FORM 008: VACATETHEROOM
Earlier this year we featured the excellent debut EP from Melbourne producer VACATETHEROOM, a four-tracker the official press release called ‘full of glitchy grooves and complex melodies composed of a characteristically dark mixture of cavernous ambience’. We went one step further and lauded the release for its ‘energetic percussion that reminded of Burial’s softer moments and touching melodies that would make Boards of Canada chuffed’. Point is, the producer has potential aplenty, a name that no doubt will feature heavily on many playlists in years to come. Over the next 60 minutes, the producer shows his impressive pedigree with an adventurous mix filled with moody electronica, fractured beats and even warehouse-sized techno. It is a confidant mix that narrates a story as much as it inspires movement. Before you press play, we caught up with the producer for a quick Q+A to get all the goss in the world of VACATETHEROOM…
Hiya. How are things for you? How have you been coping with the recent lockdowns? How have you been keeping busy? I’ve been pretty good! It’s been nice to start seeing people a bit more regularly. Lately, I’ve been doing less composition and more experimenting with new sounds which has been really fun. I’ve collected a bunch of new toys this year so I’ve been enjoying combining them all and making stuff that sounds different to me. Other than that, I’ve been watching a lot of films, reading, and going on long drives/walks.
Your recent Telecommunication EP was quite the debut. And as you know, we loved it. What was your inspiration behind the release? Any artists, in particular, you were listening to when you were in the throes of production?
I think I just wanted to make something that was really far from the world we’re currently living in. That idea created a positive environment where I could do things differently in terms of composition and arrangement which ultimately made up the sound of the project. In terms of specific artists, once the ideas for the project were forming I stopped listening to other music besides some ambient bits, but at the beginning, I definitely remember listening to a lot of Burial, Skee Mask, and Nicolas Jaar.
What can you tell us about your Form podcast? And which track should we watch out for?
It’s a mix of music that I’ve wanted to put in sets for a while. No particular theme or anything, just a lot of layered rhythms and deep tones - a similar world to the Telecommunication EP. There’s a really cool track by Bitstream in the first half with crazy percussion as well as an older track of mine that I released with some friends around midway through.
After the lockdowns what do you have lined up? Any plans you can tell us about? What does the future hold for VACATETHEROOM!
I’m hoping to play some shows when things open up - both DJ and live (currently in the works now). I’m also really looking forward to sharing some of the new stuff I’ve been working on, it’s different but I’m really excited about it!