Sumner - Stranded
12 Feb 2021
Sumner
// MUSIC
Alternative electronic duo Sumner (Chloe Wilson & Jack McLaine) hail from the native woodlands of lutruwita / Tasmania. Sumner explore themes of power, intimacy and isolation with earnest and unique perspectives from their cold climate environment. An intense period of hibernation and creative growth has dawned their stunning new single 'Stranded', co-written and produced by Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes (PNAU, Empire of the Sun). ‘Stranded’’ is the first of a string of singles co-written and produced by PNAU, as Sumner become the newest signing to Lab78, the label started by Littlemore and Mayes, in partnership with Australian indie label etcetc.
“I wrote the beat for Stranded in a 30 min rush of inspiration,” explains Jack. “Chasing the bittersweet feeling in between melancholy and hope. The first time we played it in the live set we were supporting PNAU at their show in Forth, Tasmania. They invited us to the studio in Sydney with them, and within a day we had reworked it into the song ‘Stranded’ as it exists today.”
Chloe adds, “Lyrically, Stranded is a letter to a former self - acknowledging that without that previous person you once were, you would never have arrived at your current form. It’s easy to shy away from a former version of yourself that you’re not so proud of, but it’s crucial to acknowledge that existence and what it taught and prepared you for. Accept what was and carry yourself forward. See the beauty in all versions of yourself instead of abandoning the ones that no longer serve you.”
The music video was filmed amongst the stunning landscapes of the wild West Coast and Central Highlands of lutruwita / Tasmania on a handheld Super-8 camera. The camera was shipped by Littlemore to Sumner after extensive discussions around filmmaking. The film, shot by both Wilson and McLaine was sent to Littlemore’s brother James in London who developed, cut, animated and graded the video while in lockdown. The result is a power piece of cinematography.
Sumner are the third signing to Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes’ Lab78 label after Vlossom and Ivy Rose, who recently released her debut single ‘I’ve Been Watching You’ to great acclaim. Nick Littlemore explains how he first discovered Sumner: “Pete and I came across this band while on tour in regional Tasmania. We shared a stage together at the Forth pub on a sweet breezy day a few years back. We were struck by their fierce intensity. Chloe commanded the stage conjuring notes of Chrissie Hynde, Iggy Pop and Karen Finley. Jack the uber-cool, multi-instrumental wonder dazzling on any synth/bass or guitar he picks up and plays. ‘Stranded’ came together very quickly in an impromptu session in Sydney’s Little Italy in the same studio where Passenger laid down his eponymous hit. Sumner are a marvel, hailing from a tiny town in Tasmania. They make music to feel better to.”
On the signing to Lab78, Sumner said, “Teaming up with Lab78, Nick and Peter, feels like one of those dream come true partnerships. It’s a real privilege to gel so well with a creative team so early into the process; the like-minded creative energy we all share in the studio feels electric. There’s a euphoric and understated sense of power and purpose within this project for us and we’re absolutely pumped to begin this journey with the guys.”
With a string of singles borne out of their new musical partnership with PNAU, stay tuned for more magic from Sumner coming soon.
