Pikachunes
Pikachunes is the solo project of New Zealand producer and musician Miles McDougall. The recording of McDougall’s debut self-titled album came about after he fractured his ulna while skateboarding, an injury that required reconstructive surgery. At the time of the accident, McDougall was midway through his Bachelor of Music, majoring in Jazz performance on drums.
McDougall had studied the instrument since childhood while also playing piano, guitar and trombone. Unfortunately, his injury left McDougall unable to play or study during rehabilitation, and out of frustration, he turned to his love of digital production and the result is Pikachunes, a first person account of moving to a new city and the turmoil of building a name as a new musician.
The Pikachunes album impressed Lil’ Chief Records and was soon picked up by the label and mastered by Jonathan Bree of Sub Pop band The Brunettes. Fully recovered, McDougall soon began working with great vigor to earn the recognition he quickly began to receive as one of Auckland’s most prolific and popular live acts.
Pikachunes captures that same live energy. It’s a brilliant dance record, combining house beats, electro synths and McDougall’s experiences of romantic grandeur told through his sexy baritone. Songs such as “Just A Boy” and “Nervous” plot the relationship between a shy boy waiting to hear from a slightly detached lover with choruses that flow into social commentary.
“New Fiend” highlights McDougall’s ability as a beat maker, using pulsing electro beats to create a party tune that’s both groovy and awash with heavy club thuggery.
This is hook and riff based pop music in its most basic form with lyrics borne of honest observation. Pikachunes self-titled debut album will be available from Lil’ Chief Records on September 6th, 2011.
Schedule
Sat 31st Dec, 20:20 Vines Stage