Australian Electronica Artist Willaris. K Announces Debut Release on ‘Astralwerks’

Australian electronica artist Willaris. K (aka Jack McAllister) announces his first release on Astralwerkstoday, a double record featuring the left-field techno A-side “5 O’CLOCK”, and ambient B-side “PAST LIGHT.” Having attracted early references to experimental tastemakers such as Brian Eno, Jon Hopkins and Willian Basinski, the trained pianist and producer has positioned himself in the realm of textural sound, straddling tension and release in his two-track cinematic composition. Partnering with multidisciplinary artist and graphic designer Chris Kore, the package is accompanied by a stunning visualizer that explores multi-dimensional plains of light, movement and mixed realities. Listen to the double release HERE and watch “5 O’CLOCK” HERE.

Last year, Willaris. K released his debut EP Alchemy, a concise seven-track package of darkly pensive techno cuts and cathartic ambient electronica. His single “Dour Nights” garnered support from BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong, who bestowed it with the coveted “Essential New Tune” title, and earned him a Triple J Mix Up Residency.

Following Alchemy, Willaris introduced his two-track release concept with the double A-side record, “Natural Selection / Cobaki Sky (Prequel)”, which paved the way for his next chapter of sonic exploration. Surveying themes of darkness and currents, the contrasting techno and ambient singles were emblematic of his transition from working as an electrical instrument technician to becoming a full-time producer and field recordist. In collaboration with Sydney-based visual artist Daniel O’Toole, Willaris. K paired “Cobaki Sky” with an abstract video that channeled his environmental surroundings through a grayscale lens. Watch that HERE.

This year has seen Willaris take his trademark punk-influenced shows across sold-out headline dates in Australia, with select stops featuring performances from a group of 12 contemporary dancers on stage. Most recently he directly supported RÜFÜS DU SOL on their SOLACE World Tour, playing at leading venues across Europe including their ADE showcase at Scheepsbouwloods, Yolo in Paris and Alexandra Palace in London. After making his international debut at Coachella last April, Willaris cemented his popularity with US audiences and will next play his own headline show at LA’s Peppermint Club as well as premier festivals like Voodoo Music Arts Experience and Escape: Psycho Circus this month.

The young producer and pianist grew up in Cobaki, a suburb of Tweed Heads that forms one-half of the "twin towns" that connect New South Wales and Queensland, along the east coast of Australia. After high school, he worked as an electrical and instrument technician, a largely solitary job that required monitoring and maintaining the six distinct cables responsible for connecting and converting power from one state to the other. It was there that he gave birth to Willaris. K, the product of field recordings collected in empty forests, and extended solitary time to experiment and hone his craft.