A Quick Chat with Sunset Dreams
Congrats on the new album! Nothing Lasts Forever feels like a trip through nostalgia and neon lights. Where did this record begin for you — was it a particular sound, a moment, or just a vibe that kicked it off?
It was a particular sound I was going for. I wanted to do something completely different and make some electronic pop music, but it still has a psychedelic indie feel to it. I still love playing guitars and drums but I really want to push myself and try to eventually create some crazy electronic music whatever the vibe may be.
You’ve traded in guitars for synths and drum machines this time around. What drew you toward that 90s rave energy and how did it reshape the way you write and produce?
It really came from what I was listening to at the time and using the gear I had, which was a MicroKorg and a Roland VR-09. Making these songs gave me a deeper understanding of how to produce other styles of music and shout-out Snowy — he’s from Melbourne, makes awesome music, and has helped me a lot with mixing and mastering.
Music Baby and If Only It Lasted are certainly standout tracks. What do those tracks mean to you, and were they always meant to sit at the heart of the album?
They stand out to me for having a bit of a club feel. I wanted them to be the first songs off the album because they get you straight into the mood I’m trying to set and it was a chance to have a bit more fun with music and experiment with new sounds.
Even though Nothing Lasts Forever hits hard rhythmically, there’s still this dreamy melancholy under the surface. Do you think of your music as more for the dance floor or for late-night headphones?
I’d like to make music in the future that is for the dance floors, but so far I think it’s more late-night headphones music or for late-night drives.
You’ve come a long way since being that 17-year-old bedroom producer who caught people’s ears overseas. What have you learned about your own creative process since then?
I think over the years my creative process has become more free flowing — whatever happens happens and I’m just happy to be making some music still. It definitely comes in waves but I always have a lot of ideas in my head. The main thing I have learnt is not to worry so much about it. At the end of the day I’m making it for myself, and I’ve finally gotten to a point where I can accept nothing will be perfect, but it still can sound pretty good.
Looking ahead, what kind of world do you want Sunset Dreams to live in next — more synths, more euphoria, or maybe a completely new direction?
I’m working on an album to release next year — it’ll be a lot heavier, more grunge sounding, and I want it to have a live feel to it, like you’re in the room with me.