Australian electronic artist Willaris. K (aka Jack McAllister) has released his debut single via Astralwerks. The double record features the left-field techno A-side 5 O’Clock, and ambient B-side PAST LIGHT. Having attracted early references to experimental tastemakers such as Brian Eno, Jon Hopkins and Willian Basinski, the trained pianist and producer has positioned himself in the realm of textural sound, straddling tension and release in his two-track cinematic composition. Partnering with multidisciplinary artist and graphic designer Chris Kore, the package is accompanied by a stunning visualizer that explores multi-dimensional plains of light, movement and mixed realities. Listen to the double release here and watch the video for 5 O’Clock via YouTube below.
Last year, Willaris. K released his debut EP ‘Alchemy,’ a concise seven-track release with darkly pensive techno cuts and cathartic ambient electronica.
Following ‘Alchemy,’ Willaris introduced his two-track release concept with the double A-side record, Natural Selection / Cobaki Sky (Prequel), which paved the way for his next chapter of sonic exploration. Surveying themes of darkness and currents, the contrasting techno and ambient singles were emblematic of his transition from working as an electrical instrument technician to becoming a full-time producer and field recordist. In collaboration with Sydney-based visual artist Daniel O’Toole, Willaris. K paired Cobaki Sky with an abstract video that channeled his environmental surroundings through a grayscale lens. Watch that video clip here.
This year has seen Willaris take his trademark punk-influenced shows across sold-out headline dates in Australia, with select stops featuring performances from a group of 12 contemporary dancers on stage. Most recently, he directly supported RÜFÜS DU SOL on their SOLACE World Tour, playing at leading venues across Europe including their ADE showcase at Scheepsbouwloods, Yolo in Paris and Alexandra Palace in London. After making his international debut at Coachella last April, Willaris cemented his popularity with US audiences and will next play his own headline show at LA’s Peppermint Club as well as premier festivals like Voodoo Music + Arts Experience and Escape: Psycho Circus this month.
The young producer and pianist grew up in Cobaki, a suburb of Tweed Heads that forms one-half of the “twin towns” that connect New South Wales and Queensland, along the east coast of Australia. After high school, he worked as an electrical and instrument technician, a largely solitary job that required monitoring and maintaining the six distinct cables responsible for connecting and converting power from one state to the other. It was there that he gave birth to Willaris. K, the product of field recordings collected in empty forests, and extended solitary time to experiment and hone his craft.
Willaris. K’s 5 O’Clock / PAST LIGHT is out now via Astralwerks.
He has a bunch of remaining shows this year. You can check out where he’s playing on the poster below.
