Northern Rivers trip-hop group, Sky Eater's third single of 2023 is the enchanting 'Lost', a song that came to life after a fingertip was lost in an axe incident.
Tranquil, serene, calming, fragilely beautiful, 'Lost' slowly morphs into an alternative, trip-hop beat melded together with lush, hypnotic viola strings and mesmerising keys alongside entrancing vocals.As the song builds with moody basslines and sublime electronic production, and the energy begins to flow, merging with the emotional tones of the song's lyrics (about fear of the unknown, and the peace that's found by surrendering to it), the raw feels of 'Lost' are spotlighted heightening the sense of catharsis that washes over the mind.
"This song was actually written for my fingertip," shares lead vocalist and lyricist Chelsea Skyeater. "During lockdown times I had an 'axe-ident' – I lost the tip of my finger to an axe – so there was A LOT of pain and uncertainty around that time.
"Being a sax/ clarinet/ flute player, it was extra scary. I had surgery and the fingertip grew back – it's 100 per cent better now.
"The lyrics serve as a reminder that although we may get lost in the 'unknown' sometimes, we never really know what is around the corner, and we have the ability to shape our own future."
After the release of 'Lost' last Friday (25 August), today scenestr is amped to premiere the song's music video. Enjoy.
The video is a simple setup with Chelsea joined by TK Bassdread (beats, bass, dubs) and guest player Anni De Groot (viola) performing the track live in the lounge room of Sky Eater Headquarters, nestled in the hinterlands of Bundjalung, Byron Bay.
"It was such a beautiful experience carving out this song with special guest Anni De Groot, who also added these haunting yet heavenly viola melodies," shares Chelsea.
"And then the excitement of hearing it truly come to life with a trip-hop beat and TK's production prowess! The end result takes the listener on this captivating journey through darkness and light. And don't tell the other songs, but this is my personal album fave!"
A song that has Morcheeba and Portishead vibes, 'Lost' will also feature on Sky Eater's forthcoming album that is currently being worked on.
"For me this track was reminiscent of some of Portishead's darker material. I tried to keep the production relatively simple and support the existing dialogue between the piano, voice and viola," TK Bassdread says.
"There are fragments of some rare breaks from the '60s through a juicy Moog filter, bass guitar layered with moody synth and some classic trip-hop tremolo guitar.
"Needless to say I generously dubbed the vocals and viola with a space echo and biphaser, paying homage to the forefathers of creative studio production: King Tubby, Lee Perry, scientist and Mad Professor.
"Every time I listen to 'Lost' the hairs stand up on the back of my neck, it is a bittersweet, dark, uplifting journey. It's fun to write party tracks, but incredibly rewarding to collaborate on songs that move people on an emotional level."
Sky Eater 2023 Tour Dates
8-10 Sep - Rain Dance Festival (WA)16 Sep - Settler's Tavern (Margaret River)
17 Sep - Clancy's Fish Pub (Dunsborough)
22-24 Sep - Blossom Festival (WA)
