Melbourne retro-synth duo GL have spent the past year or so kicking so many goals that it's hard to fathom they're yet to put forth their debut album. Their magnetic live performances have been invariably impressive, with a haze of tonal nostalgia permeated by crisp percussion samples and garnished with singer Ella's dream-like vocals. They've just been announced for OutsideIn's RBMA stage, which will see the two-piece showcase new material from their upcoming LP.
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We speak with Ella (L) and Graeme (G) to get the lowdown on what's in store for their full-length debut, and a potential collab with one of OutsideIn's international guests.THUMP: The Terrence Parker remix of "Won't You See" is amazing, how did that come about? Do you see yourselves embracing house more down the line?
L: We were stoked with what Terrence Parker did with the song. Plastic World thought it would be a good collaboration. To be honest house music is a pretty new scene for us but the more I learn, the more I like.
G: Yes we have been exposed to all kinds of new scenes over the last year and we will continue enjoying it all, but personally I think I'll leave all that to the pros.You nail the 80s aesthetic, how difficult is it to achieve a faithful recreation of those tones?
G: It's not particularly hard since a lot of the tones are from drum machines and synthesisers, so if you know which ones to use and how to stroke them right you're halfway there. But most important is the mix and we've been very lucky to work with excellent mixers.L: Yes, it mainly hinges on the instruments you use, you can do so much those classic sounds I think they still sound relevant and modern today. We are not trying to make something that sounds exactly like anything else, more just trying use sounds that are at the source of analogue electronic music.You have a commanding presence on stage, how do you do about replicating that energy on record?
L: Performing and recording can be very different but I think it's important not to separate them too much. Some things that sound good live don't sound so good recorded and visa versa. Keeping whole takes and leaving in a few mistakes helps to keep the recordings human.
L: We were stoked with what Terrence Parker did with the song. Plastic World thought it would be a good collaboration. To be honest house music is a pretty new scene for us but the more I learn, the more I like.
G: Yes we have been exposed to all kinds of new scenes over the last year and we will continue enjoying it all, but personally I think I'll leave all that to the pros.You nail the 80s aesthetic, how difficult is it to achieve a faithful recreation of those tones?
G: It's not particularly hard since a lot of the tones are from drum machines and synthesisers, so if you know which ones to use and how to stroke them right you're halfway there. But most important is the mix and we've been very lucky to work with excellent mixers.L: Yes, it mainly hinges on the instruments you use, you can do so much those classic sounds I think they still sound relevant and modern today. We are not trying to make something that sounds exactly like anything else, more just trying use sounds that are at the source of analogue electronic music.You have a commanding presence on stage, how do you do about replicating that energy on record?
L: Performing and recording can be very different but I think it's important not to separate them too much. Some things that sound good live don't sound so good recorded and visa versa. Keeping whole takes and leaving in a few mistakes helps to keep the recordings human.
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G: That was something that was a challenge when working on the new album; you get used to how songs sound and feel when you're on stage getting blasted by all the energy of the PA, then you record a song and listen to it on bad headphones and it feels so different. So its important to have someone that can add that energy into the mix.READ: Talking Euphoria, Carl Sagan and Tycho with Sydney Twins Cosmo's MidnightHow's your album travelling? When can we expect it? And what can we expect?
L: We have finished the album! Which is exciting and can't wait to release it. We will be playing new songs live from the album for OutsideIn.G: We have taken a few new directions at points but also tried to keep it true to the things we love.What are your best tips for having a good time all the time?
G: I'm not sure, but we spent a lot of time with Roland Tings recently and he seems like he may know…What have been your best performance memories so far?
L: Our EP launch in Melbourne was one of the first shows we played and it was such a fun night, Camp Nong just before the New Year countdown was a blast, Playing the Hordern Pavilion twice before Chet Faker, XOXO presents at Hugs and Kisses Boxing Day smash. So many memories!G: Yep, Camp Nong and XOXO were definitely highlights.Any thoughts as to hitting up Devin The Dude for a collab while he's in town?
G: Actually, yes I've got a whole lot of stuff on my MPC that's too stanky for GL…
L: We have finished the album! Which is exciting and can't wait to release it. We will be playing new songs live from the album for OutsideIn.G: We have taken a few new directions at points but also tried to keep it true to the things we love.What are your best tips for having a good time all the time?
G: I'm not sure, but we spent a lot of time with Roland Tings recently and he seems like he may know…What have been your best performance memories so far?
L: Our EP launch in Melbourne was one of the first shows we played and it was such a fun night, Camp Nong just before the New Year countdown was a blast, Playing the Hordern Pavilion twice before Chet Faker, XOXO presents at Hugs and Kisses Boxing Day smash. So many memories!G: Yep, Camp Nong and XOXO were definitely highlights.Any thoughts as to hitting up Devin The Dude for a collab while he's in town?
G: Actually, yes I've got a whole lot of stuff on my MPC that's too stanky for GL…
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GL join a selection of killer acts just announced for OutsideIn's RBMA stage:GL
Loefah & Chunky
Stormzy
Cassius Select
Charles Murdoch
Feki
Magda Bytnerowicz
Max GosfordThey join the already-announced Bilal, Big K.R.I.T, Devin The Dude, Cosmo's Midnight, Star Slinger, Pomo, Total Giovanni, Pender Street Steppers, Kucka and Harvey Sutherland.OutsideIn takes place at Sydney's Manning Bar on Saturday September 26. Tickets onsale now.Want more news, tracks, features and mixes? Like THUMP on Facebook:
Loefah & Chunky
Stormzy
Cassius Select
Charles Murdoch
Feki
Magda Bytnerowicz
Max GosfordThey join the already-announced Bilal, Big K.R.I.T, Devin The Dude, Cosmo's Midnight, Star Slinger, Pomo, Total Giovanni, Pender Street Steppers, Kucka and Harvey Sutherland.OutsideIn takes place at Sydney's Manning Bar on Saturday September 26. Tickets onsale now.Want more news, tracks, features and mixes? Like THUMP on Facebook: