Drenched in 1980s pop culture, thoroughly soaked in dance beats, and with a touch of Japanese inspiration, Nakatomi is the gifted musical duo you didn't realise your life was missing.
The Adelaide-locals have offered up a brand-new dance track that doesn't shy away from 80s influence or synth-laden beats. And there are no complaints from this girl! Accompanied by a 1980s movie-inspired sci-fi clip, Nakatomi have created a fresh take on the dance groove of decades unfortunately past.
“The Knife is about the downward spiral of bad experiences or relationships, but choosing to see some beauty in the fall rather than getting consumed by it,” says lead vocalist, Emily of the group's latest offering The Knife.
What is it about the 1980s that inspires you so much? Have you ever loved a generation musically as much as the 80s?
It's a decade of just crazy excess in every regard; particularly in production. When you hear those tracks they're just jam packed with different parts, sounds, beats and melodies. It was sort of like they went 'this is the formula to get people to dance' and most kids from the 80s and 90s grew up hearing those songs and that sound taps into something. We also really love the 90s - most of the bands we used to play in were grungy-Smashing-Pumpkins-style acts so we have a huge love for that era as it's what we grew up on. [We're] also a big fan fan of the last few years. [There's been] some really diverse and interesting tracks coming out from all over the place.
Where would you draw the line on a 1980s influence, when do you think it becomes dated rather than fresh with a hint of vintage?
I think it starts getting dated when you hit the cheese parts of the 80s like Spandau Ballet True. Don't get me wrong, we love that 80s sound and we even love Spandau Ballet, but that sound is just too locked in that decade for today's music. You've got to find what you like from the times that inspire you and use that to create something new. What we got from the 80s was that energy. We want something that you can dance to, something fun.
I know Nakatomis has a pretty sweet meaning in Japanese, do either of you have any personal connections to Japan?
Nah, not personally sadly, because it's a beautiful county. I went there for a visit in June this year, but the only thing I've got a connection with now [are] the blisters on my feet from not sitting down for two weeks. I'd love to play some shows there one day; the electronic music scene seems awesome [there].
Were you surprised at how much hard work people were willing to put into the clip for The Knife?
Absolutely. We're always surprised when anyone goes 'We want to help you do this', especially when the people that say that are ridiculously talented. It was so awesome of the whole cast and they just came through with the goods and then some. When Aaron said 'I want to do a 80s sci-fi trailer style thing with guns and time travel and robots', I thought you realise we can only pay you in sandwiches, a used napkin and four buttons... but her just went for it and did such an amazing job. We ended up throwing in another button because it was that good.
What is The Knife really about? What do you hope people take away from the track?
Em's the lyricist, but the song is about when you're down and hurting there's that moment where you embrace it and think it's going to be okay. I just thought it was about medieval flutes because I thought she was The Fife when I first heard it.. I was very wrong. I hope when people listen to it they just enjoy the track and get whatever they want out of it. That's what I love about music; one person can get something completely different from a track from the next person. My only hope is that they get whatever they need from it and also maybe a little dance out of it. Or at least a pelvic thrust.
NAKATOMI SHOW DATES
FRI 20 NOV | POW! @ MYNT LOUNGE, WERRIBEE VIC | 18+
SUN 22 NOV | THE TOFF IN TOWN, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
THUR 26 NOV | OXFORD ART GALLERY BAR, DARLINGHURST NSW | 18+
