Perth-based multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Louis Rendle-O'Shea has taken his music in a 'fresh' direction, as he debuts his first new material since 2022.
After releasing his self-titled debut album under the moniker Nocturnal, Louis' newest single 'Funhouse' was conceived while attending a community fair at his daughter's school.The infectious, buzzing energy of the event propelled Rendle-O'Shea to record the sounds he was hearing, the bones and lyrics of the song coming together in that moment.
Lyrically focused on taking time out from the daily grind to appreciate the smaller (more important) aspects of life, 'Funhouse' is a jaunty, cheerful, almost dreamy slice of upbeat indie music that'll charm listeners with its nostalgic '80s vibes.
An opening drum-machine synth riff (influenced by The Who's 'Baba O'Riley'?) is melded to crisp, clean drumming and sleek bass tones that quickly absorbs into bright bursts of danceable pop-rock creating a sense of freedom as Louis sings: 'Leave your trouble behind / Dreams are what me made them for.'
"'Funhouse' is all about letting go of your worries and having fun," shares Louis. "I was really inspired by a lot of '80s synths and that is how the sound of 'Funhouse' developed."
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (26 January), scenestr is stoked to premiere the 'Funhouse' lyric video today. Enjoy.
Behind the scenes, Louis is aligning himself with some heavy hitters in the WA scene. Firstly, working with Dave Parkin, the ARIA Award-winning producer famed for his Blackbird Studios – who has hosted the likes of Spacey Jane, South Summit, Sly Withers, Old Mervs, and Drapht.
He's also recruited one of the best rhythm sections in the land with bassist Jon Stockman and drummer Steve Judd of Perth's all-time biggest heavy act, Karnivool joining the Nocturnal project.
Rendle-O'Shea self-produced 'Funhouse' at his own home studio before trekking to Blackbird Studios for the mixing of the song.
"When I was writing the vocals, I was trying to do my best Michael McDonald impersonation," adds Louis with a grin.
