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Kendl shares 5 tracks from 5 artists that shaped the way he writes music

Words by Kendl.

We all have someone who inspires us, someone we see a part of ourselves in and helps us embrace who we are. These five artists have inspired me over the years and have helped me discover my voice in music.

Photo: Serge Osipov

Coming off the release of his latest single Ella, Melbourne-based artist Kendl shares five tracks from five artists that helped shape the way he writes music today.

Bonobo – Transits

I have always been drawn to delicate sounds, obscure soundscapes and object recordings. I especially love finding rhythm and melody within them to use in a musical way. Bonobo’s music opened my eyes to the fact there is rhythm and melody in everything, you just have to find it. Transits is filled with these delicate and eargasmic sounds, as is much of Bonobo’s music. They are scattered throughout the song then layered and finessed to create a record full of intricacy and beauty. I’ve always been enthralled by the beauty in Bonobo’s music, which I continue to find inspiration in.

Jamie xx – Girl

It would be very hard to choose just one Jamie xx track for my top five list, but Girl was the first track I heard from Jamie xx, back in 2014. His music transported me to places I’d never been before and still does. I love the energy and atmosphere in his music as well as his sampling creativity, which in my opinion is second to none. He is one of my all-time favourite artists.

Pretty Lights – Color Of My Soul

While I was attending Dubspot’s ‘Online Ableton Program’ in 2015, my instructor recommended I watch a short doco on how Pretty Lights created his A Colour Map Of The Sun record. It was inspiring to see the lengths he went to for the sake of his craft and how he played to his strengths. The result is an amazing body of work that I had on repeat. Always play to your strengths!

Nils Frahm – Four

I am in awe of everything Nils Frahm does, from his music to his film scores and especially his live performance. Four was the first track I discovered from Nils. It is a collaboration with another favourite artist of mine, Olafur Arnalds. Through his music, I have learnt that you can express and feel so much with something so minimal. His work reminds me that its ok to express yourself in whichever way is the most honest and true to you. As scary as it can be, it really is the only way that people will connect with who you really are.

Kiasmos – Looped

Kiasmos is comprised of the Icelandic duo Olafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen. I discovered their music shortly after coming across Nils Frahm. I love steering away from traditional arrangements in my music, instead, letting the music communicate with my heart in order to tell me where it needs to go. The way Looped resonated with me really brought that to light – that is, the change of sound over time and how it affects the listener. That’s what music is after all, right!?

Ella is available now. Listen here.