Archy Stranger
Melbourne producer and vocalist Archy Stranger returns with his second single of the year, Home, an earnest and agile indie pop anthem. Initially gaining attention as a versatile session songwriter and producer, being a vocalist in his own right was not always Archy Stranger’s intention. Initially favouring processed or sampled vocals in his works, he found himself slowly incorporating his own unique baritone sound after creating several promising reference tracks for other artists.
The tracks that have since formed his upcoming debut EP laid dormant for almost two years due to record label creative differences, and he continued to focus on his production work, but now the time has come for to have his
own voice heard.
How has the build-up been leading up to the release of your debut EP Place In Time?
The build up has been an interesting one, and a long process. Some of the songs on the EP are over three years old so it feels really amazing to finally be sharing them with everyone.
Is there a hidden meaning behind the EP title?
For me Place in Time describes the songs as different moments in my life from the past three years or so, with the EP as a collection of those songs serving as a kind of time-capsule that I can look back on now and in the years to come.
Was the process of making your EP as challenging as you thought?
The writing itself came quite naturally, but getting everything to its final form definitely took longer than expected. Most of the songs went through several (really different) versions before I was happy to share them.
Sonically, how would describe your music?
I listen to a lot of different music and like to draw influence from every genre that comes my way, which I guess in some ways make my music hard to pin down to a specific genre. This EP was written on piano, and that features heavily, so I guess it’s piano music at its core.
Who would you consider to be the biggest influence on your music and why?
On a creative level: Kanye West. I’ve been a massive fan since I was a kid. The way he is able to reinvent himself with every release always amazes me. Also the way he is able to draw from different genres and styles to find something new is incredible.
Best piece of advice you have been given?
“Sometimes the best advice is no advice” – K. West
Is it a challenge pulling together an EP that best represents you now?
Yeah, I think it is. As people we are always evolving and changing so I guess it’s hard to expect music that you made based on how you were feeling one particular day to be a representation of who you are on the day you release the track.
Has music always been a passion for you?
I’ve definitely had a connection with music all my life, and I turned to creating my own music when I was about 15, making beats in my bedroom and self-teaching a few instruments. From there it’s been my main creative outlet.
Are you looking to tour more broadly?
The live show is still a work in progress, but that is definitely the goal. To be able to share these tracks in a live setting, the way I want it to look and feel, would be really amazing.
What’s next for Archy Stranger?
I’ve got lots of new music in the works, some of which I’m hoping to share before the end of the year. I’ve also got production work that I’ve done for other artists which will hopefully be surfacing in the near future, so keep an eye out for that.
Interview By Rob Lyon
Check out Archy Strangers Place In Time on Spotify…