21.07.24
Local Mix 037 —
FAZERDAZE
(Amelia Murray)
Indie Rock
Neo-Psychedelia
Pop
Shoegaze
Neo-Soul
Experimental Rock
Fazerdaze is the dream-pop project of Ōtautahi based musician, songwriter and producer Amelia Murray. Renowned for her unique blend of bedroom pop and grungy shoegaze influences, Murray first burst onto the local scene in 2014 with her self-produced and self-titled debut EP. She further established herself as an internationally renowned artist with her debut album ‘Morningside’. After the critical success of ‘Morningside’ in 2017, Fazerdaze took a five-year hiatus due to burnout and personal challenges, but returned triumphantly in late 2022 with the EP ‘Break!’.
Fazerdaze's resurgence since then continued with the release of the synth-laden alt-rock track ‘Bigger’ in September 2023, marking a thrilling preview of her upcoming, yet-to-be-announced sophomore record. The success of ‘Bigger’ paved the way for an extensive tour across Australia, the UK, Europe, and festival appearances in South East Asia . She returned home to finish the year with a captivating performance at The Others Way festival in Auckland. Notably, Fazerdaze has shared stages with The xx, King Krule, HAIM, Alvvays, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and supported Grammy Award-winning artist Lorde on her 2023 New Zealand Solar Power tour.
Fazerdaze's global appeal is undeniable. With sold-out headline performances in major cities, spanning from New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur to more recent successes in Paris, London, Melbourne and Jakarta. Her 2023 headline Solo NZ tour achieved full sell-out as well. International radio play on BBC1, and KEXP, including A List Rotation for her track ‘Thick of the Honey’ on BBC6, further underscores her rising prominence. With a history of accolades, including a Silver Scroll Award nomination and 3 nominations at 2024 Aotearoa music awards, Amelia Murray and Fazerdaze stand on the precipice of an exhilarating musical journey with 2024 looking ripe with plenty of new music from Fazerdaze.
Amelia took some time out of her busy schedule to make us a mix and answer a few questions — the result is a dreamy collection of alt-rock giants and gems. Listening to the mix feels like; a hot pot of tea shared between friends, the crinkle your eyes make when you get a message from a crush, or the kick of warm fresh air when you step off the plane in your home city. It's comforting surprising, hopeful and just the right amount of bittersweet.
Tell us a little about how you approached making this mix — what was your jumping off point?
It’s my second winter living here in Ōtautahi, so as someone who struggles with the cold and shorter days, I wanted to make a playlist that feels warm, tender and comforting!
Talk us through the flow of the mix, what is the ideal listening environment?
I think this mix is best listened to on a quiet night in, where you stay home and catch up with yourself, or maybe have a couple of friends over while you make a simple dinner and share a bottle of wine. It will pair nicely on a cold night with the fire on!
Describe the kind of music you usually gravitate towards, do you listen to the same kind of music that you make or are those things separate for you?
I listen to a lot of indie and alternative music. I love artists like Clairo, Alex G and ML Buch. But I also listen to a lot of ambient music, R&B, pop and rap. My Spotify Wrapped last year said Art Pop was my most listened-to genre - I don’t quite know what that means but I’m into it!
What are the touchstones you refer back to that inform your sound? (Could be an artist, an era, a place etc)
The music from the surf and skate videos my brother introduced me to during our childhood definitely informed a lot of the Fazerdaze sound. Also, Flying Nun Records and the broader spectrum of New Zealand music, particularly the C4 and Juice TV era, are foundational influences in the music I make.
Are there broader ideas of design that are influencing you at the moment? (i.e. books you've read, architecture, a perfect mug, iconic period, fashion hero)
Hilma af Klint's work and life as an artist has been a big source of inspiration to me these past few years, I also bought a Louise Henderson print recently, which now hangs in my living room. My friend CJ Ghatt does the most beautiful paintings and I have just bought one of her prints which I’m absolutely obsessed with and hangs in my kitchen. Women painters and artists have very much been inspiring me lately and have brought me a sense of peace and context to my own artistic journey.
Who would you invite to Friday beers... (living or passed, famous or non-famous)?
I want to say Kurt Cobain and we would go somewhere very low-key, like a diner and just hang out! .
What's your go to performance look or formula for a look?
My performance look usually balances simplicity, comfort, and a bit of edginess. I choose pieces that make me feel confident and empowered on stage. I'm very much still figuring it out and often need to consider how well the clothes travel, given that my pedal board, guitar, and playback rig take up most of my packing space!
What is your favourite item of clothing you've ever owned, or an item that you have a strong memory of?
What comes to mind is a white Calvin Klein shirt that my friend Lydia recently gave me. She found it second-hand and insisted I have it. It’s the first designer item I’ve ever owned. I feel very chic every time I wear it!
Have you got anything coming up that we can help boost/ anything else we should know?
I’m excited to head to Australia in August for a few shows, where I'll be supporting a band called Last Dinosaurs. In November, my bandmate Dave and I head to the US to support the band POND, which shares band members with Tame Impala. Aside from tours, I’m hoping to finally release music later this year. Fingers crossed!
Links:
Amelia's INF DEF selections:
1. Beach Brains
Waffle Boxy Tee - Brown
2. Permanent Vacation
Inertia Ribbed Polo - Black / Lime
3. Penny Sage
Ferrante Skirt - Charcoal / Brick Tartan
4. Beach Brains
Zip Jacket - Brindle
Follow Fazerdaze on Instagram at @Fazerdaze