PEI SHARES LATEST OFFERING ‘COUNT TO 10’ FROM HIS UPCOMING DEBUT ALBUM PEI’S PAGEANT LP OUT OCT 10 VIA BROTH RECORDS

by the partae
Photo by Hudson Reed
PRAISE FOR PEI

“Malani has cemented himself as a household name”
Rolling Stone

“A triumphant, richly-textural cut”
NME

“A lot to like for fans of the broad-strokes indie of Bon Iver and The National”
triple j

“Honest is an instantly-magnetic, radiant debut— all sun-drenched
and rooted in 2010s indie (not the landfill kind)”

The Australian

“A stirring, sweeping piece of music that pivots on his dulcet guitar chords
before becoming something grander, more orchestral in tone”

CLASH

“Pei’s soulful vocals shine through like a warm ray of sunshine uncovering wise and melodic twists and turns”
Pilerats

“Themesong is a kaleidoscopic piece of work that showcases his myriad skills as a composer, songwriter, and performer”
Music Feeds

Joji Malani (Broth Records) today previews the latest cut from his solo project Pei’s [pron. ‘pay’], debut album, with his new single ‘Count To 10‘. LISTEN HERE + WATCH HERE.

Featuring Hannah Joy from Middle Kids on backing vocals, ‘Count To 10‘ follows a jovial bass-led skiffle with production that reflects Joji’s contemporary musical influences. Finding a kindred creative spirit in co-producer Tim Fitz also of Middle Kids, his relationship with Malani stretches back to childhood, including a performance at Tim and Hannah’s wedding. Connecting almost instantly with a shared upbringing – Tim’s first decade of life spent in Papua New Guinea and Joji born and raised in Fiji – together they built their mutual love for music into adulthood as friends and collaborators. It’s this that Joji credits with ‘Count To 10‘s existence.

“I love talking about this song because it’s a great example of what a good producer does,” Joji explains. “Tim listens to the whole album and he’s like, “There’s something missing both sonically and in terms of your identity,” I was like, “What the hell are you talking about?” He’s like, “Mate, who’s your favourite artist?” and I said some modern favourites. There was nothing that sat in the realm of people I admire and respect. There was nothing that had that chill, soul vibe. He was right, but I couldn’t hear anything. He picked the tempo, played the beat and I laid down the bassline. It showed that he cared. He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.”

This sentiment extends to the music video, where Joji continues “I wanted to film a video for Count To 10 that really highlights where I grew up. As a kid moving from Fiji to the Hills District of Sydney, my family and I had this hope that we were entering into the ‘promised land’ of opportunities. As great as the move was in a lot of ways, the hills also facilitated a lot of hardship for us. It was really cool to film the video in my hometown representing 2156 / 2155 as it’s been a huge part of my story and has shaped a lot of who I am. It’s west but it ain’t western Sydney, but this place is me!” 

Count To 10‘ is Malani’s latest preview of his rich creative world as Pei, following the recently released ‘Themesong‘ and ‘Honest‘, each embraced across NMEClashtriple jUnearthedRolling StoneThe AustralianPileratsMusic Feeds and more. Inspired to express himself narratively and lyrically in ways unlike ever before, Pei’s Pageant is a dialogue with Malani’s cultural and creative identities, propelling his craft through his Fijian identity – one that many have yet to meet. In that way, Pei is Malani’s homecoming. Threading the naivety of infancy with a palpable humility in starting from scratch, Pei’s debut is a gratifying listen in watching someone experience their firsts, for a second time.

Due this October 10 via Broth Records – home to recent impressive debuts from Coconut CreamMeteor InfantMorguesAngelesAlex Rzyan and more – Pei’s Pageant freely explores a variety of sonic influences from bright, rich production; orchestration that can swing between the exuberant and borderline ambient and country balladry and at the core, there is Pei’s vocals – heartfelt, direct and confident. More than just a passion project turned big with his band The Pageant in tow, Pei steadies for his world debut.

Relocating from London to Sydney, where he had been based since 2016, Joji nestled up inside the home studio of close friend and longtime collaborator Tim Fitz after almost a decade of writing in studios and touring the world. Weaving contemporary indie, pop and rock influences with the memories and influences of his Fijian culture with natural ease, Pei’s Pageant arrives produced alongside Fitz, backing vocals from Hannah Joy (Middle Kids) arrangements from Macie Stewart (WhitneyOhmmeSZAChance the Rapper), mix engineered by Antonia Gauci (DaineTroye SivanKesha) and mastered by Grammy-nominated Ryan Schwabe (Pussy RiotShamirOneohtrix Point Never).

Count To 10‘ is out now via Broth Records, buy/stream it here.

PEI’S PAGEANT LP
10 October via Broth Records
PRE-SAVE / PRE-ORDER HERE

TRACKLIST
Themesong
Honest
Count To 10
Trying
Sila
Generous
Growth
Medicine
Moce

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