Perth duo Slumberjack get bigger and better with each release, both in their success and their songs. Masters of the epic drop, the Slumberjack guys have been kicking around for a while now, but their recent string of singles including the huge Enigma featuring GRRL PAL show a new, refined direction that we are so excited to watch unfold. Not wasting any time at all capitalising on the explosion that was Enigma onto the international scene (3.5 million streams anyone?), they’re back at it again and this time they’re teaming up with Australian rock royalty.
Lending his honeyed voice that brings you to your knees, Daniel Johns is the latest collaborator with the duo for their latest tune, Open Fire. A banger of epic proportions, Open Fire is a huge track that still harnesses a certain level of emotion that is often not there in electronic music like this. With it’s jolting, shifting hook featuring massive synth jabs and big bass, Slumberjack are totally in their element with this track, and Johns (who dipped his toes into electronic music last year) sounds more than at home singing on top of big hand claps, thumping hooks and racing bridges.
Set to unleash havoc at Splendour In The Grass later this year, Slumberjack have also been announced on the Lollapalooza lineup in the US as well. Add to this the fact that Open Fire has been released via Mad Decent (Diplo‘s label) and it would be pretty fair to say these boys are bound for a huge year this year. Check out Open Fire below, as well as our interview with Slumberjack here.
https://soundcloud.com/slumberjack-music/open-fire
Image: Supplied
Slumberjack, aka Morgan and Fletcher, are two Perth boys who came together to try their hands at making “chilled music and relaxing sounds” as Fletcher says; but what they ended up making was so much more than that. Now one of the forerunners in big room bangers, the two make exceptionally massive tracks that would have you almost snapping your limbs in an attempt to dance to it. It’s break neck speeds, epic drops and so much damn fun, which is why excitement was at an all time high late last year with the release of their debut self titled EP.
Since then, they’ve toured nationally twice, played at Stereosonic and just wrapped up a support slot on Alison Wonderland‘s Warehouse Party 2.0 tour. They were also the subject of a remix EP, which dropped not even two weeks ago. UZ, Trumpdisco, Hatch and NGHTMRE each stepped up to the plate to turn the already epic EP into something even bigger (as if that was even possible).
We got to chat to the boys on their way to a recording session – yes, that means new music is on it’s way – about best shows ever, Korean BBQ and the Perth music scene, as well as their return to doing what they love instead of trying to be liked. Two of the nicest guys to chat to, the only way is up for the Perth duo, and we can’t wait to see what comes next!
Hey Morgan, hey Fletcher! How’s it going guys?
Fletcher: Hey! We just had a photoshoot, and we just did a few interviews. It’s been a good morning!
You’re on the warehouse party tour right now, how’s it been for you guys?
F: It’s been epic. These are probably the best shows we’ve done so far, since we’ve started Slumberjack!
Wow, really?
F: Well, some of the best ones!
Has there been a particular one that has been THE best so far?
F: Definitely Perth, because of the hometown crowd! The Perth scene is so epic, and it was just a really fun show. I think we played to 5000 people?
Holy shit! That’s awesome! You guys have been friends with Alison Wonderland for a while now, haven’t you?
F: Yeah, we met Alex at Stereosonic last year, and jumped in the studio, and now we just hang out and keep in touch!
Does that make for an even better tour, when you’re with more friends who you already know well?
F: Definitely! There is a big crew of us traveling around. I think there is like 10 or 15 of us, and we all know each other now. Plus a bunch of guys from the US who are over, and all the photographers – we all hang out together and go get dinner at the hotel every night and have a good time.
That’s awesome! Speaking of dinner, i read in a separate interview that the best moment of your year last year was eating Korean BBQ before your show at Can’t Say?
Morgan: Yep, that’s right! We do like our food!
Are you proper foodies?
F: Well look, I’m only 21 so I don’t know if I can call myself a foodie – but I do enjoy going to restaurants and eating food. Especially Korean BBQ. That was probably one of the best meals I’ve ever had.
