For many of us, our village in the mist is a haven offering respite from the bustle of city life and the opportunity for a restorative walk through the forest, immersed in the vibrant sights and sounds of nature. Our local forests, creeks and wildlife have also acted as a muse for artists of many types, including painters, potters, photographers, glass-smiths, sculptors and musicians.
The Melbourne ambient music composer known as Badskin is one of the latter group. She has recently released her second album, “Bush Bash”. Both of her albums (the first is “Where was I ”) feature sounds from the Paluma rainforest magically melded with various instruments and synthesised sound to create an entrancing and at times dissonant aural experience. Within the complex and abstract soundscapes a careful listener will be able to identify whipbirds, frogs, chowchillas and other familiar local species, all blended with guitars, keys, and synths.
This type of music is not for everyone but if you feel like having a listen, her work is available on Bandcamp, Spotify , and Apple Music.
In case you don’t already know, I proudly confess that I have a conflict of interest in recommending this artist. Badskin is the artistic name chosen by our daughter Carla Oliver.
Text by Jamie Oliver
I confess to greatly enjoy her album and also be her brother. Family link or not, it’s an entrancing creation. And I love to feel the presence of the forest within it.