Of the numerous remixes and tracks that the late Tomchilla contributed to Shadow Wulf, the latest release (in collaboration with fellow Australian artist Lektrk), “Space”, may be the most memorable. Together, Michael (Lektrk) and Thomas (Tomchilla) demonstrate their strong grasp on the current sounds in dark minimal and psytechno, and show a beautiful creative connection that was severed much too early.
Courtesy of Shadow Wulf
Tomchilla and Lektrk connected creatively in a way that few collaborators have the chance to experience. Though the three partnered tracks on this release are far from their only projects together, they easily stand out as pack favorites. Title track, “Space” was the first collaboration between Lektrk and Tomchilla, and was written during a just shy of the pandemic period when it seemed everyone needed freedom to feel live music again. The track presents a rocking and rolling groove that’s addictive from the first 32 bars in, with a bassline and rhythm that requires a need for immediate body movement. Follow up track “Let’s Play” maintains similar stylistic sounds, with a stomping rhythm fit for only the most gangster bushtechno afficionados. And in an added heartfelt and creative touch, the track features detuned and affected vocals from Tomchilla’s own daughter, Grace – these vocals truly add to the track’s joi de vivre! The third of their joint efforts on this release is “Redesign”, a true collaboration where both artists produced interpretations of an idea, which they then combined into a ‘redesigned’ song, creating a completely new direction and concept from the track’s early ideas. The track chugs forward in a detailed and careful build, with a deeply ominous synth line that swells in and out hypnotically like nighttime ocean waves.
Listen now: Tomchilla & LEKTRK Space EP – Shadow Wulf
Last, but certainly not least of the EP’s originals, is an additional solo track from Lektrk. “You Need Me” reflects his penchant for dark, brooding techno – and this track in particular delves deeper with haunting vocals speaking on desire and obsession. It’s from these shadows where Mike Clark (a.k.a LEKTRK)’s characteristic sound emerges on the EP. A softly spoken London born, Melbourne bred techno producer and DJ, Michael has been consistently delivering inspired selections for some time, and demonstrates an ever-evolving style while maintaining popular relevance. His releases plot tricky yet coherent lines between techno, slick dark/bush tech, and progressive house.
Adding to this EP are three inventive remixes from returning Shadow Wulf artist mexCalito, and two new members to the pack – BANDO and CommonGround. BANDO brings a depth of melody to balance out the darkness of “Space” while sustaining the track’s inherent and effortless playfulness. CommonGround teases and toys with minimal energies in his remix of “Let’s Play”, with touches of acid, and a groove that’s stripped back a bit more for added space and varied texture. mexCalito brings things around full circle, with his signature elemental quirks and rhythmic drive, never letting go of the track’s haunting and hypnotic lead sounds, but rather expanding on them further in cooly expert fashion.
Courtesy of Shadow Wulf
Thomas’s departure from this world was an insurmountable loss to his loved ones, supporters, and the greater music community. There is no doubt his absence will forever be felt, especially the loss of such an inspiring creative mind. Reflecting on this, new pack mate Michael (Lektrk) says, “Thomas had an amazing ear for detail, in particular atmospheric sounds that were both interesting and quirky in nature. He had an ability to hear and emphasise the best elements of a track and blend things to reflect a signature sound. He liked to change things up and adjust the perspective a lot too. Tom occasionally would ask you “how attached are you to a track idea”, and you knew something special was coming (eg. Redesign).” It is this kind of admiration that leaves Thomas’s work so respected and valued within the community. Michael attests that “Thomas was a natural talent, with a warm heart, and a generous spirit that was always looking for ways to support others in the industry.” and Erin (Crescendoll), one of Shadow Wulf’s founders, says she couldn’t agree more. “He was eager to remix on any project we ever sent his way, especially seemed to enjoy a challenge, and was always immersed in a truly authentic artistic flow”, she says. “Thomas meant a great deal to us at Shadow Wulf, and it was an honor to work with him. I had the great pleasure of not only remixing for him at his request, but in receiving one of my all-time favorite remixes from him on a very special EP of mine last year. I remember my excitement in listening to what he was going to send me on that project, and honestly, I had that excitment regarding everything he ever sent our way. There was such a cool thing that would happen when you were listening to one of Tom’s tracks. He had this unique flavor, and his musical finger was firmly on the pulse of what makes psytechno such a cool genre. He had that characteristic bush-techno sound that, yeah, has grit and dark flavor to it, but that also has this fun and goofy swing / swagger. I think those elements were exactly representative of Thomas’s vibe. He always knew how to make you laugh and groove hard at the same time.”
Courtesy of Shadow Wulf
Says the entire team at Shadow Wulf (Erin, Drew, Aaron) – “We hope that this release is a healing and enjoyable experience for all who listen to it. We are incredibly grateful to Michael for helping to see this project through after the fact, to Thomas’s family Megan and Sarah for generously representing him and his music, and to every one of his friends that eagerly jumped on board to remix and honor his work – mexCalito, BANDO, and CommonGround. It was a true pleasure to support Tomchilla’s music over the years, and we’ll miss him dearly. We hope our listeners enjoy “Space” and everything that went into it, and feel it in their hearts to honor Thomas with some fun and inspired dance floor energy for each track on this release.”
Connect With Tomchilla: SOUNDCLOUD | FACEBOOK | BEATPORT | INSTAGRAM
Connect With Lektrk: SOUNDCLOUD | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
