Tune Tuesday: Chet Faker
Chet Faker © Jonas Ludwig Walter [link]
The Superbowl is well known for introducing lesser-known musical artists to a huge, new audience during its massive commercial runs. One such artist is Chet Faker, whose cover of BlackStreet's "No Diggity" was used in a Beck's Sapphire advertisement spot. Hailing from Australia, Chet Faker is the musical moniker of Nicholas James Murphy. I was just discussing with friends the other night that people who are doing big things such as Faker at such young ages (he's only 6 months older than me) make me feel like I haven't accomplished anything with my life! Okay, I know that's not the case, but it feels like it sometimes.
Faker's cover of "No Diggity" is pretty much amazing. Look at this kid. Let's stereotype, shall we? He looks like he should be sitting in a mountainside coffeeshop. He has an ombré beard. He makes that musician's face where it looks like they're just a teensy bit in pain. And he opens his mouth and that smooth, smooth sound comes out. I love men like this. See: Ray LaMontagne. I want them to scoop me up, sling a guitar over their backs, carry me off to a cabin in the woods, and sing to me beside the fireplace for a weekend. LaMontagne is one of the musicians that gets put on repeat when the weather turns to Fall, hence my interest in Faker at the moment. Snuggly autumnal music!
Faker typically focuses more on electronic themes in his own music. In his collaboration with Flume, " Drop the Game," I think the heavier, slow dance beats mesh really well with his voice and the vocal lines in the background seem to melt into the music.
"Talk is Cheap" is a great groove, but the video is a teensy morbid. It's very well done, and I love its style because I am a fan of stop-motion animation techniques. But, if you're not really into watching an animated fellah start to decay and get trampled on by a big ol' spider, you might skip watching the whole video.
What do you think of Chet Faker? Do you have any music that screams Fall to you?