1tbsp explores cities, communities and dystopian landscapes in new album

1tbsp - the project of Australian GRAMMY-nominated artist Maxwell Byrne, aka Golden Vessel - has released his new album, 'Megacity1000'.

It's an introspective affair which navigates contemporary issues from climate change to gentrification through a variety of soundscapes. There's electronica, elements of house and UKG, and sounds of beyond so tripped-out and intriguing they're trickier to define.

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“Megacity1000’ is a concept dance album that I put together over the last year," he explains. "I’ve been really fascinated and intimidated by the problems that my generation are starting to face around expanding population growth, climate change and gentrification. The promotion of the album (ironically pro-capitalistic) follows the arc of building the city, trying to bring on investors & entice people to move, and then ultimately the city failing.

"My girlfriend and I spent two months over summer building a cardboard city from scratch and we shot the visuals for the album in this miniature city. We were heavily influenced by Playtime by Jacques Tati (1967) and Metropolis by Fritz Lang (1928), as well as following along with what’s happening with The Line getting built in Saudi Arabia.

"It feels like DJing & dance music can exist as an escape from reality which I really value, but it was also interesting to find a way to bring these concepts into my music as well.”

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'Megacity1000' by 1tbsp is available now, check it out here.

Niamh Ingram is Mixmag's Weekend Editor, follow her on Instagram.