BRAMBLES

Melbourne-based, British electronic artist Brambles is known for oscillating between genres and worlds. The multi-instrumentalist has shifted from traditional instruments, to a PlayStation DAW, later delving deep into the world of software synths. A career spanning nearly a decade, the artist releases their new single ‘Wing’, a genre-blending track from their forthcoming sophomore album ‘Mirror’.

Brambles’ music journey has moved organically with them, changing and progressing over the years. Being cultivated with years of training and experimentation.

“I was 6 when my grandfather died but I still remember his collection of instruments and the songs he would make up about my brother and I on the electric organ. This inspired me to begin my own musical journey through learning to play guitar, piano and saxophone in primary school. I eventually borrowed a friend’s copy of ‘MTV Music Generator’ for PS1 which was basically a super simplified DAW (digital audio workstation) with cheesy jungle and DnB samples. It was a slow process using the PlayStation controller to edit melodies but it felt like magic at the time. I got into proper song writing when emo arrived in the early 2000s which lead me to recording guitar and vocals in old school audio software like soundforge/acid. More recently I started collecting virtual analogue synths from the 90s as they have a very unique physical modelling engines, long before modern VSTs existed. Now I’m spending the majority of my time on sound design and vocal composition using Ableton, Reason and FM synthesis.”

Brambles’ debut album ‘Charcoal’ was released in 2012 and has lead to their music being used by Netflix, The Norwegian Ballet, Victoria’s Secret and beyond, gaining them notable fans including Elliot Page and UK indie band Foals. With over 14 million streams on Spotify the melancholy album cemented Brambles as a leading composer and producer. Over the years since ‘Charcoal’, Brambles has explored many different musical styles, gradually evolving their sound from music for introspective thinking, to experimental pop with hyperactive rhythms.

“Writing lyrics doesn’t come naturally to me but I have really enjoyed the challenge of moving to more vocal-based songs and creating music that moves you in a more physical way.”

With sugary electronic vocals juxtaposed with textural and experimental instrumental tones ‘Wing’ is an emotive collage of sound.

“‘Wing’ is about being alive without purpose, just going through the motions but then an entity bringing you out of that, showing you how to feel less empty. An emerging playfulness and strength after a period of stagnation.”

To create the visuals to accompany ‘Wing’ Brambles worked with 3D artists Ida Lissner and Chris Dömeny.

“I asked one of my favourite 3D artists, Ida Lissner to create the cover art using her beautiful organic style and a concept I have been working on for the album involving mirror realms. I’ve also recently been working with the super talented 3D artist Chris Dömeny on the music video. Together we came up with an idea involving abstract underwater creatures and Y2K-styled alien artifacts. I gave him free rein and he went into a trance for a week to emerge with the final animation”.

Be drawn into Brambles new textural world with ‘Wing’, the first taste from their album ‘Mirror’.