Is that a side project in the works? Maybe retire Slumberjack music, and started a Slumberjack foodie project?
M: We could start a Slumber-food critic magazine or something?
“Slumberfood”?
M: Yeah!
F: I like it!
M: Like eat yourself into a food coma!
That makes more sense with the “slumber” than the music you guys make anyway!
F: *laughs* That’s an interesting one. We started off trying to make chilled music and relaxing sounds, and then we ended up going the other way, which is funny because now the name doesn’t represent us at all… Oh well!
Well, congratulations on the EP anyway! I’ve been listening to it pretty much nonstop since it came out!
Both: Thank you!
You had a pretty big year overall last year, but it really started picking up towards the end of last year, for a fan anyway. Was it just as rapid for you guys as well?
F: People ask us that a bit but we find that, from the inside, it’s not really rapid at all. It’s something we work at constantly, so for us it was like a slow build. But I can definitely see it from the outside how it would look like that!
Listening to the EP, there are a few obvious shifts from your earlier stuff – it’s more melodic in a way, but still just as massive! Was that a conscious decision to be like, “Let’s try this now!”
M: We always liked melodic music. When Slumberjack started out, we didn’t really know how to carry our show music-wise. As with a lot of producers, you want to fit in and you want to make sure a lot of people like your music. But now, it’s not so much a change as we’re being true to what we like and what we think club music should be. The best way to fit in is to carve your own space, and that’s how we did it this time. We feel like it’s more genuine. It’s more of a backwards thing – we’re going back to what originally liked instead of consciously trying to emulate somebody else.
I love that! Also the introduction of vocalists was a big change too, with Father Dude and KLP…
F: Yeah, we really like to work with vocalists. We think it just adds another layer or dimension to the song, and we’re really into having other sounds and having a vocalist on there gives the track a whole new perspective and it gives the track a bit of their creative input as well. It makes the track, I guess, “pop”!
I can hear that! Is that something you’ll be looking towards doing again in the future?
M: We just really enjoy collaborations. We do like instrumentals a lot, but at the same time you’re really having a good time driving down the street and singing to a song! We really wanted to create that experience, but at the same time serving a purpose to the music. Creating a story that’s a literal story, and at the same time there’s an instrumental part that you can dance to or vibe out to! So yeah, definitely looking at doing that more!
Also being able to relate to the song a bit more from the lyrics as well is something I’ve noticed with those songs. KLP’s lyrics especially, I love that song!
F: Thank you so much! She did a really great job and that was a fun one to do. She sent it back in like a day, even when she was sick with a terrible cold she sent us back a demo.
M: That was the one we used too!
F: Yeah, that was the one we ended up using! We didn’t change it.
Wow, that’s amazing! Now with the remix EP coming out, how does it feel making your song, and then someone coming back with a totally different interpretation of it?
M: It’s surprising, but it’s always positive. We enjoy getting surprises like that. It’s surreal, never in a million years when we started did we think that would happen. We always wanted to remix other people, but when the label came back and said someone wanted to remix the songs. We just really liked how everything came about. It was so nice and the tracks work well. We play them out too and people love it!
Especially that Hatch remix! That shit is crazy!
F: Yeah it’s epic! That was the first remix done too. It was done quite a while ago.
Can you give us an insight into any Perth acts we should be keeping an eye on?
M: We’ve got Sable, we’ve got a really good drum’n’bass scene. Obviously we all know Ta-Ku, and a couple of small acts starting out –
F: There’s a guy called Jia Lih too who is doing really cool stuff too!
M: He is very talented!
F: I hope he does really well too, he deserves it!
Looking forward now, what can we expect next from you two? You’re going to wrap up this tour, but you actually tour a fair bit anyway. Can we expect a new tour in a few months?
F: No, because we’ve done so much recently we’re going to pull back on the touring and focus on working in the studio. We’re actually on our way to a studio session right now. We’ve got a lot of new music ready to go, or almost finished. We’re going to lay it all out and pick the best ones which will come out on our next EP later on this year which we’re really excited about. Our number one passion is sharing our music with people so we’re super excited about that. But to do that, we’re going to have to take a break from some shows, but we’ll be back early next year!
