Get ready to groove with the self-titled debut EP from enigmatic Compton producer Channel Tres and his first-ever Australian tour.
“I just want to get my story out, let people know who I am and make music that makes people want to dance,” Channel says.
“Make sure everything is good enough so people feel free – I call it an environment that makes your ass move.”
The EP comes after the release of his first single ‘Controller’ in April, which introduced the smooth, baritone vocals and deep, electro moods of one of this year’s most interesting new artists.
An artist who has taken deliberate steps to differentiate his music from that of his peers in the neighbourhood where he grew up, Channel says the response to his single releases has vindicated the choices he has made.
“I felt like I’m on the right path because I’ve been doing music for a while and I put my life in it and give my life to it and I work really hard,” he says.
“For me it felt like maybe it’s supposed to happen because I’ve been working so much and working for a long time. I know I had a voice and so did my fans. I feel a really strong energy to do it at this point of my life.”
With his EP released at the end of July, Channel makes his Australian live debut as soon as November – a fairly remarkable feat for an international artist off the back of an EP with a handful of singles.
“I’ve only been to Canada. I’ve never been out of the country so I’m very excited,” he says of his first trip here.
“It’s very overwhelming, not overwhelming to the point I can’t do it but I think I’m in the right place. I love the fact I have the opportunity to play overseas and I don’t think I’m doing any US shows before I go overseas, so my first shows will be overseas and I think that’s pretty cool.”
Channel says he’s looking to make the most of his Australian premiere by: “Just being tight with the group I’m performing with, my band, and giving my all every show.
“Doing tours and seeing what’s going on with other parts of the world, I think it’s going to inspire me like crazy. I’m really looking forward to being around a bunch of people [who] didn’t grow up where I grew up and have different lifestyles.
“[The audience] can expect to dance, have fun, be empowered and take a break from whatever you’re going through in your personal life.
"Just come to this show and enjoy yourself and allow yourself to be free; do something you’ve never done before. I want people to be entertained but also want them to feel a part of it.”
With an EP under his belt and his first international shows set to take place halfway around the world, Channel says this is just the beginning. “I’m always making music, every day,” he says.
“I have concepts for my next project and I think next year is going to be a big year for me with touring and stuff, and locking in my live set because I take that very seriously - and just growing as a person.”
Channel Tres' self-titled EP is available now.
Channel Tres Tour Dates
Sat 10 Nov - City Loop (Melbourne)Sun 11 Nov - Howler (Melbourne)
Tue 13 Nov - Woolly Mammoth (Brisbane)
Sat 17 Nov - Spilt Milk Festival (Canberra)
Sun 18 Nov - Oxford Art Factory (Sydney)
