Since joining forces with Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes of PNAU, 2021 produced magical moments for the lutruwita / Tasmania electronic duo Sumner (Chloe Wilson and Jack McLaine). Their breakthrough single ‘Stranded’ become a festival favourite and was voted in the top 200 tracks of triple j’s coveted Hottest 100. The band also gifted us a stunningly cinematic live performance of ‘Stranded’ from a deserted runway when interstate travel and live shows were a fading reality.
Back and in form, Sumner’s new single ‘Good Light’ is a leap forward for the duo, who captured our hearts and attention just 18 months ago. A pulsing dance anthem preaching the undeniable connection between artist and audience, ‘Good Light’ showers listeners in a message of love and support during such trying times. In their latest release Sumner show off their signature electro-pop essence heard in previous singles ‘Stranded’ and ‘South’.
“’Good Light’ is an ode for our audience members and listeners,” explain Sumner. “It explores our devotion to them, alongside an offering of mutual understanding in regard to the way our bleak futures on Earth are heading. It’s an invitation to come in and let go of life’s mundane and monotonous stresses; lose yourself in the moment with us while we lose ourselves in you.”
Opening up about her history with epilepsy last year, Chloe’s defining message was toward live shows becoming a more inclusive environment for all people to be safe. A theme uniquely presented in the lyrics of ‘Good Light’, which was co-written and produced with Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes (PNAU, Empire of the Sun).
Sumner detail the writing process behind ‘Good Light’: “The track came to fruition in a writing session with Nick and Chloe in 2021. The whole team felt that the track was a standout from the start, and so it was passed on to Peter and Jack to polish it off. The result is a pulsating, electric record driven by real emotion and life experience.”
“’Good Light’ is about our dedication to our art and our audience. The music video follows the progression of fire, from its ignition into an intense flame. Through years of being in conversation and growing with our audience, we gradually become our truest form as individuals and learn more about who we all are as a people. To us, the fire signifies that reciprocal thing that we’ve created together which continues to grow. The video was shot on 16mm film over the course of a manic weekend in lutruwita / Tasmania. Directed by Jacob Collings, with cinematography by Ursula Woods, assisted by Robert Agostino, we shot a combination of studio and on-location footage, combining the real and surreal.”
Sumner are the third signing to Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes’ Lab78 label with Nick Littlemore first coming across Jack and Chloe at a festival in Tasmania. “Pete and I came across this band while on tour in regional Tasmania. We shared a stage together at the Forth pub on a sweet breezy day a few years back. We were struck by their fierce intensity. Chloe commanded the stage conjuring notes of Chrissie Hynde, Iggy Pop and Karen Finley. Jack the uber-cool, multi-instrumental wonder dazzling on any synth/bass or guitar he picks up and plays.”
Sumner’s debut release on Lab78, ‘Stranded’, was a breakthrough moment for the duo, hitting the top 30 on Shazam nationally, top 5 on the Spotify Viral chart, receiving a full addition to triple j and amassing two million streams. Following on from their second release ‘South’, ‘Good Light’ is the latest piece of the puzzle in the Sumner story and will be available on Lab78 from July 1st. Sure to be a fantastic addition to Sumner’s exhilarating live shows, you can catch Sumner at Wine Machine Festival in South Australia this December.
