Self-described as a 'cosmos journeyman, music nomad', Los Angeles-based Australian musician Able Joseph's latest effort is the tender, uninhibited, acoustic brilliance of 'Lonely LA'.
Signed to Australian label Double Drummer (home to Greta Stanley, Dominic Breen and Cousin Tony's Brand New Firebird), 'Lonely LA' tells the age-old tale of changing lives and circumstance that's plastered with a twee-gooey-mushy sonic texture that'll transport you direct to a beachside campfire surrounded by nostalgic souls.
"This song is a homage to songwriting. We wanted to keep the structure as simple as possible, but still weave in different moments and transitions that take you somewhere unexpected," Able says.
"The outro is a deeply honest conversation between two people and the production reflects that; it's closer to the mic, more intimate and raw. I'm really proud of the story we tell.
"There's a beautiful side to two people having to adjust to life's curveballs and facing change as a team – be that changing dreams, homes, realities. . . this isn't a love song, it's a relationship song."
Able, who has previous co-writing credits with the likes of Jaguar Jonze, Hauskey, Bec Sandridge, Yorke, and Woodes, has supplied a playlist dedicated to songs that heart lonely space travel.
James Blake feat. Travis Scott & Metro Boomin - 'Mile High'
A psychedelic trip. 'Mile High' feels like zero-G in a limousine. Which reminds me, that was a hell of a night.
Porter Robinson - 'Look At The Sky'
Poignant reflection disguised as a shooting star. Porter Robinson is a must for any long-haul space travel.
Bob Seger - 'Against The Wind'
'Seems like yesterday, but it was long ago'; time-travel in a nutshell. 'Against The Wind' also happens to be a stunning look into the journeys we make and the changes that can engulf us. Sure, there's no wind in space – but we can relate.
Nick Drake - 'Pink Moon'
Folk with a dash of madness. Personal highlight has to be the introspective piano instrumental that takes you away from it all. Not only that, but Nick Drake manages to tell a yarn in just two minutes – ahead of his time.
David Bowie - 'Space Oddity'
You can't cross dimensions without at least one Bowie in your pocket. They still talk about Ziggy all over the five quadrants.
Radiohead - 'Subterranean Homesick Alien'
The ear candy and production on 'SHA' still crackles with ambition, while Thom Yorke's voice is unearthly. Alien abduction never sounded so sweet: "Take me on board of their beautiful ship. Show me the world as I'd love to see it."
Bob Dylan - 'Subterranean Homesick Blues'
Homesick aliens wouldn't exist without homesick blues. Sometimes it's good to go back to where it all began.
Kendrick Lemar, SZA - 'All The Stars'
Uplifting, powerful, poignant and an absolute anthem. Look up, dream big and aim for the stars.
Frank Ocean - 'Lost'
In space, no one can hear you scream your lungs out to Frank Ocean. It's a pretty awesome feeling; less so, if you are in fact, lost.
Blood Orange - 'Best To You'
Broken relationships never sounded so good. Dazzling, dancing percussion accompanies a refusal to recognise the truth. No matter what planet you're on, you can't beat the moment that bass comes in.
