Oliver Malcolm’s new track ‘The Machine’ and his top tracks of the moment

12 August 2020 | 2:26 pm | Jessica Negus

There’s no wonder why Swedish-born, London-raised artist Oliver Malcolm is set for success.

A young, experimental protege with brazen, rebellious music tailor-made for his peers? There’s no wonder why Swedish-born, London-raised artist Oliver Malcolm is set for success. ‘The Machine’, the 20 year old’s latest track, is his fourth release of the year, following his critically acclaimed debut single ‘Switched Up’ which was added to high rotation on Triple J.

‘The Machine’ takes inspiration from the UK punk scene in the 1970’s, and in particular the discography of The Clash, described by Malcolm as a “revolt against the social institutions that prioritise material and financial gain above all else”.

Never one to stray from a convergence of musical inspirations and genres in his work, we chatted to Oliver about his top tracks of the moment - a melting pot of classics old and new.

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Johnny Cash - (Ghost) Riders in the Sky

The songwriting, the story it tells, somehow it just feels really relatable to me at the point of life that I’m in. Any time I play it. I just feel like a badass cowboy riding a horse with two revolvers. It’s one of my favorite songs of all time.

50 Cent - Hate It Or Love It

I play it and it gives me a nostalgic feeling. The tone of 50's voice and how it contrasts The Game is just balanced perfectly. It is just really cool how the whole song is relaxed and swagged out.

Danzig - Mother

As soon as I heard this song, I did a cover of it and rehearsed performing it like 50 times just because I wanted to emulate the same energy in the song.

Woody Guthrie - Car Song

I just love how creative he got on this song and how he is just thinking outside the box using his vocals as an instrument and sound effects.

Billie Holiday - Good Morning Heartache

I love this song. Billie's voice is just so effortless when she sings. Every time she sings “stop haunting me now” I just get goosebumps.

‘The Machine’ is available to purchase and stream now here.

Image by Glen Matheny

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