Meet The Musos: Get To Know Perth EDM Gem Ukiyo

Australian electronic producer Ukiyo has officially released his hotly anticipated EP The Friends You Made Along The Way. 

Hailing from Perth, Ukiyo first gained recognition with the release of his debut EP and single, Calling. Since then, the producer has gone on to release a debut album to international acclaim, two instrumental mixtapes, and Midnight Sun, a collaboration with Atlanta-based OTR that notably featured in Forza Horizon and the Netflix film To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (as well as Netflix's star-studded 2022 Movie Preview campaign that premiered at the Super Bowl). 

Now he's back with fresh release The Friends You Made Along The Way, which is his most collaborative work yet. Gathering a line-up of talent including Fractures, Ūla, Will Hyde, LORA and Emilia Ali, Ukiyo's music has opened up like never before, allowing fans to access a new side of his world.

The Friends You Made Along The Way considers our place in the world and how we can lean on our communities to guide us through challenging feelings. The basis is somewhat dark, but the outcome isn't, with the new EP showcasing a wide array of sounds that embody the full range of human emotions. 

Ukiyo wants listeners to leave the EP feeling that they should "try to enjoy every moment".

Today, with Purple Sneakers, he delves into the making of the new EP, The Friends You Made Along The Way, and the inspiration behind it.  

Give us the story behind your name?

I found the word “Ukiyo” in a random clickbait article on Facebook way back in the day, one of the ones that has an ad between every bullet point. The word stood out to me though because the meaning: it doesn’t have a direct English translation but is surrounded by the idea of detaching yourself from the bothers of everyday life.

If your music was a flavour, what would it taste like?

I feel like I’m condensing my whole being into a food or something. I really have no idea, I’m more a feelings guy than a flavours guy. Maybe it’s that sip of lemonade that takes you back to the verge-side lemonade stand.  Something nostalgic and comforting but bittersweet. I guess that’s the flavour then isn’t it? TLDR: bittersweet.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences and how have they impacted your own sound and style?

Porter Robinson – it’s been super motivating to watch his journey, through his messages in his music and his production style which has had a big effect on me. Also Jon Hopkins – he comes from an ambient music background that has really made me appreciate minimalism and space and how the silence between notes is just as important as the notes themselves.

What’s been the biggest moment in your career so far?

I’ve had some pretty big achievements, particularly with having my songs featured in ads and movies. It’s always an incredible experience and something I cherish so much, seeing my music paired with someone else’s story. The most impactful was still probably right at the beginning when I saw my music used in Casey Neistat’s vlogs for the first time.

What's the most unusual or unexpected source of inspiration you've drawn from when writing a song?

Having writer’s block and then writing songs about having writer’s block.

Can you share a hilarious or cringe-worthy moment from your early days as an artist?

I started producing in high school, and I very purposely did it under a pseudonym so my friends wouldn’t find out, and someone at my school found it and wrote a double-page spread about it in the school newsletter.

What are the top three tracks or artists you’re vibing on rn?

Duskus, LORA and Tourist.

What’s something that fans not might know about you?

As far as I know, I’m a descendent of the guy that started Arnott’s biscuits.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

I would say it’s a toss-up between Porter Robinson’s Nurture and LORA’s Adulting. They both feel perfect where I can listen and completely fall into those songs and not have to analyse them at all, which is such a double-edged sword of being a musician most of the time.

What's in the works for you in 2023?

Making more friends.

The Friends You Made Along The Way is out now via Island Records Australia.