Introducing Higher Places, who takes a step forward with his debut single, Halfway

At the start of this year, we went pretty deep on something that's been prevalent for the much of the year since: songwriters and producers, often once found only behind-the-scenes of your favourite popstars, stepping out on their own accord. There are a tonne of examples - amongst this year's most successful international newcomers are Julia Michaels and Benny Blanco, who are two very highly-regarded pop songwriters - and it's something leaking into Australian waters too, especially as musicians like Sarah Aarons and Alex Hope find themselves on some of music's biggest tracks as songwriters.

Melbourne's Hamish Patrick is an artist who sits perfectly amongst this crowd. Over the last few years, the master-of-all-trades musician has been a go-to for those needing a Midas touch on their work, and as a result, his work behind-the-scenes spans across genres and artists amongst the country's most popular: Japanese Wallpaper, Eves Karydas, Montgomery, Tyde Levi and Essie Holt all included within that.

Today, however, he's stepping out with his own project titled Higher Places, placing himself and his songwriting in the spotlight with a debut single titled Halfway. It's a shimmering three-minutes-twenty of swirling electronica, bringing together the electronic intricacy of acts including Kllo with a distinct vocal that makes the track an entirely unique force, mixing it with an almost dream-pop sound that completely transforms the track and its multi-genre, un-box-able sound.

There's plenty to love here, and considering this is the project's debut offering, it's easy to say that Higher Places is an artist you should be keeping an eye on over the next year. Dive into the track below, and while you wait for his next moves, better introduce yourself to the rising star and his brooding slice of electro-pop.

Tell us about yourself.

Hi! I'm Hamish, a songwriter/producer/musician from Melbourne. When I'm not a session musician for other artists (Eves Karydas, Tyde Levi, Japanese Wallpaper) I'm probably messing around on Ableton writing sad pop songs.

What's the vibe music-wise?

Higher Places is electronic pop with an indie rock heart. I grew up listening to alternative rock and indie (The National, Death Cab, Grizzly Bear) and fell in love with electronic music later in life, so I've ended up writing songs that try to marry the anthemic and emotional beats of indie with the production and detail of electronic music.

What are your production and writing processes like?

I love to collaborate with friends - most of my songs start as solo demos then I'll start thinking about who might be a good match. For example, one song that'll come out next year started as a demo that I sent to Montgomery - the version she sent back was much better. I find collaborating can really help clarify my decisions and intent - having to justify my choices to someone else can help clarify them to myself too. There will almost certainly be colourful lights and too many synthesizers involved.

Can you tell us about your new single Halfway?

I wrote this song with Ross James and Jackson McRae, both great friends and producers. The whole song was kind of finished in about 24 hours - the initial chords and drum loop came together in an afternoon, then Jackson and I wrote the lyrics and melody over a bottle of wine that night. Ross came back the next day to reign in some of our crazier ideas and add the finishing touches - the song is definitely better without the 3-minute atmospheric outro. I'm so thankful to Ross and Jackson for pushing me out of my comfort zone - I never thought something as propulsive and beat-driven as Halfway would be part of this project, but it's become a real reference point moving forward.

Any tour dates coming up?

Hoping to play some shows in early 2020 - watch this space! Been working on all this music for so long that I want the shows to be really good.

What does 2020 have in store for you?

I'd like to put out a lot more music - will hopefully have a full Higher Places EP out by the end of 2020, and lots more music from other artists I've worked on too.

Where can we find more of your music?

By breaking into my house and stealing my laptop. Please don't do that. Halfway is on Unearthed now, streaming everywhere 11/12. Next single in February, more to come!

Follow Higher Places: FACEBOOK