Interviews

Every now and then an album hits you by someone you’ve never heard before, and it’s full of magic and you just know is going to hit different. It’s out on Friends Rave - an emerging electronic music label based in Adelaide. The label founder is Blayke, himself an evolving electronic artist operating in the Adelaide’s underground space with his debut release through his own imprint of Friends Rave.

Blayke’s music fits beautifully in the spaces between deep house, techno and experimental music for clubs while also providing a richly textured sonic listening experience for solitary headphones alike. His album ‘The Wave Experiment’ is a perfect antidote to a fast-paced industry driven landscape. It’s sophisticated, subtle, and completely unhurried.

Thanks for talking to us. Where are you this moment and how are you spending the day?

Right now I am sitting at home in the beachside suburb of Moana, South Australia. I'll be spending the day preparing for the launch event of my upcoming release which is this weekend.

Where were you born? Where are you based now?

I was born in a country town in South Australia, built around a dormant volcano, called Mount Gambier. It's 5 hours drive away from where I live now.

What do you love most about where you are living? What keeps you where you are?

Great question, I love the serenity of the beach…the peace and quiet and the freedom of my city. What keeps me here is the dollars and cents needed to live life. Is this a good enough reason? I'm not sure..

If money was no object, and you could choose anywhere in the world to live, where would that be and why?

You know what…I just sold all my stuff and am heading to Tokyo.

How long have you been making music? What was your first step as a musician?

I've enjoyed playing around with instruments since I was younger and music software for about 5 years now, but I have only started making and finishing music for about 3 years. My first step was playing air guitar to Red Hot Chili Peppers concerts.

Are you a DJ too?

I DJ'd for a little while first and since have taken a step back to work on more personal projects.

What kind of artists, DJs, genres were you into growing up?

I listened to a wide range of music growing up courtesy of my father. He put me onto the encyclopedia of 90’s music which was in the form of his CD player.

Who are the artists that you follow right now?

I actually have been mainly diving deep into music from the past. I will listen to modern stuff for contrast and understanding but yeah…

What is the most recent record you purchased or downloaded?

I purchased -The last talk of the machines” by ReKab which according to the label, he submitted 2 weeks before his passing. I only just discovered ReKab’s music but it’s definitely got some divinity attached to it so RIP <3

If you could choose a few words to describe your vibe what would they be?

This is a good question but tough to answer. I have been described by my mum as gorgeous, lovely and a d***h***.

Talk to us about the new album and the initial idea. When did you first approach this concept and what was your original intention?

With this album, the name came first, then the cover art, then the music. It naturally evolved out of me trying to create something personal but in the context of dance music culture which I have experienced.

What was most important for you to convey through these tracks? Do you feel that you were able to accomplish all of your intentions?

I wouldn’t say I held onto any strict message whilst making this… but the concept of 'truth’ was a guiding force and yes, I feel like this project is truthful to me.

What are you most proud of with this release?

Pride is a sin so I try to stay away from it…

What was the most challenging part of bringing the release together?

It’s funny because there were challenging moments but in hindsight the process just felt so smooth, so let’s just run with that.

What drives you to create music?

Inspiration.

What has been one of your favorite moments from the past year?

Living with my housemate Snakecharmer; A Russian sharpshooter (musically) who teaches me new lessons in music every day.

Where do you find the most inspiration when it comes to discovering new music?

Spotify and Bandcamp mainly. But I love when other people show me music more than anything…

Is there anything that you would like to tell us about you?

I hope that somebody reads this interview, then listens to the release, then smiles.

What can we hope to see next from you?

I’m not sure just yet. Thank you for choosing to interview me.

Check out the latest release from Blayke.