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EX-OLYMPIAN

FIELD RECORDINGS: RESIDENT 02

Resident: Ex-Olympian
Date: 9-11 Dec 2020
Location: Louka, VIC
Sonics: Bird Calls, Trees, Bubbling Brook

All photos by @exolympian

All photos by @exolympian

‘Pure joy’ is perhaps the best way to describe the synthesis of sounds that make up Melburnian Liam McGorry’s work as Ex-Olympian, but it turns out he’s got a better one: ‘Dream funk.’ The multi-instrumentalist, sample fiend, vocalist and producer has been on our radar for years thanks to his work with legends Saskwatch and Dorsal Fins, but his solo work really has to be heard to be believed. On the strength of ‘Lilac Youth’ alone, we knew Liam would bring something special back from his stay in the wilderness. What we didn’t anticipate is how groovy it would be.

It wasn’t a difficult proposition to lure Liam out to Louka. “In terms of timing of my escape, it was a literal escape from 3 months of Stage 4 Melbourne lockdown,” he laughs. “So it was especially beautiful to go on a real road trip and really see some new country.” While Liam is a somewhat structured artist who tries to work on his music every day, he also appreciates the value in open space for creative work. 

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“Being a songwriter/musician is about wearing all the hats and having to be very focused not just on the music you want to make, but also about all of the other things as well… when it’s coming out, how it’s coming out, what that looks like and so on,” he muses. “Having time away from making music is just as important to me as it often provides that down time where there’s no pressure on you. You can listen to that music you wanted to, read that book, all the stuff which in turn inspires you to make more yourself.”

Despite the recent pickup of activity in his city, Liam didn’t find it difficult to adopt to a slower pace of creative work. In fact, it’s something he recommends to all his mates. “To be honest it was easy to adjust. With the omnipresent nature of online work during the lockdowns, I was really craving that sort of disconnection. It was great to just relax and really focus on the sounds around me.” 

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Liam’s track arrived at the time of writing, a horn-laden party explosion that he actually sketched while at the cabin. A photo he sent shows a smorgasbord of gear crammed into Louka, so dedicated is the man to making the most out of his stay. But it sounds like he can’t wait to do it again. 

“It’s really revitalising to have time away from your screens; to sit, listen to what’s around you and process things that have or are going on with your life.” he says. “Without that time, it’s hard to really forge on and to create good work.”

We’re with you, Liam. Bring your dream funk out to the wilderness again soon. 

Late to the party? Find out all about our debut Field Recordings residency & EP here.

 

Field Recordings I was made possible by our friends at SEARCH PARTY, DupeShop, Good Manners, NLV Recordings, Spirit Level and of course, our amazing Unyoked hosts.