Awesome! That’s also rad you’re recording whilst on tour as well – seizing the moment!
F: Absolutely! You have to make the most of every single moment!
Friday afternoon! You know what that means – we have selected the best of the best new tracks released this week for your aural pleasure. Whether it’s afternoon wind downs, Friday night turn-ups or just plain old dancing in your room, we have definitely got you covered with our top tracks!
Big White – You Know I Love You
Big White are the first local band to be signed to Caroline Australia, and after hearing this track this news really comes as no surprise. Intricate guitar melodies, dramatic and attention grabbing vocals and just enough jangly beats to keep that head swaying, this track is made for after work beers in the sun. Thank you very much, Big White!
Loon Lake – Just Now
This track was apparently written in 2 hours, which is a testament to Loon Lake’s song writing ability. I’ve heard tracks made over months that don’t sound as rad as this! Good old rock’n’roll, this is thrashy, passionate and heaps of fun – the perfect song to mark the band’s return to the scene. A very welcome return indeed, Just Now is hopefully indicative of very good things to come!
JATA – Drowning In Your Arms
“Keep me up because sleep is the cousin of death” is a lyric I can relate all to well with in JATA’s new track Drowning In Your Arms. Beautiful lyricism, plunging synths and impassioned choruses, huge production and cinematic organ bass drops – this track is one that sticks with you from first listen, and the second, and the third…
I’lls – Let Me Have Just One
I’lls are outstanding, and with each release this reputation is just further cemented. The Melbourne trio work so well together, if they ever stopped doing so it would probably be regarded as a national loss. The three are as on point as ever with this latest track, with Lam delivering the heart wrenching chorus of “Don’t fuck around, the thoughts become profound” above a bed of swelling synths, erratic beats and scattered samples. Intricate, meticulous and just plain stunning.
Motez – One 2
Motez continues his domination in the land of house music with this latest track – the next release off his forthcoming Vancouver EP. One 2 can be aptly described as a “total fucking jam” the way it rises and falls, plunging into the depths with it’s huge bass versus the sky high synth swells. Also that vocal sample is a lot of fun, and you just know this is going to be a ripper on any dance floor. I’m proclaiming this to be the Year of Motez.
Antony & Cleopatra – Take Me
Somehow drawing on the past but twisting it into a futuristic style, Antony & Cleopatra have a lot going on, and a lot to love with their new track Take Me. This track actually came out last week, and somehow slipped through the cracks at H&E HQ. However, we can make a little exception, based on how good the song is. Just try not getting down to this one! I dare you.
Slumberjack – Body Cry (Trumpdisco Remix)
Slumberjack released their self-titled EP late last year, comprised of heavy trap beats and surprising textures, making them one of the most exciting acts to emerge in the electronic scene. One of my favourite tracks on that EP was their song Body Cry, which was conveniently remixed this week by Trumpdisco as part of their Remix EP release. I haven’t heard the Perth duo sound quite like this before, but the addition of Trumpdisco’s touches sure makes for a fantastic rework!
Jinja Safari – Find My Way
Finally new Jinja Safari in my ears! Being a long term fan of these guys (Peter Pan anyone?), hearing the news that there is indeed a new track from my favourite sitar playing, pan-piping band made me one happy lady. Songs don’t get much more fun than this, jam packed with feel good vibes and Marcus Azon‘s infectious vocals – definitely one to warm up these colder months!
Baio – Brainwash yyrr Face
Chris Baio is the bassist of Vampire Weekend, but he also makes REALLY good dance music. Brainwash yyrr Face is the first track from his forthcoming album The Names (he’s already released a couple of EPs as well) and is one of the best tracks I’ve heard in quite a while. Unpredictable, fresh and totally unique, Brainwash yyrr Face has been on repeat for the past two days, and is a very exciting first taste from his new album. This track also wasn’t on SoundCloud, so here’s the YouTube version:
Hello and welcome to a extra large edition of your weekly Howl & Echoes playlist. The 130track whopper starts off with some soulful crooning, before we hit an electronic hill, and roll back down with some serious hip hop. Enjoy!
