ARTISTS
Blake.08: Home is where the art is
Following the release of his debut album 'From Sydney With Love', Gadigal Land/Sydney-based producer Blake.08 talks through why staying true to your roots is so crucial.
Melodic deep house is not a genre often heard across Australia. While heavily represented in scenes across the globe, particularly in Europe, the genre and its scene have largely seen local representation via some of the world’s more influential labels.
Blake.08 is a Gadigal Land/Sydney-born producer who has just released his debut album on one of those very labels, London’s Anjunadeep. ‘From Sydney With Love’ is, as the name would suggest, a deeply personal homage to his hometown and artistic journey.
His teens saw the artist experimenting, like many his age, with UKF dubstep and sounds inspired by the likes of Deadmau5. In his early twenties, Blake saw breakthrough success as a then half of Human Movement, ultimately stepping away in early 2019. Since then, he’s worked as a music teacher and lecturer, slowly chipping away at his own productions.
With the release of ‘From Sydney With Love’ comfortably behind him, we spoke with Blake.08 about where he saw himself next.
Q: Blake, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us. How does it feel to be releasing your debut full-length album finally?
BLAKE.08: It feels amazing! To be able to produce and release my first physical album before the age of 30 is definitely a milestone I can be proud of.
I’m relieved, as it’s been a big project; I'm pleased about it and excited to get to touring it out.
Q: You’ve by no means been quiet, releasing a string of singles & EPs over the last few years. What makes this project stand out as an album to you?
BLAKE.08: This project was a compilation of different tracks written to be perceived as a cohesive body of work that flows well and keeps the listener engaged.
Meticulous planning and track selection were needed. I wanted to make sure I showcased my unique style, as well as provide some more ‘single-tailored’ tunes.
Q: ‘From Sydney With Love’ finds a home on UK-based label Anjunadeep, also known as Above & Beyond’s deep house imprint. How did you come to be involved with Anjunadeep, and why do you think this record needs to be there?
BLAKE.08: Anjunadeep has always been that “serious” label or premium label when it comes to electronic dance music. I grew up listening to Above and Beyond’s Essential mixes, so it’s a great platform and an honour to get this opportunity.
I believe that my music belongs on the label and fits nicely within the roster of other great artists.
Q: Can you give us an explanation of what the title of the album means to you, this many years into living here and making music?
BLAKE.08: So many different pivotal points in my life happened in Sydney, which is my home city. Ups, downs, successes, sacrifices and losses were part of it.
I’m proud of my city and dedicated the album to it. It stems from love, as I’ve always wanted to bring happiness to individuals through my art.
Q: Your history with music is extensive. You were originally half of Human Movement, and you’ve continued to make and teach music since leaving that project. How does Blake.08 feel like a reflection of who you are and the music you want to release?
BLAKE.08: For sure, the first serious project was Human Movement, a duo. Blake.08 is now solely me, and I love it because of that. Music on my terms, and I create and release it as I please.
I think that’s a really important factor in the Blake.08 sound. I also bring all my knowledge so far to the table when lecturing and tutoring.
Q: As I just mentioned, you don’t only produce music, but you also teach it. What experience or perspective do you think your work as a music lecturer provides to you as an artist?
BLAKE.08: The lecturing and tutoring have honestly inspired me. There's nothing better than getting first-year university students excited and happy about the creative arts of sound and music production.
There’s no greater feeling than receiving applause after a good, interactive, face-to-face tutorial. I’ll always still try to be involved and help where I can in the future.
Q: You’ve got a variety of features on this record, including vocals by Seduna, Nathan Ball and Claxy. Why was having these voices on the album so crucial?
BLAKE.08: With an album, you have to have some vocals to tell a story, albeit not crucial. There was no set planning. I reached out to Nathan, Alex (Seduna), and Clara (Claxy) and sent them demos, wondering if they wanted to add some vocals on top. In the end, it all worked out, and that’s what we were aiming for.
Q: Your brand of melodic deep house is getting huge recognition overseas, and even on the label. I’m told that Anjunadeep’s James Grant recently called you his “favourite artist on the label”. At home, that melodic, progressive house doesn’t seem to be as prominent. Do you disagree? I’d love to know why you think that may or may not be the case.
BLAKE.08: Melodic deep house is popular all over the globe. It’s been very nice to hear some friendly words from James Grant and Paavo from Above and Beyond, and so forth, regarding my music. In Sydney, the scene is interesting; you need to be a bit of a socialite to crack the club scene, which I’m not (lol).
At first, it was a little frustrating, but in the end, it worked out, and we surpassed that local status. I honestly think it was helpful getting into production before clubbing.
I just genuinely love writing music.
Q: I need to ask, ‘Eyes Ablaze’ uses the vocals from Blue Foundation’s ‘Eyes On Fire’, notably remixed by Canadian duo Zeds Dead in 2009. How influential was that song for you?
BLAKE.08: ‘Eyes on Fire’ by Blue Foundation is an insane track. Initially, my father introduced it to me at a young age, and I loved it. Then Zedds Dead did the UKF remix, which brought it back to my attention, and I thought, “Why not try and do a dance cover of such an amazing and inspiring track?”
I love melancholic sounds from older rock bands like Cream and the Moody Blues, among others.
Q: How have you paid homage to your influences on this record?
BLAKE.08: I think I’ve paid homage by featuring three born and bred Sydney artists, which has been something I really wanted to achieve. Those 3 being Soschi (Sam), Alex (Seduna), and Gaz (Zach). We are all close mates. The album is genuinely made and produced in Sydney.
Q: You’ve toured around the world a decent bit as of late. What have you noticed in touring overseas that you hope takes off here at home?
BLAKE.08: The freedom overseas is incredible. In contrast, with Sydney, the police and government make it really tight on financials, strict on liberty (things like harm reduction), and just don’t seem to really care about the art (from what I can see).
I’ll still say that Australians are some of the biggest party animals in the world. We send it, so I’d like to see less red tape, more beach festivals, and more support from the government for locals.
Q: What are you most excited about in the immediate future?
BLAKE.08: TOURING! Training, keeping healthy, meeting new friends along the way, and just enjoying life. I’m just grateful to be alive, really.
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'From Sydney With Love' is available for purchase on Blake.08's Bandcamp & listenable via streaming services now.
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Jack Colquhoun is Mixmag ANZ's Managing Editor, find him on Instagram.
