Naarm/Melbourne-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Ash K, known as Clean Beast, delves into the intricate relationship between mental health and the artistic journey with his compelling new single, ‘Darkness’. This marks his third release of the year and is out now via Wild At Heart Records.
‘Darkness’ is built on a powerful sonic landscape featuring substantial synths and driving drum beats. The track masterfully blends elements of synthwave, industrial, and electronica, forging a sound that is both expansive and deeply absorbing. Pulsating with layered textures, it creates an atmosphere of tension that is grounded by a raw emotional core, all delivered through Ash’s distinctive vocal style. Some have described the sound as a "fusion of Depeche Mode and UK bounce," offering "Gloom you can move to," while others note hints of darkwave, post-punk, and indietronica.
At its heart, ‘Darkness’ confronts the theme of depression and its ever-present link to the creative process. Ash explains, “On the surface, it’s about depression. But underneath, it’s really about the creative process. It deals with depression as this dark valley one must go through to encounter the light of creation.” The song portrays depression as both a formidable opponent and an unavoidable partner, exploring the difficulties of navigating these debilitating periods as a necessary step towards achieving creative clarity.
Reflecting on the creation of the track, Ash shared, “The song itself was a journey through that depression. I didn’t know where it was going but I realised I had to accept it, as I have to accept depression when I’m going through it. It’s hard to see depression as a journey, or a phase along that larger journey, but it proves to be so every time.”
Despite growing up in a family of artists who initially discouraged him from a creative path, music became a vital part of Ash’s life. The Clean Beast project emerged following a challenging period when a music therapist suggested songwriting as an outlet.1 Although initially hesitant, Ash found himself drawn to the process, and once he started writing, the words flowed, birthing Clean Beast as a musical project that continues to evolve. ‘Darkness’ was recorded, produced, and mixed by Ash in his home studio, with mastering handled by James North.
The single’s release through Wild At Heart Records is particularly fitting. The label champions artists who face injustice and exclusion due to visible and invisible disabilities. They are dedicated to supporting the creation of original music that challenges artistic norms and promotes access and equity within the music culture, industry, and wider society.
