Playlist of the Week: Tinlicker
Cameron Holbrook
Fresh off the release of their fourth album Dreams of the Machine, Tinlicker are leaning deeper into the space where live instrumentation, emotion, and electronic music blur into something more human.
Now operating as a trio with a fully live setup, the group’s latest chapter trades rigid genre lines for instinct, pulling from indie, ambient, and cinematic worlds as much as the dance floor. For this week’s Playlist of the Week, they turn the lens outward, spotlighting the artists and songs that have shaped their thinking beyond club music.
We just released an album called ‘Dreams of the Machine’ and are touring Europe as we speak. This year, a lot has changed. We added Hero to the live band and wrote an album more like a ‘band’ than a traditional ‘dance’ project. We always found it hard to box music into genres, because for us, that limits what we want to do. So we try not to think about rules and just make what we feel like making.
The underlying factor probably stems from the fact that we all have different musical backgrounds and are listening to all sorts of music. At the same time, we try not to follow the trends in ‘dance’ music, because for us it shouldn’t be about what’s popular, but more about what music makes great music for us. Therefore, we wanted to talk about our inspiration outside the realm of the music we ‘operate’ in. – Tinlicker
Tinlicker's fourth studio album Dreams Of The Machine is out now via [PIAS] ÉLECTRONIQUE.
Get it on Beatport.
Max Richter is probably our favourite “soundtrack” composer. The way he succeeds in capturing certain emotions and setting moods to a film is something else. He just knows how to draw you into the moment, grab you by the throat and never let you go. It’s also a perfect soundtrack when you want to escape the reality of traveling. If you like this, you should also check out ‘On the Nature of Daylight’.
We’ve been longtime fans of Fink’s work. The way he implements rhythm and repetition into his music is addictive. His music likes to build and slowly embrace you until it has a hold on you, and then all of a sudden, it’s over. It’s a perfect blend of song and dance. And the sound of his voice is such a warm blanket.
Radiohead is probably our biggest inspiration. This band has been able to push their boundaries for decades and never stop challenging themselves, while remaining loyal to the love of music. It’s almost jealousy-inducing how good they are at their craft. We can’t wait to see another one of their shows, or any of Thom Yorke’s side projects like The Smile and Atoms for Peace.
Just seen her live and the new album ‘Everybody Scream’ is amazing, love the hybrid of her music. It’s hard to pinpoint what it is, and that’s also what makes it great. Her voice is so powerful and live, she blows you away. It’s about the honesty of her songs. The lyrics are real, and that’s what music should be. Also check out the song ‘Music By Men’.
Gang Of Youths is a great band. Don’t want to box it, but it’s reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen and The War on Drugs, real storytelling songs from the heart with a great drive of life. And the voice of David Le'aupepe is just perfect when the world passes by.
A masterclass of Ambient. Malibu somehow creates this perfect sonic wave you want to catch and keep riding. It’s just so soothing and calming. Like falling asleep in a bathtub after a perfect day.
I was watching the TV show True Detective, and this song came on, and it instantly grabbed me. Every time I hear this, I get goosebumps. The melody, sound of her voice, and lyrics are just so true. It’s disarming. The world needs more of this. – Micha
Probably one of my favourite concerts to date is a show I accidentally went to while being on tour on an off day in Melbourne. One of my friends invited me to see Patrick Watson in a small venue for about 300 people, and it is still a vivid memory today. His music sometimes feels like a David lynch movie with the atmospheres he’s able to create, but at the same time, it’s so calming. A unique voice to be heard. – Micha
Sam Fender is such a talented singer-songwriter. I remember seeing him in a small venue in Utrecht called “Ekko” just before his first album came out. And it was so intimate and raw. For me, the weight of his songs is remarkable for the time he has spent on this planet. That might sound stupid, but it feels like he lived a previous life. Also, check out his song “Play God”. – Micha
You can just always play Khruangbin. And that’s what’s great about it. The way they just embalm a room with an ocean of vibes and groove is just a blessing. And the vocals by Leon Bridges on “Texas Sun" make it perfect.
