An emerging Gold Coast artist, last week David Mac released his debut EP 'Paper Walls'.
Drawing from an alternative R&B-indietronica sonic palette similar to Frank Ocean and Mansionair, Mac has crafted four atmospheric songs of cinematic dark pop built on sophisticated trap beats.Lyrically, Mac infuses his songs with a hopeful mindset he hopes listeners will embrace to focus on positive outcomes rather than dwelling on negative energy. "The message behind the title is that there is always a way to overcome hardships in life; it all starts with our mindset," David says.
"I encourage everyone not to view challenges as indestructible brick walls, but paper walls, because if there is a will, there's a way, and there's a way to rip through any obstacle in our path, whether that's learning to be comfortable with who you are, asking out your crush, or learning to stick up for yourself – all themes which this EP embraces.
"'Paper Walls' includes singles 'Nobody But You', 'Feel The Same', and 'Stop Dancing', along with an intro instrumental track 'Paper Walls (Intro)', a new song titled 'In The Dark', and a bonus track which is a slowed version of 'Nobody But You'."
Given 'Paper Walls' is Mac's debut EP, he has supplied a listicle of his favourite EPs that have shaped his own creative path to releasing original music. "I'm so thrilled that my debut EP, 'Paper Walls' is out for the world to listen to!
"On the topic of EPs, a lot of my music heroes started their journey or evolved their sound by releasing an EP. So here are five of my favourites that inspired me to become the artist I am today."
No Rome - 'Crying In The Prettiest Places' (2019)
I discovered No Rome in concert when he was the starting act for label mates The 1975. The alternative R&B/ pop artist made a long-lasting first impression with his performance, and his vibe enticed so many in the crowd that you'd think he was the headliner.No Rome does an excellent job expressing his sound in 'Crying In The Prettiest Places'. He creates an atmospheric, genre-swapping record with tracks '5 Ways To Bleach Your Hair', 'Stoned In The Valley', 'Cashmoney', 'Pink', 'Rimbaud, Come And Sit For A While', and 'All Up In My Head'. I highly recommend giving this one a listen.
Mansionair - 'The Sahā Sessions (Live)' (2022)
Accompanied by a concert film, this live EP contains covers of four tracks Mansionair have previously released across different projects, and it is a gorgeous record.The indie electronic trio take their time in this EP, as each track goes past the six-minute mark; however, it allows them to experiment with captivating instrumentals and gives a completely fresh vibe for each rendition. Their performances of popular tracks 'Right Into You', 'Astronaut', 'Shallow Water' and 'Strangers' are breathtaking. It is pure cinema.
The Weeknd - 'My Dear Melancholy' (2018)
'My Dear Melancholy' is a beautiful record. Alternative R&B artist The Weeknd has continuously evolved and re-invented himself, and I feel that no matter the style of his singles, EPs or albums, he always delivers.Now I know this is technically an album with seven songs (including one bonus track), but it still feels like an EP by how concise and perfectly paced it is. It begins with popular hit 'Call Out My Name', and continues to embody an essence of mystique with underrated tracks 'Wasted Times', 'I Was Never There', 'Hurt You' and 'Privilege', and finishes off with an a cappella version of the first track.
Chase Atlantic - 'Don't Try This' (2019)
R&B band and production trio Chase Atlantic are so unique that their music could be categorised into their own genre; 'Don't Try This' is a fine example of this. There are so many superlatives to describe this record: riveting, luscious, exotic, dangerous.This EP is glimpse of Chase Atlantic's aura, including bangers such as 'What U Call That', 'You Too.', 'Like A Rockstar', 'Devilish', 'GreenGreenGreen' and 'Lust'. If you've never listened to Chase Atlantic before, this record would be a great start to get to know them.
The 1975 - 'Music For Cars' (2013)
The 1975 was the first band that enabled me to explore the world of experimental music, and their EP 'Music For Cars' is a record that ventures into that realm.The EP contains hits 'Chocolate' and 'Head.Cars.Bending' along with slower-tempo ballads such as 'Anobrain' and 'Me', and of course their mesmerising instrumental track 'HNSCC', which hits different when you're driving at night.
'Music For Cars' sets the bar for alternative pop-rock and it's a record I quickly fell in love with.
