To celebrate the best of Aussie music, we’re launching Pass The AUX, a weekly mission to Ausify your playlist with a killer rotation of homegrown favourites.
Whether it’s bonafide Aussie classics or the underground tunes you’ll have on repeat for the rest of the month (or let’s face it, the rest of the year), we’re making it our duty to recalibrate your algorithm with only the hottest Aussie tracks.
And who better to celebrate Ausmusic Month with than Keli Holiday? Fresh off the release of his latest single “Dancing2”, the musician — AKA Adam Hyde or one-half of Peking Duk — swung by to dish on all things Aussie music, from his dream collaborations to his pre-gig rituals and the one song that reminds him of his girlfriend, Abbie Chatfield.
So without further ado, Keli, can you Pass the AUX?
What is your first memory of music?
Keli: My first memory of music would have been as a very young boy. Recalling it in this moment, it would have to be “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by the Rolling Stones getting played from my kitchen late at night. Getting woken up to it, to my mother dancing in the kitchen by herself — which is a very beautiful, fond memory and a beautiful image to this day. I love watching my mum dance, especially to the Stones.
How did you get started in the music industry?
Keli: I started rapping, recording rappers and producing rappers, and then I started getting into electronic music with Ruben Styles. Together, we started DJing and then we decided we should probably make some music in the style of the tunes that we’re spinning for people.
So, at the same time as we were DJing, we were trying to learn to produce music and make these crazy sounds, and then one thing led to another and we started getting booked around the country. From there we just started continuing to chip away at the idea that is finishing an idea. And I don’t think that pursuit shall ever be complete and that’s the funnest part.
What’s the Aussie song that reminds you of someone special?
Keli: “Never Tear Us Apart”, INXS. Cliché? sure. But, I mean, it makes me think of Abbie, and she loves INXS, I love her. I love INXS, she loves me. Also, “I Touch Myself” by Divinyls. That goes without saying.
What Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with?
Keli: I would love to just sit down and talk with Paul Kelly. Not even collaborate. I think he’s so interesting and insanely talented and a beautiful soul. I got to meet him. I’ve met him a couple times, but would like to sit down with him.
What’s your go-to Aussie tune for hyping yourself up?
Keli: “Get Free”, The Vines.
What’s your go-to Aussie tune for karaoke?
Keli: “Reckless”, Australian Crawl.
What’s your go-to Aussie tune for when you need a moment in your feels?
Keli: “Autoluminescent”, Rowland S. Howard.
What’s your go-to Aussie tune to get a dancefloor pumping?
Keli: “Dancing2”, Keli Holiday, obviously.
What’s your go-to Aussie tune for having a main character moment?
Keli: “Two Strong Hearts”, John Farnham.
When writing a new song, what’s your moment of inspiration?
Keli: When I’m writing a new song, a moment of inspiration can come in various ways. I wish I knew where that moment came from, I’d go there more often.
What’s your pre-gig ritual?
Keli: Have a little shimmy of the hips to limber up, a little shot of tequila to feel sweet as a buttercup, and then just get it done.
What’s one thing about working in music that might surprise people outside the industry?
Keli: The music industry is surprising to a lot of people that get into it after they didn’t know anything about it, because you realise it becomes a business quite quickly, and there’s nothing fun about that when you’re thinking about creating. But that’s just the way it rolls, and you’ve got to keep on rolling.
How can we support the next generation of Aussie music talent?
Keli: The next generation of Aussie music talent needs to be supported heavily via adding them to your playlist, getting them in your algorithm, buying merch, going to shows, and word of mouth, most importantly.
Which up and coming Aussie act do you recommend we get across ASAP?
Keli: Up and coming Aussie talent? I mean, there is so much at the moment. Someone who’s incredible is Charlie Collins. She’s been doing it for a long time, but some of the stuff she’s working on right now is incredible. She’s from Tamworth and she’s insanely talented.
“Dancing2” is on track to become the song of the summer. How does it feel that your hit track is the embodiment of celebrating love?
Keli: It feels insane to see people embrace “Dancing2” in that way. It’s such an intimate message that was a love letter to my girl, but I’m honoured to have people connect with it in the same way that I felt about it. That’s a beautiful thing.
And on that theme of love…. what Aussie tracks are a wedding dance-floor must?
Keli: “Two Strong Hearts” again, John Farnham. I just think that is such a good song and such a beautiful story of union and sticking together through it all. I think that’s representative of the union of marriage.
And finally… let’s Pass the AUX. Which Aussie act should PEDESTRIAN.TV readers be adding to their playlists?
Keli: Rowland S. Howard I think is honestly one of the most gifted songwriters in the world. His offerings he gave to the world are nothing short of incredible. I think everyone should check out his discography. I just think he’s insanely talented.
So there you have it folks, Keli has spoken, and it’s time for you to listen… literally. Chuck on some headphones and give any of the Aussie tracks he mentioned a whirl. Better yet, blast them all on your speakers with the windows down, so everyone knows you’re jamming an Ausify playlist.
This article was made possible by our mates at Ausify. Own your algorithm with local sounds.
Lead images: Keli Holiday/Instagram
The post Keli Holiday Goes On An Aus Music Deep-Dive, From Karaoke Tracks To Dance-Floor Fillers appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
