Hermitude - Interview

It’s difficult to find a duo that has defined Australian music as much as Hermitude. Across the last two decades, El Gusto and Luke Dubs have consistently kept evolution and experimentation at the forefront of their craft, paving new directions amongst the electronic, hip-hop and pop spaces. The duo received critical acclaim internationally and domestically from their fifth album Dark Night Sweet Light, which catapulted them to new heights. It hit #1 on the ARIA Charts, while platinum-selling lead single ‘The Buzz’ - proved an international success taking them to stages including SXSW and Lollapalooza amongst headline shows of their own across Australia, the US and the UK.

We sat down with the guy’s to chop it up and talk music.

1.    So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My Dad is a musician so I was lucky to have been around music since day dot. Early memories for me are sliding across dance floors on my knees and playing drums on empty wine casks. When I was 15 my parents bought me an Atari ST and a Yamaha SY22 and I've never looked back.

2.    Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Frank Ocean, Skrillex, Khruangbin, Beth Gibbons, Cashmere Cat, Kendrick Lamar, Vulfpeck, Billie Eilish.

3.    Your new single ‘Janela' is doing the rounds and, here at Wordplay magazine, we love it, but the question on everyone's lips though is, is there an album coming and when we can expect it?

Indeed! We're releasing a deluxe version of Pollyanarchy which has 4 unreleased tracks feat Kimbra, Daniel Bedingfield, Drew Love and Kam Alexander. It drops on the 13th of November.

4.    How would you describe your sound?

Slow cooked.

5.    What?s your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

We were lucky enough to get in a room with some amazing artists when writing Pollyanarchy. Working with Buddy and BJ The Chicago Kid at Buddy's spot in LA was a session we'll never forget.

6.    Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Making music is fucking fun. Make sure that's the reason why you're starting out in the first place. See and listen to as much music as possible. That's always the most inspiring thing for me. And be you, don't copy all these other peeps. Sure do your research and figure out how they do what they do, but then bring your own flair and personality.

7.    Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Odette is an absolutely amazing singer from Australia. We had the pleasure of producing one of the tracks on her upcoming project. Really loving the new mixtape by THEY. Also, check out Ninajirachi. She's been putting out solid club bangers for a minute now.

8.    What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Joined Ends - Dorian Concept, Detroit 2 - Big Sean, Articulation - Rival Consoles and anything by Kenny Loggins

9.    What do you like to do when your not making music?

Taking and developing photos, playing video games and drinking boutique colas.

10. Name Three things you can?t live without?

My family, vintage tees and chilli sauce.

Words - Ed Lindsay