a lot of The Midnight, so I wanted to incorporate a  saxophone solo, something I’d been wanting to do for a while. I grew up playing alto sax,  so it felt natural to bring that into my music. Once the song was structured, I refined the  production the next day, cleaning up the track and adding some extra touches like  background vocals and vocoder effects. I think it was completely done – minus mixing and  mastering – in 2 days. 

For the visual concept of ‘Into The Dark’, I wanted to symbolize the journey described in  the song – how the protagonist is pulled from the light, corrupted by their lover, and  ultimately left in darkness. It evokes the image of an angel who has fallen from grace,  tainted by the darkness (the partner) and left alone, reaching desperately for the light. And  so, the cover artwork for the single was created.

You’ve drawn comparisons to the sounds of “Stranger Things.” Which artists or  genres influenced your sound in this track? 

The ‘Stranger Things’ score by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein is definitely a big influence  for me. I also draw inspiration from artists like The Midnight, FM-84, Timecop1983, and  CHVRCHES.  

When I wrote ‘Into The Dark’, it was around when The Weeknd released ‘Blinding Lights’,  which also tapped into that ‘80s synth-pop vibe. That song really pushed me to explore  how I could merge synthwave with pop elements and vocals, and ‘Into The Dark’ became  the result of that exploration. 

The song delves into profound emotional themes. How do you balance personal  vulnerability with the broader themes of heartbreak and isolation in your music? 

In ‘Into The Dark’, I wanted to express my personal vulnerability while making the themes  of heartbreak and isolation feel universal. While the song draws from my own experience, I  focused on the emotional journey – feelings of doubt, confusion, and being left in the dark –  that anyone can relate to. I aimed to tell the story in a way that allowed listeners to find  themselves in it, even if their situation is different. 

By embracing vulnerability, the song becomes a catharsis, not just for me, but for anyone  going through similar emotions. Heartbreak can be isolating, but it’s also an opportunity for  growth, and I hope listeners can find strength in that transformation. 

The inclusion of vibrant saxophone and lush synths adds a unique layer to the  track. How did you decide on the instrumentation, and what do these elements  represent in the song? 

The saxophone was essential for me – it’s such an iconic instrument in ‘80s music, and it  has this power to grab attention in a way that no other instrument can. Growing up playing  alto sax, it was always going to make an appearance in one of my tracks. In ‘Into The  Dark’, the sax solo acts as the emotional climax, lifting the track just as the tension and  emotion reach their peak. It’s symbolic of that emotional eruption – the point where all the  pent-up feelings explode. 

The synths and other textures were chosen to add a sense of mystery and depth to the  song. I wanted to create an atmosphere that felt “chilling,” something that would leave  listeners wanting more – just like the protagonist in the song, who’s desperately searching  for answers that never come. 

What do you hope listeners take away from “Into The Dark”? How do you want them  to feel when they hear it? 

I want listeners to know that it’s okay to feel your heartbreak, to go through the emotional  rollercoaster without rushing to brush it off. ‘Into The Dark’ is about letting yourself go  through the process and purging those feelings rather than burying them until they  overwhelm you. But beyond that, I want people to take away a sense of empowerment.  Heartbreak doesn’t have to define you – it can become something you transform into  something epic. Use it to fuel your growth, and don’t let it defeat you.

How does this single compare to your debut release? In what ways do you feel  you’ve grown or evolved as an artist since then? 

My debut single, ‘Yearn’, introduced a confident, playful side of KYARA. It was bold,  cheeky, and fun – a perfect introduction to my music. ‘Into The Dark’ marks a shift, though.  It reveals a more vulnerable side, while still maintaining that confidence. Sonically, it’s  darker and more cinematic, with a depth that wasn’t as present in my debut. 

Thematically, ‘Into The Dark’ shows growth. While ‘Yearn’ was about desire and control –  inspired by a deep fantasy, ‘Into The Dark’, explores a reality in some relationships –  processing pain and vulnerability. It’s about embracing all sides of ourselves – the strong,  the confident, the vulnerable. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be both, and that embracing the  darker, more complicated parts of yourself can lead to growth and strength. 

Can you give us a glimpse into what’s next for you after “Into The Dark”? Are there  any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about? 

There’s a lot in the works. I’m continuing to explore the themes ‘Into The Dark’ introduced,  diving deeper into stories of relationships, both romantic and personal, and exploring them  from different angles. You can expect more dark, cinematic electronica fused with pop, but  there’s definitely a shift coming. At some point, I’ll be telling these stories through a  

sweeter, more romantic lens, and I’m really excited to see where that takes me. 

I also hope to experiment with different sounds within electronic music to see how they can  complement and enhance my existing sonic aesthetic. 

How important is it for you to engage with your audience on platforms like  Instagram and TikTok? What role do you think social media plays in the music  industry today? 

Social media is crucial, especially for independent artists like me. It’s not just about  marketing – it’s about building a community and connecting with people who resonate with  my music. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok give us the opportunity to share our work  and stories with a broader audience, and they’re invaluable in creating genuine  connections with listeners. For me, it’s less about just promoting my music and more about  fostering a sense of belonging, where fans can connect with each other and with me. It’s  how you can share the real side of being an artist, beyond just the music. 

