Sonny Ism

This week's artist highlight features the indietronica brilliance of Sonny Ism and the talented prowess of producer Xavier Bacash. Read below for all things Sonny Ism

Like all my weekly highlights from now on, I will feature artists who not only deserve your time but who I have long admired and believe deserve recognition. Feel free to play these tracks while you read along.

I discovered Sonny Ism at the beginning of this year, and his music has been on constant rotation for me ever since. I’m now the proud owner of two of his early EPs on vinyl, even if it meant shipping them from Denmark. Whether it’s his dark, brooding electronica or his synth-infused dad pop, his sound has evolved from his first EP, ‘Ce’, to his most recent album, ‘Dad Zone’.

Xavier Bacash, the talent behind Sonny Ism, is no stranger to the indietronica scene. He was a key part of what made GATC (The Gypsy & The Cat) so popular during the alternative indie-pop craze of the early 2010s. Bacash, in partnership with fellow Naarm/Melbourne producer Lionel Towers, followed the guidance of musical inspirations such as Cut Copy and Empire of the Sun. The pair had several hit albums, received ARIA nominations, and had three entries in the 2010 Triple J Hottest 100 countdown. Their debut album, ‘Gilgamesh’, even ranked 91 in the ‘Triple J Hottest 100 Australian Albums of All Time’.

After a final tour and hiatus from GATC, Bacash launched his exciting new solo project, Sonny Ism, which has produced four fantastic albums and several EPs. His tracks are infused with tranquillity and vibrance, capturing the essence of putting on a new pair of trackies. During this time, he and his fiancée moved to Ingarö, an island in Stockholm’s archipelago. There, he drew inspiration from his surroundings, incorporating the rhythms of island life into his music through activities like berry picking, mushroom hunting, fishing, and swimming.

Immersed in the Danish music scene, Bacash began blending synth-pop with house, creating a sound that is both ethereal and grounded. His tracks are more than just music; they are stories set to captivating beats and melodies. Reflective of Bacash’s new sense of fatherhood in his album ‘Dad Zone’, his recent music feels relaxed, hopeful, and optimistic. I love how sparse it feels, yet rich with nuances of nostalgia and emotion.

Bacash’s music speaks for itself, without the fuss or need for an active social media presence and playing the game of algorithmic media. For me, his music is perfect for countless moods. Here are a couple that come to mind:

Firstly, imagine you’ve just moved into a new apartment and set up all your indoor house plants. Perhaps you’ve splurged on some new succulents that sit next to your trendy but cost-effective Ikea lamp. The plants bask in the newly arranged vibrant warm lighting, the couch is perfectly placed, and the apartment is as clean as it will ever be. Maybe there’s a balcony, maybe not. You put on the album ‘Clock Without Hands’ by Sonny Ism and relish the newfound serenity. No fridge yet? It’s a shame, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s okay because you’ve picked up a tall, chilled 650ml can of Sapporo Black and ordered crispy duck rice paper rolls for delivery. Life is good, and so is Sonny Ism.

Secondly, summer has arrived—at least the European kind. You’re in a local park in Dresden, Germany. Life feels surreal. People are throwing frisbees, sitting on picnic blankets, and drinking bulk pilsner like it’s going out of fashion. Are you in a commercial or living your best life? Who knows? Someone nearby has set up a speaker, turning the green public meadow into their living room. ‘The System’ by Sonny Ism starts playing, and although you don’t recognise it yet, you feel compelled to know what it is. Sheepishly, Shazam creeps out of your pocket, and without realising it, you’ve found an anthem for the rest of your European travels. The sun is shining, life is good, and so is Sonny Ism.