Hit electronic trio SAFIA release debut record Internal and it’s not what you expected
AFTER three years of alternative electronic pop hits, SAFIA have finally released their debut record Internal. And it’s not what you expected.
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SAFIA know they will raise some eyebrows with the opening track of their long-awaited debut record Internal.
The ambient tribal instrumental Zion is reminiscent of the mid 1990s chill-out scene and a strategic sonic left-turn from the infectious electro-pop which has made the trio so popular over the past three years.
Fronted by the soaring soul vocals of Ben Woolner with fellow producer mates Michael Bell and Harry Sayers, SAFIA have wormed their way into the ears of music fans with a succession of Triple J-endorsed singles including Listen To Soul, Listen To Blues, Counting Sheep and Embracing Me.
They were launched into the upper echelons of the pop charts when they featured on Peking Duk’s double platinum smash Take Me Over in 2014.
And now they have decided to mess with perceptions with an album opened by the instrumental Zion, followed by a collection of songs which run the gamut of electronica, chill, summery pop and reggae R & B.
“An album doesn’t have to be all songs that fit a certain structure for radio so we thought we may as well start with something totally left of centre which showcases us as producers as well,” Woolner says.
Zion also showcases the didgeridoo. Its presence in the song makes you instantly wonder why more Australian contemporary musicians don’t use the unique indigenous instrument.
Woolner agrees, citing its prevalence in the Australian rock soundtrack of the 1980s courtesy of bands including Goanna, Midnight Oil and Yothu Yindi.
He said the rhythmic energy of the didgeridoo fit the earthy, tribal element of SAFIA as much as other forms of digital percussion.
“It is such an incredible instrument because as soon as you hear it, it evokes a culture and takes you to that place, something that a guitar or a piano doesn’t do,” he says.
“These sounds that can transport you somewhere should be used more because that is the aim of music, to make people get lost in it.”
Woolner says the trio did wonder if they would ever make a debut record.
Since being unearthed by Triple J a few years ago, their process has been to come up with a single which would then give them a reason to tour.
As an independent outfit, they were entirely self-funded for their first four singles with the proceeds of the tours bankrolling their recordings and rent.
That cycle worked well but gave them no time to make a record. They tried to do it in London and then Sydney but there were too many distractions — we’re looking at you, Peking Duk.
So they returned to their base in Canberra and locked themselves away in the studio.
“Every time we were in Sydney, there was always a party on and let’s say some people are very persuasive,” Woolner says, laughing.
The success of the Peking Duk track also meant Woolner was in high demand as a featured vocalist for other artists. Saying no was tough but necessary to keep the focus on SAFIA.
Their commitment to making the band work over the past few years also goes a long way to explaining the album’s prevailing theme. It’s not so much a breakup record as a failure to commit one.
“A lot of the themes are about uncertainty and how to balance this music life and your passion and obsession for it with a social and romantic life,” Woolner says.
With Internal under their belt, SAFIA have booked their biggest national tour, stepping up to the kind of venues owned by their mates including the Duk and Rufus.
Woolner says it was important they paid their dues, not only for experience but to leave the fans wanting more when the smaller venues sold out quickly.
Now everyone who wants to can get a ticket, with the band already adding a second Enmore Theatre show in Sydney due to demand.
He said the pressure is on to produce a memorable show because Australian electronic acts have set a new benchmark internationally for great live performance which generally incorporate live instruments rather than just a set of laptops and sequencers.
“Even when we go to America people are amazed as the set-up we do,” Woolner says.
“I think the Australian music scene allows artists to try things out and there is support for that because the audience wants to be able to clearly see how the sounds are being made. It’s easier for them to connect with the song.
“Rufus are such an incredible band and super proficient when it comes to putting a show together. They were the first band we ever supported and we learned a lot from them.”
Internal (Warner) out tomorrow.
SEE: SAFIA perform at UC Refectory, Canberra, September 23, Enmore Theatre, Sydney, October 2 and November 18, The Tivoli, Brisbane, October 7, Festival Hall, Melbourne, October 15, Metro City, Perth, October 21 and Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide, October 22.
Originally published as Hit electronic trio SAFIA release debut record Internal and it’s not what you expected
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