Meet The Musos: Get To Know Gold Coast Lo-Fi Dance Music Trio daste.
The trio are set to perform at Springtime Festival on the Gold Coast this September.
daste. (Supplied)
Hailing from the idyllic Gold Coast of Australia, daste. is a dynamic trio that has taken the music scene by storm with their unique blend of chilled indie-pop, seamlessly interwoven with smooth R&B and soul influences.
Comprising Braxton, Tyler, and Callum, the band's harmonious chemistry stems from their serendipitous meeting during their "Popular Music" studies at Griffith University. Bonding over shared musical tastes, their journey took an exciting turn as they transitioned from performing with a local band to forging their own path.
In 2018, daste. unveiled their inaugural single, Thinkin Of, which was promptly signed by Mammal Sounds Records.
The debut release exceeded all expectations, affirming their artistic direction. The subsequent year witnessed the release of their debut EP, Palette, including standout tracks like Myself and SOBER.
The trio's magnetic stage presence also secured them coveted opening slots for prominent acts such as Lastlings, First Beige, and Midnight Pool Party.
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Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, daste. remained undeterred, embracing a novel approach to creative collaboration. Over video calls, they diligently transformed individual ideas into a cohesive collective vision, resulting in a remarkable collection of new songs.
This prolific period culminated in their debut album, dusk&dawn, released in October 2021.
Their momentum remained unwavering in 2022, as the group continued to redefine their sound and expand their creative horizon, with the release of Butterfly (So Free) marking a new chapter for the group.
Ahead of their upcoming performance at Gold Coastโs Springtime Festival which takes place from September 1-3, we had a chat with the trio to find out all the things you need to know about daste.
Give us the story behind the name daste?
The name came from a joke way back with friends in high school. We used the word 'daste' to describe something exceptionally good, like when you hear a song that hits hard.
It's always paired with the ๐ค emoji. Though not deeply thought out at the time, it now represents us well, an experience encompassing various genres we've explored in our music.
If your music was a flavour, what would it taste like?
Our music would be Sweet'n'Sour sauce! It combines sweetness and tanginess to make your taste buds dance ๐ค๐ค. We often reference food and taste when producing, a second language to describe our ideas.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences and how have they impacted your sound and style?
Influences include Leisure, Tora, and Two Another. They inspired us when starting out, and we've woven their magic into our own identity.
Whatโs been the biggest moment in your career so far?
Achieving one million monthly listeners ๐ค. While many milestones have been enjoyable, realising the reach of our music is truly remarkable.
Whatโs the most unusual or unexpected source of inspiration youโve drawn from when writing a song?
Most songs stem from moments of inspiration, like hearing a song you like or catching a melody while doing everyday things. We once wrote about our love for ice-cold water, a unique but unreleased source of inspiration.
Can you share a hilarious or cringe-worthy moment from your early days as artists?
One memorable cringe-worthy moment was a show in Brisbane/Meanjin where our laptop took a power nap mid-set, leaving us in awkward silence. Lesson learned: keep screensavers off ๐ณ.
What are the top three tracks or artists youโre vibing on rn?
Sangria - easy life, Arlo Parks (Callum)
Luvaroq - Elujay, serpentwithfeet (Braxton)
Gretel - Alex G (Tyler)
Whatโs something that fans might not know about you guys?
We're fun and easygoing! Our serious press photos have given a reclusive impression, but meeting us reveals a different personality.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Dark Side of The Moon by Pink Floyd (Callum) - Timeless choice.
Random Access Memories by Daft Punk (Braxton) - My first CD and endlessly enjoyable.
Parachutes by Coldplay (Tyler) - My first love, listened from start to finish.
You dropped your last single Butterfly in late 2022 - can we expect new music soon?
We aim to release one new song this year and a body of work in 2024 ๐ค. RnB/Soul mixed with Electronica, revisiting the vibes of our sophomore EP Same As It Ever Was with a new twist.
What other plans do you have for 2023?
We're reflecting on ourselves and our music's direction. Deep conversations have guided us, and we're confidently heading in a new direction for next year.
Expect more creativity as we invite talented session musicians to the mix. More cooks in the kitchen might just surprise us all! ๐ค
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