Australian-American duo Yulan & Blaise have burst onto the scene with their debut single, 'God Complex', a captivating blend of electroacoustic soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics. Released on November 22nd, the track offers a glimpse into their upcoming 2025 EP and showcases the duo's unique musical vision.
'God Complex' delves into the complexities of ambition, nihilism, and grief in a world obsessed with 'Main Character Syndrome'. Singer-actor Yulan Jack, known for her role in the acclaimed comedy series Deadloch, explains that the song explores the idea of a lover journeying to another galaxy, representing the ultimate long-distance relationship. "But the relationship is a microcosm for bigger questions, like whether technology is saving us or destroying us? And who is being left behind?" she says.
The track's haunting vocals and intricate melodies are interwoven with a rich tapestry of instrumentation. A mind-bending EWI (electronic wind instrument) solo takes centre stage, accompanied by the traditional sounds of the shakuhachi flute, Chinese erhu, and even a primal jaguar whistle, each instrument transcending its conventional context.
The recording process itself was a journey, beginning at MONA's Frying Pan Studios, home to the legendary REDD.17 desk used by The Beatles. "It's fitting that we met and fell in love at MONA (Tasmania’s iconic Museum of Old and New Art) and then recorded our debut single there," says Blaise, longtime saxophonist for the Violent Femmes. "The owner David Walsh literally had a parking space labeled GOD," he adds. Later, the duo completed the recording in the intimate setting of their living room, resulting in a sound that is both expansive and personal.
'God Complex' captures the essence of "Endcore," a concept describing the feeling of living in a post-everything world where constant change and the looming threat of apocalypse are ever-present. This theme is further explored in the accompanying music video, shot in a deserted Tasmanian print factory. The video blends 16mm footage with Matrix-inspired visuals to create a dystopian portrayal of a world on the brink.
Yulan & Blaise's diverse backgrounds as "multidisciplinary, multiracial, multinational, multi-instrumentalist, multi-hyphenates" infuse their music with a unique flavour that defies categorisation. Yulan, a Singaporean-Australian singer, actor, and interdisciplinary artist, draws inspiration from her time immersed in Bristol's vibrant club music scene. Blaise, a Mexican-American multi-instrumentalist, has toured with the iconic folk punk band the Violent Femmes since the age of 15, sharing the stage with renowned artists like Barenaked Ladies and Colin Hay of Men at Work.
With their debut EP on the horizon in 2025, Yulan & Blaise invite listeners to enter cinematic worlds where their own love story unfolds against a backdrop of extreme yet strangely nostalgic scenarios. 'God Complex' is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey for this innovative duo.
Connect with Yulan & Blaise,
