Melbourne-based dream-pop producer Japanese Wallpaper has released a brand new single 'Fooling Around', his first slice of new music since 2016's single 'Cocoon' and his self-titled debut EP.
Also known as Gab Strum, Japanese Wallpaper says 'Fooling Around' is a song about “figuring out how to accept your feelings and stand up for yourself”.
Acting as a call-to-arms to anyone who has ever felt the need to assert themselves, the track is taken from a forthcoming record leaving his melancholic melodies behind and embracing a resounding sense of hopefulness.
We take some time with Japanese Wallpaper to chat about the new single, what it means to him and what comes next.
You recently released your new single 'Fooling Around'; is the track taking you in a new musical direction?
I think so. 'Fooling Around' took me ages to finish because there was lots of experimenting involved in making some new ideas and sounds fit into the Japanese Wallpaper ‘world’. I think I had made close to 50 versions of that song by the time it was ready to show anyone.
What does the song mean to you?
It’s loosely about learning to stand up for yourself when you might naturally be inclined to do the opposite.
When can we expect to hear more new music from you – is there an album or EP in the works?
There is an album and it’s all finished. Hopefully you can expect to hear some more of it early in 2019.
How have you changed or evolved as a songwriter and producer since your debut EP?
I think lots of that debut EP came together as the result of trial and error, and a string of happy accidents. I was pretty young and remember feeling quite frustrated that I never knew how to replicate a cool sound or technique after happening upon it. I feel a lot more competent now as a writer and producer, I think mostly just as a result of doing it every day for a few years.
What have the US shows been like so far?
They’ve been amazing. It’s our first time touring the US properly and we’ve been having the best time.
How has travelling with your music changed your outlook on life in general?
I’m not sure if it’s changed my outlook as much as it's reaffirmed that I might be on the right path. It’s a pretty special thing to meet people halfway across the world who are aware of your work.
How are you feeling about getting back to Australia with the new tunes?
I’m so excited. These songs have been in the works for so long and I’m really looking forward to road-testing some of them.
What have you got planned for the Australian shows? Any neat surprises you can hint at?
We just announced all the supports that will be playing with us on this tour – I’m looking forward to introducing the crowds to some awesome bands they might not have come across.
What are you doing over Christmas and New Year's Eve?
Hopefully catching up on some sleep. We will have just come off tour (which started the day after I finished uni exams), so I’ve been looking forward to having some time off and maybe getting stuck into some more songwriting.
Can we come to your house for Christmas dinner (and what should be we bring)?
Haha! My family is actually Jewish, so I’ve never had a Christmas dinner in my life. I wouldn’t even know what to tell you to bring. You’re welcome for Hanukkah though.
Japanese Wallpaper Tour Dates
Thu 13 Dec - The Foundry (Brisbane)Fri 14 Dec - The Lair (Sydney)
Sun 16 Dec - Howler (Melbourne)
