Austel’s latest release, ‘Now We’re Here’, is led by a distinct vocal that sits over subtle textures and underground rhythms. Reverbed guitar-work shines in the dark in this electro-pop downtempo dweller, and it’s clear to see why it has already been backed by Line of Best Fit and BBC Radio 6. I caught up with Austel to hear about the inspirations behind this release, and her career thus far.
Words by Lewis Abbott
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
Lewis) Tell me about ‘Now We’re Here’.
Austel) It’s a song about the impact of toxic relationships, how they can warp your sense of self and the struggles we face as humans trying to find connection in an increasingly bleak digital age. Essentially it’s about the impact of toxic relationships and dismantling the pedestals we put people on; about learning to be comfortable with your own identity; about commanding a new-found sense of confidence and inner strength.
It also touches on the idea that we as a society have grown so distant from each other and ourselves. In an age where communication devices are practically glued to our hands, most of us feel lonelier than ever. We’re not built to socialise through screens; we crave a warm, human connection. So ‘Now We’re Here’ is also about trying to process that, and why it’s so hard to open up and be vulnerable when you’re met with ‘cold love’.
When did the inspiration strike to write it?
I was driving home in Devon on Christmas Day a couple of years ago feeling pretty contemplative. There was quite a lot of strong imagery in my mind of the sun setting on one part of my life and emerging in some sort of underworld – a bit Stranger Things-esque. I always write a lot around that time of year.
How do you go about writing your music?
In the past, I’ve written most of my songs on piano or guitar but ‘Now We’re Here’ was formed from a bassline and drum loop programmed on my laptop. Once the core structure of the song was written, I worked with my producer Adam Stark to build up layers of vocals, arrange other instrumentation and immerse it in some otherworldly electronic soundscapes.
What do you consider to be your greatest career achievement so far?
Being able to connect with people through my music. Someone once contacted me on Twitter saying how much my songs had helped them while struggling with poor mental health, and that means more to me than any kind of award or industry hype.
If you could curate a festival, who would the three headliners be?
Bon Iver; Radiohead; Patti Smith
And what albums are you listening to right now?
Kate Tempest – The Book of Traps and Lessons;
Olafur Arnalds & Nils Frahm – Trance Frendz;
Bat For Lashes – Lost Girls;
Hayden Thorpe – Diviner;
post-dusk – Half Past Three