MUMBAI: Rising Australian electronic music duo Peking Duk will be showcasing their music in India next month as a part of the NH7 Weekender and The Aussie BBQ. Formed by Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles, Peking Duk first garnered attention in 2012 when they remixed Passion Pit’s track ‘Take a Walk’. Since then, they have opened for artistes like Example, and have played at numerous festivals around Australia. Hyde took time out and spoke to Radioandmusic.com’s Aashay Dalvi about the duo’s upcoming tour in India and their deal with RCA Records.
Excerpts:
Rueben used to be part of Rubycon, and now the two of you have formed Peking Duk. How did this happen?
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Rueben was playing bass guitar and writing songs with Rubycon, and I was writing a few rap songs with a few friends at the time. But, we both love the same kind of music like The Strokes and Dr. Dre. And then, we started partying together and became really close friends. We also had a mutual friend who gave us a mixtape with all the Crrokers and Pidgeon House records and we both fell in love with that kind of music. It just sort of happened really naturally. We both started to create that kind of club music together and then it gradually evolved into the kind of music that we as Peking Duk play now.
Most of Peking Duk’s music is produced by Tommy Trash. When and how did you get him involved?
The first time we met Tommy Trash was at a show that we were doing in Adelaide and we hung out all night. We got massive love from him, and through him a lot of fans. So, a big shout-out to Tommy Trash.
Tommy Trash has moved to the US to expand his music production career. Would you also be following suit?
We recently signed with RCA Records in New York. So, we are definitely going to be spending a lot of time in the US over the next couple of years. We love to spend a lot of time in the UK and in India. It is beautiful here.
You have released tracks like ‘High’, ‘Take Me Over’ and ‘Mufasa’ individually. Do you plan to curate them together and release them as a part of an EP or an album?
No, I think we are still evolving a lot and changing a lot with our musical tastes and the way that we write our music. So, every song that we write from here on out is going to be better than before. So, the album will all have fresh material. Maybe, there will be some old material added, I do not know. We will see what happens.
Which artistes are you collaborating with?
We are collaborating with a lot of new artistes at the moment. We want to keep it a surprise. If you tune in, it will definitely be a present for you.
Have you started working on the album yet?
We have got a bank of music at the moment. We are just sort of figuring out what to do with it and how to release it. We do not want to rush an album, so we will see what happens.
Tell us about your deal with RCA Records.
RCA Records will be releasing our tracks here on out. And we are still trying to work on our old stuff. But, I gather those will also be put together and released by the label eventually.
In addition to the NH7, you are also performing in India as a part of the Aussie BBQ. How did this happen?
Well, thanks to The Aussie BBQ, back in Australia we were asked if we would like to come and perform here in India. And, since we like the Indian people and the Indian food, we immediately agreed. It is our first time here and we are very excited.
Have you heard Indian music before?
We absolutely love Indian music. The rhythm of the tabla and the sitar is completely mesmerising. We cannot wait to record with some Indian artistes here.
Have you gotten in touch with any yet?
Our manager has scheduled a few sessions with a few talented local musicians. I am not too sure what their names are yet, but we cannot wait to collaborate with them.
Will you be showcasing any of your new tracks during your performances?
Yeah. We might be playing some of our new tracks that have not been recorded yet. You will have to wait and see. We want to keep that as a surprise.
Is there something you would like to say to your Indian listeners?
I just want to say that we cannot wait to play for everybody out here in India. We cannot wait to show you guys our music and I want to thank everyone who comes on the show and the whole of India for having us out here. It is a beautiful country.
