Nadisko Take Me Away Interview

Nadisko Announces New Single and Lyric Video Take Me Away

Electronic masters Nadisko have announced their iridescent new single Take Me Away, a track made to be spun in the summer (or to heat up the winter months!) out now. The group, consisting of Alex Hopkins and Blake Wood, have also released a stunning lyric video to accompany Take Me Away.

Nadisko formed during the Myspace glory days of mid-2008; an era when MGMT's debut album was being blasted all over the radio and ultimate-cringe head-to-toe flouro attire was widespread. They quickly cemented themselves as premier resident DJs in Sydney, and from there they gained airplay on BBC Radio One for their debut EP, they supported Steve Aoki, Tiga, Uffie and heaps more massive names, remixed Peking Duk's first EP, and played shows all across Australia, Europe and Mexico. It's been a wild ride, and the guys are super excited to be back with their new single Take Me Away, as Wood enthuses, "After a four year hiatus, we have developed a more mature sound, using the knowledge that one gains after 50 releases and a love of dance music. We are super keen to release new music and share it with everyone!"

Evocative of electronic dance auteurs RÜFÜS DU SOL and Crooked Colours, Take Me Away is the much-needed antidote to a chilly Australian winter. Hypnotic percussion percolates underneath wistful, beautiful vocals, and it's a masterclass in electronic dance production and arrangement. Offering a little insight into the inspiration behind the track, Hopkins says, "Take Me Away is an intimate, summery, poolside tune with a hypnotic guitar riff and dreamy soulful vocals. It is a new direction of what we are vibing musically, and in that, something we have only recently tapped into. It was inspired by equality and relationships. With the world being so busy and with so much division, we often struggle and forget to spend time with those closest to us. It was inspired by a very tough time for us in our lives and was used as a form of escapism. It comes back to the idea of a 'perfect' dream or idealism of what relationships should be like. It brought us back to the things that are important to us in life."

Nadisko are a part of the Hot Sunday Records label family, run by Australian DJ and producer Color Castle (Christian Pilot), joining the roster alongside Sidney Charles, Miguel Campbell, Dennis Quin and more. Hand in hand with their label, Nadisko are ready to celebrate their return with Take Me Away. Wood describes how the pair's relationship has developed over the years and how honing and interchanging their skills has resulted in Take Me Away, saying, "We both work in media and have a penchant for everything television and movies. We first met socially and uncovered a joint passion for music. Alex had been making music since he was 12, from this, I took care of the live element and Alex was mostly production, with these roles changing often over the years. Between this and music, I guess you could say we have a very proactive work ethic after years of relying on each other through various hurdles!"

Nadisko is Alex Hopkins and Blake Wood.

Interview with Nadisko

Question: Can you tell us about Take Me Away?

Nadisko: It is a new direction of what we usually produce. It encapsulates an emotional element that I guess we somewhat ignored in most of our previous songs, and touches on a different tone. It is probably the lightest song we have ever made, which is part of the evolving process.


Question: What inspired the track?

Nadisko: It came from a point of understanding equality in relationships that we all need time out from our busy lives, and a partner or friend can help to remove us and see the world more objectively. It focuses on the importance of having someone, a confidant that you can trust to give you clarity and perspective.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Nadisko: Emotions, whether this is happiness, frustration, dark and moody or elation! We have hundreds and hundreds of tracks, ideas that have been written off the cuff from everyday experiences. When an idea hits us, it hits. It's a massive rush.

Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Nadisko: For us it's almost like Ying & Yang. Blake prefers performing live that's for sure, while Alex prefers recording in the studio. I think that's why this dynamic works so well for us.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Nadisko: We are working hard on our live show at the moment! But if I were to have a favorite of ours to play live it would be 'Variable'.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Nadisko: That is a tough one, probably one of the Chemical Brothers, to give us a dose of constructive criticism.


Question: What is the story behind the band name?

Nadisko: It means non-applicable disco (laughs).


Question: How did the band come together?
Nadisko: Alex dated Blake's sister at University. From this we realised we both had a love for all things music. Over a few drinks we created two or three songs and popped them up on a MySpace page (this was 2008)! A few weeks later we were approached to play our first gig at some ungodly hour in the morning.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Nadisko: Sebastain Paul, Tontario and Stars Of The Lid.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Nadisko: Tangerine Dream, Faithless, The Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy and Massive Attack. Pretty much the dance heavyweights from 15 years ago when we were very young and impressionable.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Nadisko: Jon Hopkins.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Nadisko: We both work in television so if that isn't on, gym, coffee, emails, music, coffee and music!

Question: Can you share your socials?

Nadisko: @n_dmusic
Facebook


Interview by Brooke Hunter