Artists to Watch in 2016: Anatole
If an artist is getting love from all your favourite artists it's a pretty good indicator that they're doing something good. ANATOLE is that guy
If an artist is getting love from all your favourite artists when they release music, it's a pretty good indicator that they're doing something good. ANATOLE is that guy. And he's been doing extremely special things for the last couple of years.
All of this hard work, small shows and secret collaborations came to a head mid way through 2015, as the Sydney producer (known to his parents as Jonathan Baker) released his most adventurous, in depth and incredible single to date in 'Away'.
Featuring the beautiful vocals of Melbourne musician Tash Parker, the track brought in elements of Baker's classically trained schooling and twisted the shit out them with intricate layering and subtle beat smattering.
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Anatole's latest EP, Surrounds (which dropped a couple of weeks ago), continued this theme - and in the process could easily be the best Australian electronic release of the year. It demonstrated how electronic and classical sounds could come together for a local artist. Written in collaboration with vocalists and other classically trained musicians; produced in and out of his own bedroom (and possibly Gotye's retreat studio), Surrounds is a testament to the immense musical knowledge, skill and writing ability this young as fuck guy has.
From the string arrangements at the forefront of 'Colours'; to the aforementioned vocal layering in 'Away'; the subtle and refined percussion of 'Here For This' (matched with the impressive vocal samples from Rosebud Leach), and the production masterclass of the title track and closer - the entire release is one of the most diverse and detailed electronic creations to come out of the country to date.
Considering that all of this has fallen right on the cusp of 2016, and the release has followed sold out headline shows and support slots for contemporaries like LUCIANBLOMKAMP, Polographia, Gordi, Vallis Alps and more - it certainly seems like things are only going to get bigger and brighter for Anatole over the next 12 months.
Words by Tom Hutchins
Photo Credit: Liam Cameron
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