Melbourne-based artist fordy. has been in the music industry for a while now, but he’s just released his debut solo single, Time. If you’re a fan of artists like RÜFÜS DU SOL, then you’ll want to get your ears around this, because it’s a track that unfurls itself before your very ears. I found it hypnotising the first time I heard it, and it’s held me in its grasp ever since.

I spoke to fordy. about his time as a session drummer, as well as other Australian artists he’s enjoying at the moment. He’s got some great recommendations for you to check out, so sit up and take notice!

Ben Madden: Firstly, can you introduce yourself and your music?

fordy.: Hey! My name is Charlie (AKA fordy.) and I am a musician and creator from Melbourne. This is my first release as a solo artist so I am pretty excited! I've tried to combine my love of both indie and dance music to hopefully create something unique and engaging.

You’ve just released your debut track Time, and it’s a look at a relationship that wasn’t meant to be. Do you find it cathartic to put such personal experiences into music?

Yeah, I suppose it is pretty cathartic! In previous projects, I've probably hidden behind metaphor and imagery, but this time around lyrically I wanted to take a bit more of a risk and be more vulnerable and transparent. I think the actual music lends to those kinds of emotions anyway.

It's not necessarily about a romantic relationship, but about a relationship break down in general, and how in the aftermath of it you painstakingly agonise over every little detail of what went wrong. However, there is also some positivity in it! It’s also about coming out on the other side and realising your faults, and what you can do differently next time. 

You’ve been a session drummer for several artists, but this is your first time releasing music on your own. Can you tell me about what you learnt from those experiences, and how that’s translated into this release?

It's definitely given me an amazing musical education getting to watch and work with some incredible artists and pick their brains. Being a drummer, your primary job is to keep time and be the backbone of the band, so I guess that sensibility of always doing what is right for the song is pretty big for me.

Drummers are usually massive nerds and want to play heaps of notes so you have to unlearn that (sorry other drummers)! Rhythm is always key for me though, and definitely, in the case of Time, it's pretty centred around the groove.

The song pulsates and builds, and it reminds me of Australian trio RÜFÜS DU SOL specifically. Who are some Australian dance/indie artists that you think deserve more love?

Thank you! That's a very kind comparison. There are so many amazing Aussie dance and indie acts around at the moment so I'd love to give them a shout-out.

Trace Decay - Awesome Melbourne-based indie rock band with killer hooks and melodies. 

Memphis LK - awesome blend of Uk garage and pop sensibilities. Great tracks, great energy!

Armlock - Brand new project fronted by Simon lam of Kllo. If you like your music raw and intimate this is for you.

Two People - Formerly of Snakadaktal, a great blend of lo-fi house with inflections of indie and classic songwriting.

Christopher Port - Ranges from UK garage to afrobeat. This guy is absolutely amazing and definitely deserves more praise.

Logic 1000 - I'm sure most people know her by now but she is putting out some serious serious bangers from over in Berlin!

READ MORE: DROVES' ‘Trash’ Will Have You Moshing On The Dancefloor

Finally, what are your next few steps, both personally and music-wise?

Just writing loads! I've got a bunch of things in the bag working towards an e.p hopefully at the back end of 2021. Hopefully I can get some shows in, because I'm very much looking forward to sharing these tracks live with people. Personally, I’m just going with the flow more! I'm a bit of a control freak so I’m just trying to be open to everything and see what happens. 

Follow fordy. on Facebook here, Instagram here and Twitter here.