INTERVIEW: Charles Oliver announces new album

Australian techno and electronica artist Charles Oliver has returned with his third single of 2023, titled “Fortify”. The single continues to showcase Oliver’s unique style, which incorporates heavy industrial beats, glitchy abstract percussion, and evocative melodies which has caught the attention of industry heavyweights like Jon Hopkins, Max Cooper and Laurent Garnier among others.

The new track is a testament to Oliver’s talent for creating high-energy, hypnotic music that transports listeners to another world. It’s clear that Oliver is committed to producing big dance records, and “Fortify” is no exception. The single is part of Oliver’s upcoming debut LP, A Glimpse From The Other Side, set to release in April 2023. The record is highly anticipated, with Oliver’s previous single “Formulate” hitting #1 on the iTunes Techno Charts in Australia and charting at #3 in the UK and the Netherlands.

His DJ sets are equally impressive, filled with high energy and epic soundscapes that have seen him perform at festivals like Rainbow Serpent, Bohemian Beat Freaks, and Babylon Festival, as well as at renowned Australian nightclubs like Revolver Upstairs and My Aeon.

“Fortify” is a track that will appeal to fans of techno and electronic music who are looking for something unique and engaging. Oliver’s sound is complex and layered, with intricate percussion and heavy beats that will keep listeners moving. The track’s menacing bassline is particularly noteworthy, adding a sense of darkness and intensity to the music.

Overall, “Fortify” is a highly enjoyable track that showcases Charles Oliver’s unique sound and talent for producing dynamic and engaging music. With the release of his upcoming debut album and first UK/EU tour, it’s clear that Oliver is a rising star in the music world, and one to watch in the years to come.

We caught up with him to find out more about his inspirations, his new single “Fortify” and what to expect from his upcoming debut album. Check out our interview with Charles Oliver below.

Hey Charles, how’s things?

Hey hey – things are doing well over here. Working on my first ever live set, self-releasing my first album too. Challenging, yet exciting!

What was your biggest highlight in 2022 as an artist?

I had the pleasure of meeting and connecting with Jon Hopkins when he was down in Melbourne. He was playing a DJ set @ Max Watts and decided to open his set with my track ‘Charisma’. I was pretty shocked, though I can’t deny it brought a rather large smile to my face.

How did you first get into making your own music?

I was always a bit of a nerd in highschool; when I was 14 I came across this app called ‘Sony Acid’ installed on the computers in music class. I youtube’d the shit out of it when I got home and got super hooked. I dabbled in playing live drums at the time but could never quite translate my ideas into the drum kit. Learning you could precisely craft your own drums via a computer was a total game changer for me.

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

Definitely Noisia. I was a big DnB head back when I was teen (still am) and was fully obsessed with their stuff. They felt like they were at the forefront of making super complex/experimental bass lines that were impactful yet still felt musical. I drew a lot of inspo from them early on with the aim to push boundaries between genres.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

I think today I’m starting to really appreciate artists that can keep things more simplified, yet powerful and interesting. A few off the top of my head are – Bicep, SWIM, 1-800 Girls. Their melodies are so easy to listen to, yet all strike the perfect balance between ‘not-too-cringe’ and ‘not-too-complicated’.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

This is probably a little cliche, but most of my inspiration tends to flow after experiencing big emotional events in my life. The ideas flood during those times. Having a meaningful story to write about through music is very therapeutic.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

That’s a tricky one… as I feel my tracks sometimes cater more for the clubs and more for the outdoors. But if I had to give one answer – out in the bush where the perfect acoustic properties can shine through a big pair of speakers for sure.

How has your sound evolved since you started out?

Since my first EP ‘Heights’ back in 2017 – I think my music has refined itself a tonne more into a more distinctive solidified genre identity I feel I can recognise. It’s easier to make track ideas these days, which I feel has a lot to do with making the type of music you enjoy the most. Though of course this continues to change all the time! It’s a forever evolving process.

Has your production technique or process changed at all?

I’ve definitely started to be way less afraid of putting elements ‘off the grid’ these past couple of years. Keeping things ever so slightly off the traditional 4×4 time signature keeps things interesting and dynamic to me. I’ve also been more interested in adding ‘colour’ to certain sounds that would normally sound a little more traditional without – using distortion, saturation, all that stuff.

How did you find making your recent single “Fortify”?

Fortify (for me) is very 5am ‘lost-in-a-club’ hypnotising vibes. It’s dark, aggressive and rolling. Almost ‘thrashy’ in some parts. I wanted to see how far I could push the ‘craziness’ in this track, without overdoing it. It was really fun making a more typical rolling techno-esque club track, yet attempting to keep it dynamic and unpredictable at the same time.

What can listeners expect from your upcoming album?

A little bit of all sorts to be honest! The tracks coincidentally came out in a way where they all serve a purpose on a ‘typical night out’. You get a bit of the ‘5am’ demon vibes, but then some sunset ‘5pm’ heartfelt vibes too. There is definitely a narrative in it all though. But like any music, I hope it will serve best with the story you make of it.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I came across this artist through SoundCloud called Höwley recently. I think he’s from Canada. Makes super wild, funky, dark UK garage/house stuff. He’s got skills that’s for sure. Been loving his tracks.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I think it’s nice to make your own story from how the music serves you. Redefine the track’s intentions into your own feelings. Let the tracks wash over you in whatever way they see fit.

What’s been your favourite live show so far?

My DJ set at Rainbow Serpent Festival 2018 hands down. A very special 4-day bush festival out in Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadawurrung country, Victoria, Australia. It was one of my first proper festival gigs at the time. I made a goal to play a tonne of originals during the set which was nerve racking. They went down a treat and I was super happy with how it turned out.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Jon Hopkins, Max Cooper, Otik. And at Rainbow Serpent Festival for sure.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Don’t be afraid to bend the rules of traditional genres or traditional production methods. Don’t try to sound like anyone else. They’ve already done and mastered their craft. Of course it’s totally healthy and fine to take inspo from them. But make sure you’re challenging yourself and exploring the musical boundaries of the sounds you enjoy the most.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

So after ‘Fortify’, there’s one more single to be released in support of the Album. After the Album drops, I’m releasing a remix package featuring a bunch of talented artists. I’m also working on my first ever live show which I plan to debut in Melbourne around the time the Album drops. Planning a little EU + UK tour for the summer too, fingers crossed that goes ahead!

Listen to Fortify below