Additionally, social media is a valuable tool for receiving feedback from listeners. It allows  you to consider different ideas and perspectives, helping you grow as an artist and better  connect with your audience by understanding what they want to hear.

INSTAGRAM

‘7 Seconds’ is such a compelling track. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and how Clive Wearing’s story shaped its themes?

Thank you for the kind words! A few months ago, AKINAT sent me the documentary about Clive Wearing’s heartbreaking story, and it had a profound impact on me. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Clive Wearing was a fascinating British classical musician who lost his memory and now experiences life in brief, seven-second intervals. His story made me think long and hard about the fragility of life. The fact that his wife, Deborah, remains a constant as his condition deteriorates only further proves that love truly transcends time. Drawing from both his story and our own life experiences, we wrote 7 Seconds.

How did the collaboration between the two of you come about, and what was the creative process like working together?

We’ve been collaborating for many years… honestly, the process is always seamless. AKINAT is an exceptionally talented producer, and I always love what we create together. Our history and deep understanding of each other really helps the process—plus, we know when to push one another creatively, which I personally sometimes need! When you’re creating music, it’s easy to get stuck on an idea, so sometimes you need to throw a musical spanner in the works or try something completely out of left field. That’s more often than not where the magic has been hiding.

You’ve mentioned that the track draws influence from Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams.’ How did that iconic sound inspire your approach to production and songwriting?

Yes!! Initially, we set out to write a song inspired by Dreams! It’s funny telling people that the Fleetwood Mac classic was an influence for us, as I feel that connection might be a bit difficult to make now. The track went through many iterations before reaching its final version, and I’m really curious to see if people can hear the little nods to that track throughout 7 Seconds.

Your music blends influences from artists like Jamie xx, Sabrina Claudio, and now Fleetwood Mac. How do you balance such diverse inspirations in your work?

Brilliant question! I love the depth and emotional range Sabrina Claudio consistently achieves through her music, the production and artistry of Jamie xx, and the unparalleled creative songwriting that forms the backbone of all Fleetwood Mac songs. I try to weave those influences together naturally—to be honest finding that  balance feels almost effortless because I draw inspiration from each artist in very different ways!

AKINAT, your production style is influenced by electronic greats like Four Tet and Jon Hopkins. How do you incorporate those elements while maintaining Joey’s vocal-driven sound?

I’m in consistent awe of artists like these guys – they’re particularly their ability to create a rolling, driving texture, with each element findings its pocket. It’s in that sense that i was inspired – not through genre but an appreciation of each and every sound arriving in its own time. 

Joey, living in Tokyo has clearly influenced your artistry. How has your time in Japan shaped your sound and opened up new creative opportunities?

For those who haven’t been: Japan, particularly Tokyo, is a living, breathing Blade Runner dreamscape—bustling streets, neon lights, and creativity everywhere you look! Living here and being consistently immersed in this culture has shaped me as an artist, giving me the freedom to explore and experiment, not just in music but beyond. I’ve always been passionate about fashion, and I love blending it with my artistry —the fashion scene in Tokyo is truly unparalleled!

What’s the music scene like in Tokyo compared to Sydney, and how does it influence the way you approach your work?

Live music is everywhere!! That has been the biggest difference I’ve observed between the two. Everyone loves live music here & makes sure there are ample opportunities to both perform and attend, across all genres. Musicians are championed for expressing themselves through their art, particularly Jazz musicians. If and when you visit Tokyo I highly recommend dipping into one of the moody Jazz bars like ‘Blue Note’ in Aoyama, having a cheeky cocktail & seeing where the night takes you! Living here has pushed me to search for live performance opportunities much more than I did previously, there is nothing quite as special as connecting with a person via music.

The themes in ‘7 Seconds’ touch on profound connections and love that transcends memory and time. How do you hope listeners interpret or connect with the story you’re telling?

Oh, I love this question! The beauty of music lies in how uniquely it can be interpreted by each listener. One of the most rewarding aspects of creating music is seeing how people connect with the tracks and relate them to their own life experiences. We also hoped that featuring samples of Clive Wearing himself might encourage listeners to explore his story, if they haven’t already. He captures the essence of life and love in the most profoundly beautiful way.

Since releasing your first single in 2021, your career has gained momentum. How do you feel you’ve evolved as an artist, and what’s next on the horizon for you?

I am feeling immensely grateful as we wrap up 2024. The New Year always feels incredibly cathartic—a chance to reflect and recognize how much I’ve grown over the past year. Heading into 2025, I already have four new songs ready to go. I’ve had the privilege of working with some sensational producers, and I can’t wait to share everything we’ve been creating!

Do you have plans to continue experimenting with different styles and textures in your music, and are there any collaborations or projects in the pipeline we can look forward to?

Absolutely! I will be hitting the ground running in 2025 with a few collaborations I secured at the end of this year. I couldn’t be more excited about the songs we’ve created—they definitely explore different textures/styles, and I’ve really pushed myself out of my comfort zone with songwriting! Keep your eyes peeled!

‘7 Seconds’ is out Now
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