Meet SKŸE, who has one of Australia's best new voices with new single, Love Like That

In the age where anyone and everyone can have their voice heard thanks to unrestrictive platforms such as YouTube and Twitter, it takes a lot to stand out from the crowd - especially vocally. In saying that, however, Melbourne-based musician SKŸE is here to prove that it's not completely impossible, and as we introduce him through his new single Love Like That, it's clear that we may have one of the country's best new voices on our hands. 

Over the last few years, the musician has been busy refining his craft. Drawn to the voices of renowned heavyweights such as Adele and H.E.R., he started putting out music independently and doing the odd show around his hometown, before being encouraged to join art and culture college Collarts. Here, is where he was plucked out from the crowd and elevated further; signing to Universal Music (for publishing) and working with songwriters and producers amongst the country's most exciting, especially when it comes to developing early sounds and polishing them to the highest calibre.

Now, with his first single for 2020 in Love Like That, we're beginning to see SKŸE flourish in the spotlight for the first time, and it's an occasion worth celebrating. Love Like That is an entrance that plucks from his two core influences - female-led R&B musicians such as Chloe x Halle, and pop musicians that have a heavy emphasis on vocals - and unites them together, with the end result capturing this transcendent and somewhat freeing emotion that's really quite impossible to show through your music, especially as a musician just starting out.

A lot of that comes from his vocal; an androgynous-sounding grace that's centre stage of his work, and really capable of capturing this heavy emotional potency in a way that'll almost move you to tears, if it doesn't make you go the whole way. "I think it came getting attached to my younger vocals being higher, so naturally I gravitated to what I sounded like," he explains on his influences in female pop and R&B musicians, and how it informs his own vocals. "And then when my voice broke, I tried listening to male artists and replicating that, but it wasn’t as satisfying as belting high notes so I worked my way back up to that more feminine sound. Creating a slightly androgynous tone."

It's an absolutely haunting debut from a musician who has the talent to go the whole way, and at this point, we think it's probably best to let the music - and SKŸE himself - do the talking. Take a dive into Love Like That below as it premieres on Pilerats ahead of its official release this Friday (you can pre-save it here, too), and underneath that, better introduce yourself to the person behind the vocal. We have a feeling you're going to see plenty more from him in the year to come.

Tell us about yourself?

Well, my name is SKŸE and I’m a singer songwriter from Melbourne. I’m into binging tv series’, eating too many dates (the fruit), not killing my indoor plants and rollerblading. At the moment I'm 22, and have been singing for 10 years and writing for 5.

I first got into music from Disney Channel classics like High School Musical and Camp Rock and also the classic So Fresh CD’s. From there I found Christina Aguilera which has me OBSESSED with vocalists. I’ve had some vocal training growing up but for the most part have just taught myself everything I know. That goes for most things in my life too.

What’s the ‘vibe’ music-wise?

Vibe for my music is a handful of things I’d say. I think what a year of sessions and writing has taught me is that my sound and my writing isn’t one specific thing and I’m starting to love that.

It’s a bit of Pop a bit of RnB and a bunch of Ballads. I’m really drawn to electronic meets organic having some real drum sounds mixed with some bending Rhodes/synths and soft pianos. Themes wise I’m exploring topics about love and loss and the lessons that come from it.

What are your production and writing processes usually like?

Well usually if I’m alone or with someone we start by sketching out some sonic references with Spotify songs or artists for inspiration. That definitely helps if I’ve gone in a bit blind without an intention. But sometimes I come in with some chords and voice memo ideas I’ve had during the week that have felt strong enough to explore further. Depends on the day and also the energy in the room. Start with some chords and gibberish and then paint a story once the melodies feel strong enough. Melodies are the most important to me and if they’re not strong enough, lyrics aren’t gonna change that because melodies come from the body and feel a bit more personified to me.

Lately I’ve been exploring my own production and building my skills up but it’ll probably be a bit more time before I release something I’ve produced as its still pretty fresh at the minute.

Can you tell us about your new single, Love Like That?

Love Like That is about unrequited love. It’s about a relationship that never had the opportunity to blossom because of shame and insecurities. It reflects my own personal experiences with love but I think it also has a universal message too. Wishing someone would love you because the idea feels too good to not be true.

I wrote it with Bri Clark and Andy Hopkins (Hauskey) in December last year. It was a song I needed to address in that time to say what I was going through and start the letting go process. Although I’m not totally in that space now, it allows me to tap into it every time I sing it. I hope it makes people feel heard.

What does 2020 have in store for you?

Well I mean what a year already! Yes, yes life has been turned upside down, but for me it’s been an incredible year full of so many lessons and revelations. Greater growth and understanding within myself, and a more refined definition of my project and the values I want to represent. To continue this year finally sharing my music and creating a safe space within my project for people to feel represented and heard. On a personal level I can’t wait to love myself on a deeper level and get to know myself more. Also, more music always, it makes me feel so peaceful and calm, so more sessions for sure!

What do you want people to take away from the project?

As I said, I want people to feel heard. Just to create something where someone can resonate and know that they aren’t alone. I want people to have music to cry to, dance to, get spicy to all from the same artist haha. I want to create a safe space where feelings and vulnerability are beautiful and where love is abundant.

Where can we find more of your music?

Instagram and YouTube are good spots to find more music and of course Spotify and Apple Music. Hoping to release more as we move into next year too so definitely keep an eye out!

Follow SKŸE: FACEBOOK