music
5 AUSSIE PRODUCERS
TO WATCH IN 2015
Hayden James
‘Something about You’ sticks to your brain like gooey, delicious honey. Hayden
James takes responsibility for this and previous single ‘Permission to Love’, which
was the most blogged about song on Hype in 2013. However, the best thing
about Hayden James is the intricate intelligence of his song-writing. His debut
EP followed a narrative of an ‘outer-space love story,’ partially replicated through
visual media during live shows. I have no qualms in calling him as the next Flume.
HAyden james
Alison Wonderland
If you’ve been to the DJ tent at any Australian music festival, you’ve probably
heard Alison Wonderland’s work. Tireless producing and performing has
earned Alison Wonderland her position as a household name in the club world,
churning out more bangers than a British butcher. 2015 has already seen her
drop her new album, featuring collaborations with Wayne Coyne, SAFIA, LIDO,
and Slumberjack, as well as her own vocals. There aren’t too many bigger
names in Australian house right now.
Japanese Wallpaper
Alison Wonderland
Melbourne schoolboy – that’s right I said SCHOOLBOY - Gab Strum/Japanese
Wallpaper is kind of a big deal. He has released a debut EP, won Triple J’s
unearthed high, and has featured on the soundtrack of Zach Braff’s Wish I Was
Here alongside Coldplay, Bon Iver and Cat Power (amazing soundtrack, below
par movie). The emotion-drenched ambience that radiates off ‘Breathe In’ is
hypnotic and when the song finishes, you almost feel a little bit empty. At just
17 years old, you feel he’s got a lot more where that’s from.
Paces
Paces has been on a rampage in the last six months. As another hard-working
musician who is starting to reap the rewards of countless hours spent in the
studio, he has nailed collabs with Tkay Maidza, Erin Marshall, Just Chris, and
Madeline Vida. These not only show off his amazing production skills, but have
also unearthed some incredible singers and MCs. He is also probably the most
active social media user in the Australian music industry right now, so it’s worth
flicking him a follow on Facebook.
Japanese Wallpaper
Golden Features
Anonymity is a big deal for some producers; acts like SBTRKT and Zhu hide
behind masks and create alternate personas. I don’t know exactly why they
do this, but I’m sure a few people would like to know who hides behind the
moniker Golden Features. His/her/their/its debut album was a raw display of
unrestrained, electronic innovation, which Dave Ruby Howe described as ‘club
music for aliens.’ The number one hit ‘Tell Me’ ft. Nicole Millar (who sang on
that Peking Duk song that went like, double platinum) has been picked up by
national radio, but it’s the continual good tunes that have fans excited about
what else is to come from Golden Features.
WORDS: TOM SHERSON – USQ Alumni
IMAGES:
LEMESH, LUCINDA GOODWIN,
PACHA AND ALHAMBRA LOUNGE
Listen now on
usqedu Spotify
Paces
Golden features