From Down Under To District with Chet Faker
May 8th, 2024
Known for crafting haunting atmospheric electronica with a nod to R&B, Jazz, and Soul vibes, Chet Faker has made a significant impact on the contemporary music scene in Australia and New Zealand. We’re excited to have him light up the turntables and bring his own unique fusion of electronic downbeats and jazz influences to District.
Born on June 23, 1988, in Melbourne, Australia as Nick Murphy, Chet Faker is his stage name, a homage to jazz legend Chet Baker, the B being replaced with an F in a clever reference to his intention to fuse jazz with modern electronica.
The release of his cover of Blackstreet's "No Diggity" in 2011 went viral on the internet. It showcased his distinctive sound: a mix of soulful vocals, minimalist beats, and jazzy undertones. His debut EP, "Thinking in Textures," released in 2012, solidified his reputation as a talented and innovative artist. The EP received critical acclaim for its complex production and emotional depth, featuring standout tracks like "I'm Into You" and "Terms and Conditions."
Chet Faker’s debut studio album released In 2014, "Built on Glass”. was both a commercial and critical success, reaching number one on Australian charts and earning several ARIA Music Awards, including Best Male Artist and Best Independent Release. "Built on Glass" is characterized by his seamless mix of electronic production and live instrumentation, but it’s Faker’s smooth, evocative vocals that really anchor the album and made it a hit with fans. Tracks like "Talk Is Cheap" and "Gold" became instant hits, showcasing his ability to produce catchy yet profoundly deep songs.
His music is often about love, self-reflection, and emotional vulnerability all wrapped up in downbeats that tug on the heartstrings. His lyrics are introspective, exploring personal experiences and universal emotions. It’s this lyrical honesty, combined with his genre-blending sound, that resonates with his broad audience. The music video for "Gold," featuring three skaters performing a choreographed routine on a dark deserted highway, became iconic and further cemented his artistic vision. The haunting electronic melody is reminiscent of The Doors and Faker has managed to capture that same kind of deeply emotive transcendent style that take audiences on an meditative journey.
In 2020, he released the single "Low," which was followed by the release of the album "Hotel Surrender" in 2021. This album, like his previous work, was again praised for its emotional depth and sophisticated production.
Chet Faker's music is characterized by its fusion of electronic and organic elements, soulful vocals, and introspective lyrics. His ability to blend genres and experiment with different sounds speaks to his listeners and has made him a notable figure in contemporary music. His artistry continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what modern music can be. With a career marked by innovation and emotional resonance, Chet Faker is a significant and influential artist in the music industry and we are privileged and excited to share his unique sound with our District fans.
Get Tickets Now to Chet Faker at District!