The Kite String Tangle & Dustin Tebbutt, Illuminate
Well this is just a match made in heaven. Blending TKST’s talent for gorgeous electronic melodies with Tebbutt’s vocals (as well as his own,) this is a beautiful song and the perfect start to your weekly playlist. A gentle atmosphere starts to build throughout, at a perfect pace and with such a rich soundscape. We hear a lot of melodic electronica every week, but this collab absolutely stands out. In fact I like this better than any song the two have released individually. The pair are touring together soon – hopefully an EP is in the works!
Wet, Deadwater
We had fun taking photos of Wet while they were on tour opening for London Grammar. I absolutely loved their debut EP, so it’s great to hear new music today. Taking cues from the likes of Purity Ring and Chvrches, Deadwater toys with a brighter electro-pop sound and airy, breathy vocals. However, the laid back groove and organic soundscape keep them a little more refrained, kind of like Rhye. Beautiful and somehow sad all at once, I absolutely love this track.
Darius, Helios ft. Wayne Snow (Myd Remix)
Yes, this is the third time this track has featured in a weekly playlists. I still can’t get enough of the original track, and now Myd has put his own spin on it. The Bromance Records producer has sped it up and tacked on a swift beat, a shuffled rhythm and a bright house beat. Admittedly I don’t like it as much as Bondax’s version, but I have a feeling this’ll be a big favourite for the house-inclined folk out there.
Aeroplane, Let’s Get Slow ft. Benjamin Diamond
Another house track to lighten up this playlist, Aeroplane’s latest takes you back to those balmy summer nights, now a distant memory. I really love Benjamin Diamond’s vocals. There’s something nostalgic about that melody, and his voice has a really lovely richness to it. The bubbly synths brighten up the simple rhythm, and the whole thing blooms into something heavier and really catchy as it progresses along.
Leon Osborn, You Were Gone ft. Barksdale
Newly signed to Pilerats Records, Leon Osborne releases this eerie, experimental electronic track. It’s one of those track where there’s a lot to explore – the more you listen, the deeper you delve. There’s a great variety of tones and colours throughout the layers, and they’ve come together to create something really unique and definitely interesting. Definitely a track to listen to with headphones on, at full volume to take it all in.
Slumberjack, The Others ft. KLP (UZ Remix)
I’ll admit that I’m pretty sick of super low pitch-shifted vocals, but I really do enjoy this deep, dark remix of Slumberjack’s track with KLP. The slow beat really envelops you, and as the soundscape starts to build, it only grows more haunting and more captivating. Strange, strange things starts to happen after the 90-second mark, and the drop is all kinds of fun. Falling just shy of a guilty-pleasure-banger, there’s a lot more than what meets the eye to this cool, if convoluted remix.
Big Wild, Aftergold
This is the latest single on Odesza’s brand new label – and it’s definitely clear that Odesza had a say in this, particularly through the more ambient moments. Bright and catchy with a big, bouncy rhythm, this is a super fun tune. Despite the bright synths and over-used clap rhythms, it doesn’t stray into that over-bright Wave Racer territory, largely thanks to the massive brassy synths and occasionally glitchy rhythmic embellishments.
Tashka, Taken
Blending on-trend electro-pop-soul with a headier R&B melody, upcoming Sydney artist Tashka has named her new single after the Liam Neeson film of the same name. It’s a very safe track, sure, but there’s a lot to love, particularly the sensual beat, the beautiful melody and the wonderful harmonies which accompany it, as well as those breathy marimba-style echoes. Mixed and mastered by Andrei Eremin, keep an eye out for Tashka’s debut EP later this year.
Maiday, You
A piano-led pop track with a twist, there’s so much sublime vulnerability in Maiday’s vocals. As the track starts to grow and move, a great rhythm kicks in, and her voice rises with soft, yet demanding confidence. It’s one of those tracks where the devil is in the details – those little piano harmonies, the occasional synth flickers and momentary bass booms make all the difference. A really impressive track from the upcoming UK singer, keep an eye out for Maiday’s debut EP, also set for release later this year.
