Project Description

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Interview with
ECHOLILY

(14th June, 2021)

Interviewer – Vicky Hebbs

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With a sonic palette enveloped in dusty, oblique soundscapes and Pop sensibilities, Melbourne-based, Malaysian-born Echolily finds herself pivoting around themes of ‘90s nostalgia and lofi melancholia. For her, perfection lies in its imperfections, and music is the ultimate distraction.

Echolily has been writing songs from a young age, though has only spent the past 3 years taking music production seriously. In a short amount of time, she’s built up a fanbase and received notable press mentions from the likes of Around The Sound, Out Now, AnrFactory and NZ Film Freak. The track also went on to garner support from Australian, UK and USA radio stations including SBS, Flow FM, Triple M, Essex TV, Phoenix FM and FUBAR.

She has released a handful of singles, debut ‘Under The Clocks (Stay)’ amassed over 90,000 Spotify streams in less than 3 months since its release in February 2021.

Echolily when not producing from her bedroom, works as a medical doctor. A frontliner throughout the pandemic lockdown, echolily finds solace within music and songs she grew up with. Influences: Portishead, Bjork, Jamie xx, Tokimonsta, Sia

About ‘Higher’

Echolily teams up with acclaimed Australian producer Ivan Khatchoyan (Choi Productions, Cookin on 3 Burners) to bring you ‘Higher’.

‘Higher’ is a head rush of trippy 90s nostalgia. In the current world full of uncertainties, this is exactly what we need to be reminded of, i.e. all the goodness from the past. Everything from its retro drumbeats, to the grumpy bass lines and iconic synths were produced down to the tiniest details to emulate the familiar sounds we all love. Not forgetting a mega choir that is obviously essential for a song named ‘Higher’. 

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When did you start writing your own music? Has songwriting always been an important part of your life?
Started writing music since I could remember! Writing, singing and playing music have been my way of getting to that ‘happy place’. Growing up, life was difficult and music and films were our ways to escape. And they worked!

How would you describe your unique sound? For anyone who has yet to listen to your music, what song would you recommend they listen to first?
Hmm, my sound  certainly cross genres sometimes. It would be electro synth pop/trip hop/lo-fi. I would recommend Jamie xx, Flight Facilities, Massive Attack or Portishead or Bjork.

What music did you grow up listening to? How has it influenced you and your work today?
I grow up listening to music my mum listened to: Whitney, Mariah, Elton John then the music you step dad listened to: Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Queen, Prince, Tom Waits and then I had my own boy/ girlband phase, emo rock phase and finally jazz phase. Electronically though, it was Bjork who pulled me deep into it. I reckon that’s who started me into synths and sounds.

You started seriously producing music three years ago – what have you been working on, and what have you learned about producing music in the past three years?
I have been working on arrangements that are out side of my own formula. I do have a formula and you would notice it lol! I have learned that less is more sometimes and it is better to let things breathe than to add layers

Your debut single, ‘Under The Clocks (Stay)’, was released this year in February! Can you share the origins or inspiration behind the ethereal single?
Aww this is my love letter to Melbourne. The moment I arrived 5 years ago, I fell in love. City of the arts! Music city! I used to busk a little bit and flinders Station was one of the popular spots. I  met a trumpet player there and he told me that people used to say, “meet me under the clocks”. How romantic. I then mashed up love stories ive heard from friends, strangers and my own! And voila under the clocks(stay) was born.

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How did you achieve that sound of distance in the beginning of the song, as if the song is beginning to play in another room and moving slowly closer?
That’s great observation! And yes, it was intentional. I wanted the listeners to feel like there were there at the train station. Train sounds echo and bounce between the walls in the station like in a an echo chamber. I call it the mirror Doppler effect. It’s a combo of EQ, reverb, delay and echo.

Where do you find inspiration to write music? Is there a person, concept or place that inspires you the most?
Everything. Usually starts with a concept..like love and longing. Or love and hope! Or hope and dreams.. etc

You have really mastered the lo-fi, sonic sound. What are your favourite tools and instruments to utilize in creating your music?
Synths! I love synths. And my Digital Audio Workstation of choice is LogicPro and Ableton for beats

Are you writing more new music at the moment?
I am always writing. My new single Higher is out now! And another one coming soon…stay tuned.

What is next for you this year? Do you have any plans to release more new music? Perhaps an EP?
A full length album is in the works! My plan is to keep releasing music and most of the proceeds go to charity. Follow me on Instagram @echo.lily_ to find out more about my charity affiliations

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Do you have any aspirations to perform live in the future?
Would love to. As soon as I figure out how to perform my songs live by myself or with a friend.

If you could work with any music artist or producer right now, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
Sia! Totally in love with her. And Froya, she is Malaysian and I’ve been following her work for ages. I hope she knows how much she inspired me

You have been working as a doctor throughout the pandemic. What has the experience of being a frontline worker been like for you? Was writing music an escape for you during this time, or just something you have always loved to do?
Yes definitely helps to have an escape. I think the experience has been the same as with all other frontliners. I also feel for the people who are affected by the pandemic from the financial and job aspect. I am grateful to at least be able to go to work. More importantly, I miss home. I want to go home to see my family

Where do you see yourself in three years’ time in your music career? Do you have any long-term goals or aspirations for your music career?
I would really like to work with Sia. Or be her entourage to the Grammys

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Follow ECHOLILY
Instagram – Spotify – Youtube

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AMNPLIFY – DB