The RUSH of being FRIENDLESS
FRIENDLESS, the man who’s music has been described as “a soulful electronic tone that was unique, like whales having sex on Quaaludes” has joined forces with CHE’ SAVAGE for the brand new song RUSH, which is out this week on the 29th of October. The song was a dream collaboration for the pair, producing a fun and uplifting summer dance anthem and they couldn’t be happier with the result. We got the chance to talk to FRIENDLESS about the new song, communicating through music and the possibility of an album in 2022.
Your sound has been described as “a soulful electronic tone that was unique, like whales having sex on Quaaludes” is that how you describe it?
Such a brilliant description! I wish I’d thought of it. Though I have never witnessed Whales make love, I’d like to think they do it to my music whilst high on 1980s era downers.
Tell us about your new song, RUSH featuring CHE’ SAVAGE?
RUSH is a celebration!!! It is unapologetically positive and simply a bloody good time. Che and I had such a great time writing this together and I couldn’t be happier. I really wanted to create something fun to play live that was sweet and uplifting but also a bit wild and untamed. I think we nailed it (but I’m bias)
““RUSH is all about hope and looking forward””
What does the song mean to you?
RUSH is all about hope and looking forward, it's at its core a love song but more about loving yourself and just embracing self. For me as an artist it marks a shift in direction that started at the end of 2020 that sees me really trying to broaden my musical horizons, take more risks and make ambitious music that makes people happy!
Are you excited for the release on the 29th via Be Rich Records?
I’m so excited for this release and what it means for my career. The team at Be Rich are really pumped too and coming into what will probably be an INSANE Australian summer, the timing is just PERFECT.
How big is your part in the making and production of your music?
I’m a muso through and through so I do everything from songwriting to production, having said that, I LOVE collaborating and bringing talented people like Ché into the fold is just a joy. RUSH was very much a musical partnership and I can’t wait for the world to hear it!
You have said you use music to communicate, do you find this an easier path in this world full of misinformation and fake news?
Absolutely!! It’s such a beautiful language and more importantly an inclusive one
““Music is such a beautiful language and more importantly an inclusive one””
You pride yourself on your originality and not fitting into a box or category, is this how you have always been, or has it been a journey to reach the point of not caring about popular opinion and conformity?
It's definitely a direct result of not having enough self confidence in the past and finally finding a truer voice. Being authentic to your individuality is so important, especially these days, when music creation is so accessible and there are so many fantastically talented humans making noise, the only way to really stand out is to be different.
You have a consistent back catalogue of singles. Are there any plans for an Album soon?
It’s so funny you mention that as this is a 2022 vision! An EP in the early year and then a bigger body of work in the latter year.
With restrictions lifting around the country do you have plans to tour or hit the festival circuit soon?
I am just in the throws of putting together a run of shows for mid next year, and I’ll be playing all over Sydney and the coast over Christmas / NYE
How did you get your start in music?
I started waaaaaay back in high school! I was in a band called Loki and we signed to Festival/Mushroom and we had a bloody good time.
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
SO MANY PEOPLE
But to be perfectly honest, I am mostly inspired by the people I work with!! There are so many INCREDIBLE artists in this country that I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
“Being authentic to your individuality is so important
”
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
It was at Manly Youth Centre which was THE spot on the beaches at the time and it was amazing!!
Who would * your ultimate Collab Partner be?
THE NEPTUNES
You have shared the stage with massive names in the industry such as Duke Dumont and PNAU as well as winning the 2021 APRA Professional Development Award. What for you has been the highlight in your career so far? and why?
There have really been some magical moments but one of my favourite of all time is playing a sunset set at Single Fin in Ulluwatu to a packed house and there was a brief sun shower. SO MAGICAL.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what do they do that keeps your world turning?
HUGE LOVE TO MY MANAGER, GUY. He deals with a lot of anxiety ridden brain farts and he’s just the best.
What’s happening for FRIENDLESS come 2022? What’s in the pipeline?
SO MANY TUNES, SO MANY SHOWS AND SO MANY GOOD TIMES!!!
Watch my gram and find out!!!
For more information, please go to:
Website: https://friendlessofficial.com
Facebook: @Friendless
Instagram: @friendlessofficial
Twitter: @FRNDLSS
Interview by Michelle Symes
October 2021