The seamless fraternisation of ’80s nu-wave, ’90s R&B and modern club sounds has earned South Australian duo Nakatomi the coveted title of one of Australia’s most exciting future-pop acts.
Emerging from the cultural melting pot of Adelaide, Nakatomi have entered 2019 with a bang, riding the wave of success from their latest single Hibernation.
Future-pop duo Nakatomi have married the best parts of the ’80s and ’90s with a uniquely modern twist on their latest single Hibernation.
Em Smart and Hamish Cox, the talented pair that make up Nakatomi, have been crafting music since 2015. Their unique brand of indietronica combines the sounds of modern dance with retro synths and powerfully elegant vocals. The sounds of Nakatomi are both progressive and nostalgic; like the one-in-a-million grandfather who isn’t slightly racist.
Nakatomi’s latest single Hibernation is illuminated by neon – it’s dark and brooding yet balanced by the fluidity and celestiality of Smart’s blissful voice. The song is slow-burning; its beat reminiscent of early ’00s club rhythms with a slightly syncopated edge.
The last few years have only been successful for the pair, who were nominated as Best New Artist and Most Popular Electronic Artist at the South Australian Music Awards in 2016 and 2017 respectively. They’ve garnered plenty of positive attention Australia-wide, having amassed airplay on triple j, Unearthed and a plethora of community stations around the country.
The pair are renowned for the energetic live shows, some of which have seen a third member – drummer and producer Mario Spate – added to the lineup. Nakatomi has, in their short lifespan, successfully transcended Adelaide and have become an integral part of the South Australian live music scene.