Eska, Boundaries
I absolutely fell in love with the power and originality of Eska’s music a few months back, so I’m really excited that she’s back in our playlist today. Boundaries is raw and simply stunning. Her vocals take centre stage – as they should – accompanied by dramatic, theatrical instrumental layers. The slightly off-beat, ever-changing timing only makes this track even more intriguing. As the melody swells up, I can’t help but feel like this would be at home in a contemporary musical. We don’t hear music like this every day – so thank you, Eska.
Jordan Bratton, Prisoner ft. Chance The Rapper
WHAT A TRACK! My pick for the week. There’s so much honesty and emotion in Bratton’s melody, and it’s so raw, with a simple backing beat and harmonies gently building behind it. “Is this just a prisoner without a cage?” he sings, delivering a powerful message about a girl who has been so hypnotised by fame and money that she’s lost her way in the world. Guest vox from Chance The Rapper (who takes the form of Chance The Singer here) add another beautiful layer to it all, and the star power will no doubt bring Bratton the attention he deserves.
Master Wolf, Never Question The Dopeness
I’m excited to introduce you to Master Wolf, an upcoming rapper from Brisbane. It’s so, so, so refreshing to hear good rap coming from Australia, and Master Wolf nails it on his debut track. Taking the lead above a chilled, gangsta-inspired beat, Master Wolf shows us what he’s got – and what’s got is a liquid flow off his liquid flow. I admit that I’m still getting used to liking Australian accents in rap, but his quick-to-flip tongue and smart (if silly at times) lyrics make this a great new track, and a bright new player in the Aus rap scene.
De La Soul, God It ft. Nas
Does a De La Soul track ft. Nas even need much of a writeup? The rap legends have joined forces for an instant classic, a refreshingly old-school track in a constantly forward-moving genre. Stripped back and bare, there’s a distinctly retro vibe and I really like it. De La Soul recently announced that they will be funding their forthcoming fifth album via Kickstarter, and while this track will not be featured, it’s a sign of the sweet, sweet tunes to come. Expect features from Damon Albarn, Little Dragon, 2 Chainz and more.
Perth electronic duo Slumberjack have been on the up, up, and up. Their bass-heavy dance music has swept up sweaty dancefloors throughout the country, and there’s no signs of slowing down. Their tracks Horus and Felon have led the way, achieving rotation on triple J, while Body Cry has already clocked more than a million Soundcloud plays – pretty impressive stuff! They’ve been hailed by Alison Wonderland, Skrillex and more as a really exciting new act on the scene. Having already earned themselves a reputation as a killer live act, they’re bringing their bangin’ live show back for a new round of shows – grab your tickets now before this one sells out.
Here we go again! A weekly playlist of the best new songs I’ve heard all week. We start off today with a couple of headier rock tracks before toning it down into some serious smooth electro-soul. We’ll hang there for a while before ending on a serious bang.
