Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?
I’m a Melbourne based artist. Music is a vital part of Melbourne culture, we have a passionate music community who support multiple genres, stand up for equality and help create an opportunity for the industry as a whole. I feel very blessed to be apart of it!
How did you first start playing music?
I’m not a theory-based musician so my music talent is purely self-taught, although from a young age I developed an appreciation for Electronic Music. I would buy all the Ministry of Sound compilations and play them through my dad’s old audio system on repeat, it was probably all the focused listening that lead me to experiment with sound with no real intention. Somehow it turned into a career.
What’s been happening recently?
So much, life’s presenting so many positive challenges that I’m so grateful for. I’m growing into a better version of myself each day which is allowing me to harness my creativity in a new light. I’ve been writing/experimenting new music, developing new visual concepts and re-structuring my live show.
Your new single ‘Stay’ (ft. Blush’ko) is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?
I wanted to create something fresh and innovative that reflected my own emotions but also allowed me to steer the brand down a new visual avenue. I experimented with some simple synth sounds and came up with the distinct sound that you hear at 0.51 of ‘Stay’, from there my creative juices spilt and the foundation was created. In terms of songwriting I wanted to create a story that reflected ‘taking ownership for your growth’ I feel at times we’re so quick to blame others for our internal issues or rely on another’s energy to hold us up so I sat down with Blush’ko who helped bring that vision to life.
How did ‘Stay’ come about?
I was at a breaking point late last year where I lost total control of my vision and purpose for this project. I wanted to write something that represented the push and pull emotions that I was feeling but also shared a fresh perspective. When I listen back to the record I can hear this delicate yet exhilarating pulse which reflects my emotions at the time
Where and when did you record/produce?
I produced the record in my home studio (a spare bedroom I’ve claimed as my own) and recorded the vocals in Blush’ko’s studio.
What programs/instruments did you use?
I use FL Studio 20 as my DAW. Majority of the instruments I use are in the box, I tend to gravitate towards Serum for a lot of my sounds but also find myself experimenting with U-he’s Diva. For a lot of the drums, I tend to mess around and manipulate with samples until I get the vibe right.
How and why did you come to work with Blush’ko?
I have been friends with Blush’ko for years, it just so happened that we gelled on this track. He’s a born talent with an incredible tone that I’ve loved for so long!
What did you most enjoy about working with Blush’ko?
I feel comfortable working with him, I can express how I’m feeling and he helps bring the constructs of my life into the lyrical content. He also has a crazy sense of melody that allows the top line to work well in conjunction with the instrumental.
You’re playing Beyond The Valley Festival! What do you have in store for this show?
Yes! I’m in the process of developing new innovative themes I want to bring into the show that celebrates all that is and all that will be moving forward. I’m developing some stage design concepts and I will most likely bring some feature vocalists up onto the main stage with me!
How do you prepare for live shows and what do you most like about playing live?
I like to relax and stay calm, not exert any energy and just chill out with the supportive people I have around me. I come from a DJ’ing background so the fact that I get to trigger sound and be busy on stage is really fun.
Please tell us about upcoming releases:
I have another single coming out later on this year called ‘Back To Life’ featuring Emma Whines. The record has a distinct energy to it which I love. I’m so so excited to share it with everyone!
Will you be touring any time soon? If so, where and when?
I am! I’ll be doing my biggest headline show to date later on in the year. Plus I’ll be performing at For The Love and Beyond the Valley. There’s a few more but I’m unsure if I can say anything right now, keep an eye on my socials!
What inspires you to write and perform music?
I have so so much to say and express in this life. I feel like I’m this ball of love that sometimes gets misinterpreted because I’m deeply passionate about inspiring others (I just got a little bit emotional writing that haha). So I guess it’s the inspiration comes from wanting to send out ripples of my soul into the universe to help inspire human emotion. If I can inspire one person then I’ve left the world in a better place.
Triple J’s Richard Kingsmill + Linda Marigliano have been giving you a good spin lately, what has the effect of this been on you and your music?
It’s amazing, besides fist-pumping in my studio by myself it’s an incredible motivator and indicator that what I’m doing is being recognised by presenters who I have listened to for years. This encouragement allows me to delve deeper into my craft and continue to evolve and innovate.
Stay is doing well on Spotify with over 40k streams and playlist adds from New Music Friday AU&NZ (298k followers), House Party (250k followers), Top Shelf Electronic (109k followers), New Dance Beats (88k followers), Indie Arrivals (57k followers) how do you feel about all amazing attention that your music is getting?
It’s so surreal, never in a million years did I think it would get received so well, I’m so grateful. It’s kind of funny though, I always have this moment of reflection after a release where I get so overwhelmed that this is my life, I’m just a dude creating music in a spare bedroom at home in Melbourne and somehow I’ve been given an incredible opportunity to share it with the world.
What are you listening to at the moment?
My playlist selection is all over the shop at the moment. My top 3 tracks right now are –
Claptone – Stronger
SAFIA – Ivory Lullaby
Hmmm what else, oh and I’m loving that Ed Sheeran single ‘Antisocial’ with Travis Scott. When I listen in my car I put the volume on 40 (max) and drive around like I’m in a Grand Theft Auto simulation.
What do you like to do away from music?
I’m deeply invested in personal development, I love spending spare time watching educational videos, learning new left of field concepts and developing skills and values that I can bring into my music and life.
What do you have planned for the remainder of 2019 going into 2020?
I’m going into laser focus mode as of now. I start filming new visual content for the next single while preparing my live show and working on new music for 2020. I’m also just taking life as it comes a bit, I’m learning to enjoy the process a lot more as of late, who knows where I’ll be in 6-12 months
Any secrets that you care to share?
I always close my cutlery draw with a pelvic thrust
Favourite food and place to go out?
I love Asian Tapas. My favourite place to eat is Rice, Paper Scissors in Fitzroy, I highly recommend!
