One of Australia’s most prolific and exciting producers Ukiyo has today released his hypnotic new single The Middle featuring Panama. This is a lowkey, pulsing bed of a track, with bubbling energy permeating throughout and is perfectly complemented by a gorgeous, glowing video that will transport the viewer on a journey to a mellow, rose-pink, levitating otherworld. The Middle is the latest single to be shared from Ukiyo’s forthcoming self-
Influenced by the ambient electronic of Tourist and the dancefloor vibes of Jon Hopkins, The Middle is a stunning, moving track, one which washes over the listener in a way that will have them pressing replay again and again. Wistful and delicate, Panama’s gentle, raw vocal sings lyrics that speak to the compromises and sacrifices that we make to keep our relationships alive. Mixed by Tim Watt (Golden Features, MUTO, Hermitude, Crooked Colours) and mastered by Wayne Sutherland (What So Not, Motez, Willaris K), The Middle is a beautiful addition to Ukiyo’s stunning discography. Speaking on the inspiration behind the track, Ukiyo says, “The Middle is all about meeting in ‘the middle.’ The original demo when I sent it to Panama was called “stay” which I thought was a funny little response to my previous track “Go” with Chymes. They both discuss similar themes of dysfunctional relationships & the fight within when you’re trying to leave them….working with Panama was a dream come true. His ‘Always’ EP way back in 2013 with all the amazing remixes on it was one of the things that got me absolutely hooked on electronic music & learning how to make it so this song is a bit of a full circle moment.”
The video for The Middle is thoughtful and surreal, as objects levitate off the ground in a fantasy, rose-tinted world. It’s abandoned, but peaceful. Working once again with the production company Black Lake who have made clips for OTR, Shallou, Martin Garrix and more, Ukiyo explains how the video for The Middle came about, saying, “‘Ukiyo’ translates literally as ‘floating world’, so this video is a little homage to that. It also continues the themes of the Good Enough music video, comparing human relationships to our relationship with the Earth.”
With his long list of career accolades including playlist additions from Pharrell Williams and Martin Garrix, brand syncs with American Eagle, Ripcurl, Microsoft, Volkswagon, HBO and Netflix, not to mention a casual 30 million collective streams, it’s safe to say that anticipation for Ukiyo’s debut LP is at an all time high. And fans don’t need to wait for too much longer, for Ukiyo’s self-titled debut LP is completed and set for release November 13, full track listing below. The album is a celebration of the Australian music scene, with some of the country’s best contributing to the record and an all-star line up of features including Panama, Maribelle, J
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