Indie artist Tobias Wonderdog continues his four-part 'Death Of Intimate Listening' song and video series, with the release of the second track, the stirring blues-soul number 'Skeleton Key' featuring former Roots N' All host, Nkechi Anele.
An evocative yet sombre ballad, Tobias aka Mat Weaven (who is the founder of Doomity Records), shares a slice of his humanity on 'Skeleton Key' with vocals that harness a myriad of dour, melancholic emotions that pierce the heart. Then Nkechi Anele enters the soundscape, her voice adding an angelic, elegant quality to the final mix.
Add the scorching, searing guitar licks layered over dour, mournful drums that heightens a dulled rawness and 'Skeleton Key' is a burner that lingers long after the final chord has fallen silent.
"The song came to me many years ago as I was housesitting for a friend," begins Mat. "The house was really big and felt empty. I picked up my acoustic and poured out the first version recording it on my phone.
"It initially sounded like a really raw James Reyne tune. I still have the recording and shall include it in our collectible NFT.
"It struck me as song with a heap of potential and the entire song arrangement appeared almost complete in one take."
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (20 January), scenestr is stoked to premiere the 'Skeleton Key' music video today. Enjoy.
The 'Skeleton Key' music video is another world-class piece of art; filmed by Western Australian creator Emile M Smith, the clip showcases a dystopian landscape mirroring a Mad Max world, and continues the storyline depicted in the 'Strike' video.
"Emile loves fire and during every set I was involved in, fire was always close by," Mat says. "It was hard to keep my face from melting off – there were little fire-demon assistants using electric blowers to ensure I was always being pelted by sparks and flame.
"But the most inspiring thing for me was seeing all the Freo crew play a role in the story. They did such an excellent job in their roles and I feel pulled away from reality watching all the amazing scenes.
"To be honest sometimes I just want to see the story stretch on forever like it could evolve into a video game or full-length film."
The collaboration with Nkechi came about when another artist was sidelined by COVID. "In recent years, I've been in love with female Australian artists like Julia Jacklin, Maple Glider, Ruby Gill, Carla Geneve to name a few," Mat says.
"I also think Middle Kids and Boy & Bear are the two best Australian bands I've noticed for a very long time. They are constantly on repeat.
"When I considered the bluesy style of the song I thought Abbie May might be a good fit and she was up for it. But at the same time of scheduled recording she had a COVID shot and was really suffering.
"Then it dawned on me that Nkechi could be perfect. Her groovy deep vocal I've always admired and now Roots N All had finished up I thought she might have some spare time.
"She jumped at the chance and did her vocal tracking with Henry Wagons. At the time she was listening to indigenous music and I think it influenced her a little in her part."
The owner of Doomity Records, for the 'Death Of Intimate Listening' series Tobias will also release 25 NFT bundles per release. Each NFT will be brimming with exclusive video and art content.
"To be honest NFTs don't excite us. What excites us is the ability for the technology to pull many creatives into an organised state.
"As creatives we all are often pursued by certain clients to fulfil certain work orders. What we feel could be beneficial with digital collectibles is that it inspires us to ensure that we never lose sight of our own creative dreams.
"My music is so twisted and unique I don't think I'll ever see world tours and major labels banging down my door.
"Trying to secure a core online support base feels more sensible, and though the music industry in my eyes is nothing short of a giant, weeping anus, I'll try my level best to keep creating if people want more wondrous treats."
