Demur Decks by Monarchy 13.01.2020
Australian duo, Monarchy have been releasing music for over 10 years and during that time they have built up a big following across Europe, especially in Spain and have over 6 million streams. Over the years, Ra Black & Andrew Armstrong AKA MONARCHY have become one of pop music’s most exciting duos with their own unique brand of euphoric synth-pop. The pair who are based in London have played some of the biggest festivals around the globe including Coachella, Eurosonic, Lovebox, Pentaport, Mad Cool, Reading and Leeds. This week Ra Black and Andrew Armstrong are giving our decks a spin.
Ra Black:
Then There Were Two – Mark Ronson and Anderson .Paak.
I love the funk and grit in Anderson .Paak’s voice. No one else sounds like him. The vocal rhythms in this track are reminiscent of OutKast’s ‘So Fresh, So Clean’. But it’s continuing the musical journey so it doesn’t feel stolen.
Yellow Hearts – Ant Saunders
Such a good lyric. Feels classic but it really could have been written at any time in history. The crooner vocal delivery feels oddly authentic and fresh.
Women Who Look Like You – JP Saxe and Guapdad 4000
This is a great example of minimalism. There’s actually quite a lot of subtle arrangement and production ideas in there that step the track away from the “singer with acoustic guitar” vibe and make it sound appealing.
Money – Michael Kiwanuka and Tom Misch
Unashamedly retro and derivative. But it’s made with conviction, care, and love. So it feels joyful and fun.
I’m So Tired… – Lauv and Troye Sivan
For me, the most forward-thinking yet familiar music is what popular music is. And this song is a great example of that. It doesn’t feel like it belongs to a genre, although it feels like I’ve heard it’s components in songs that have come before.
Andrew Armstrong:
Kid Francescoli – So Over
I love Kid Francescoli, and this doesn’t disappoint. It starts out as a quiet pensive song, but then just continues to build during its six minutes. I would love to see this live.
Isaac Delusion – fancy
French music for me has such a special atmosphere. This is a great example from a group that collaborated with my favourites L’Imperatrice.
Satin Jackets – Meridian Gateway
Satin Jackets remixed one of my projects, and they continue to be favourites of mine. Really smooth and well produced.
Pet Shop Boys – Monkey Business
PSB crack out the retro vibes, sounds like a mix between Chromeo and Scissor Sisters. In a good way.
Monarchy release their new single, ‘Just Give Me Your Love’ on January 31st.
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