- Art of Sleeping, Crazy
One of the best bluesy rock tracks I’ve heard in ages, this Brisbane five-piece know exactly how to get you going. Gorgeous vocals, incredible riffs, billowing builds. You don’t get better than this. - Bernaccia, Darkness Walks
Opening with feedback and growly guitars, this is one for the doom-y grunge lovers out there. Catchy riffs and a great voice. What it lacks in excitement, it makes up for in the satisfying crunch of distortion. - North Arm, Sometimes New
Let’s tone it down a tad. Sydney’s North Arm have a new single out, and it’s a jingly, fuzzed out semi-psychedelic beauty. The melody is simple yet enchanting, with the guitar and vocals dancing around each other throughout. - Samm Henshaw, Only Wanna Be With You
Samm Henshaw has a really wonderful voice and this song, simple as it may be, is one of those songs that just make me really happy. Catchy, clap-along and fantastically soulful. Not electro-soul, not future-soul, just good ol’ fashioned soul. - Snoh Aalegra, Bad Things (ft. Common)
Another favourite discovery of mine. Snoh’s beautiful voice really stands out among other upcoming soul/R&B singers – it’s rich but crisp, demanding yet dulcet. Plus a bonus riff from Common. So. Good. - Alta, Hold Your Fire
Subtle and seductive, this track by the Melbourne duo has me drawing instant Little Dragon comparisons. A gorgeous flow and a huge range of musical layers, there’s so much going on behind the melody. - Raye, Bet U Wish
17-year-old Raye’s new single has an intriguing electronic basis, topped off with a great pop/R&B melody. It really kicks off in the chorus – big beats, big vocals, interesting samples and catchy as hell. - Adria, Pull Me Under
Ohhh, that syncopation. This is one sexy track. Follows on from the Raye track, only brimming with sensuality. I love how intricate the percussion rhythms here, and the contrast between the driving bass and those occasional piano notes. - Natalie McCool, Wind Blows Harder (THUMPERS rework)
We go further once again – heavy beats, choir-sounding vocals, flittering beats lead the way to a passionate melody. Some brilliant synth action at play here. It’s basically a combination of psychedelic haze with biiig trappy beats. - Slumberjack, Horus
You’ve probably heard Horus by now, considering it’s already topped Hype Machine. The Perth duo go all out with the new single. That rhythm, man. Reminds me of Tipper. I just want to play this one over and over and over again!
That’s it for this week! Here’s ya playlist:
Slumberjack are incoming. And BOY, have they hit the ground running. The Perth duo have been making waves all around the country with their banging tunes – a uniquely blended mix of dark tones with upbeat glitchiness, which is setting them apart from so many in the recent Australian-electronic-music baby boom. They’ve been ripping up dance-floors on tour, not to mention lording over the internet – their newest single already sits at nearly a quarter million plays on Soundcloud. Now, they’re set to drop their debut EP on Fri, Nov 21.
Anyway, we wanted to get to know them a little better, so we asked them what their favourite songs were. With tastes as diverse (and awesome) as this, it is absolutely no surprise that these guys have such a cool sound.
SLUMBERJACK: MY FAVOURITE TUNES
1. My favourite track to wake up to is… Erik Satie – Gymnopedie No. 1. It is actually our tour alarm tone. Such calming opening chords, it’s almost like smelling the aroma of bacon in the air when you wake up.
2. The best track for cooking is: MGMT – Electric Feel. Something about the alternating 6/4 and 4/4 bars makes it very bouncy to cook to.
3. The best track for spring cleaning is…. Clipping – Work Work (feat. Cocc Pistol Cree). Gotta get that work work done done ya know?
4. The ultimate road trip track is… Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Under The Bridge. Nothing makes me want to wind down the windows more than this track.
5. My favourite love song is…. The Script – For The First Time. Might be a bit cheesy to most, but you can’t deny that feeling when listening to this song in your (at least our) teen years.
6. The best track for sweet love makin’ is… Justin Timberlake’s ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds’. Don’t think we have to explain why. Such funky synth bassline right thurrr.
7. The track that always gets the party started is… Disclosure – You & Me (Baauer Remix). When we heard this in the studio for the first time, we looked at each other and did the ‘oooOooo’ at the same time.
8. The best track to wind down a crowd is… Keys N Krates – All The Time (Tove Lo Flip). This is perfect for a chill out to bring things back down to Earth after we get carried away and play too many intense tracks in a row.
9. My favourite drunken karaoke track is…. Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody. Hands down one the greatest records of all time, GALILEO, galileo.
10. I love going to sleep listening to… Ludovico Einaudi. Pretty much all his music is prime drift-off-to-sleep material.
11. I can’t stop dancing when I hear…. Anything from Mr. Carmack. Somehow every track of his tickles our brain balls.
WHAT’S THAT? You wanna listen to what Slumberjack listen to?
Well, that’s awesome, cos we’ve made a playlist just for you!