Live Review: Gus Dingwall delivers his pristine production in debut track 'Downtown'

Inspired by the greats like NICK MURPHY, KAYTRANADA and FLYING LOTUS, Melbourne producer and vocalist GUS DINGWALL has just debuted his first solo track, and its crossing genres between electronic and acoustic sentiments. ‘Downtown’ is an ode to longing for someone, the fatal emotional spiral of always having them on your mind. “The times when you’re caught thinking over and over about somebody, and wanting to be close to them more than anything in the world,” Gus explains.

Taking Nick Murphy’s smooth lyricism and working the intricate production that is found within Kaytranada and Flying Lotus, Gus is paying attention to detail. He has taken his precious pick of influences, hand plucked all the best parts of their artistry and welded them together to create something that is truly unique to the electronic genre.

At just 18, this guy is showing talent way beyond his years, layering incredibly diverse synths along a vibrating electronic foundation. But, as well structured as the track is, there are surprises at every turn. It smoothly transitions from compilations of synths to acoustic instruments providing a pathway for Gus’s sparkling artistry and personality to shine through.

Towards the middle of the track, there is a slow paced guitar riff that is then complemented with flawless vocals and crystal clear waves of electronic. The pace of the track gives you breathable pauses, slowing the tempo so perfectly it enables you to appreciate its beauty; but then raising it back up again to capture its foot-tapping, sway-inducing ability.

This track is a testament to his progression, coming a heck of a long way since performing for his family and friends at the age of 14. He now not only was hand picked to be featured on a track, ‘Medicine’, with French producer MØME but now has his first solo single out in the world and has captured all our hearts here at Purple Sneakers. All we can say is bring on the next instalment. Have a listen to 'Downtown' and get to know Gus Dingwall. 

Words by NATALIE TURNER 

LISTEN TO MORE NEW MUSIC HERE 

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