Moonbase (formally Moonbase Commander) today rises from the depths of Sydney’s underground bass scene to deliver what is the first certified banger of 2017, with the massive collaboration ‘It Don’t Matter,’ featuring Grammy-nominated artist, Anderson .Paak. First premiered on Pitchfork yesterday.Created in the internet ether between Sydney and Los Angeles, the track marries Moonbase’s signature basement production - dark, grimy and custom made for darkly-lit dancefloors - with Paak’s effervescent vocals, punctuated by echoing hollers of the track’s title, “It don’t matter!”
Moonbase (real name Nick Luke) says the collaboration came easy despite the two artists coming from very different worlds.
“He’s amazing,” Moonbase declares of the West Coast, singer and performer, whose 2016 album, Malibu, was universally praised. “Usually with collaborations you’re expected to workshop beats to get it to a place you’re both happy with, and see how the song develops. But with Anderson, it was a very clear vision from both ends.”
The finished product, he adds, “is quite different from Anderson’s other stuff. It’s more abrasive and left-of-centre. He did a great job of pairing up his vibe with my beat. I think they really compliment each other.”
The single has been complemented by the release of a powerful new video, featuring stunts, choreographed acrobatics and combat scenes, explosions and Moonbase’s signature Rottweiler.
Moonbase has come a long way since his early days playing weird, underground warehouse parties. His 2015 collaboration with New York emcee Cakes Da Killa was named ‘Best New Music’ by Pitchfork, while Skrillex’s taste-making Nest HQ blog premiered both his recent Orthodox EP and last year’s single ‘Southpaw.’
In Australia, Moonbase has earned a reputation as a live force, delivering highlight primetime sets at both Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival.
And aside from his solo work, Moonbase has also proven himself to be a great curator of rising talent in his own right. He launched his own label, Trench Records in 2016, instantly achieving success with the release of fellow producer Tiber’s debut EP, Self Control, and its breakout single ‘Wings’, as well as releasing the first single from new signing Herzeloyde – ‘Sprung’ just last week.
All this success has laid a solid foundation for what is destined to be a huge year for Moonbase.
‘It Don’t Matter’ feat. Anderson .Paak is available to buy and stream now.
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