Tell us about your new single/ album/ tour?
We’re working on our debut album at the moment. It’s really cool seeing it come together as a cohesive body of work. I feel like we’re at a point now where our sound is constantly developing and solidifying, and the end vision of the album is becoming really clear. It’s an exciting time.
What’s your favourite work at this point in time?
It changes every day, but there’s an untitled track that we’ve been calling “Moist” that I’m currently vibing on. It started in my bedroom and it was the first time I’d ever played a Prophet (newest addition to our setup). I entered the tundra and I’m not sure I ever got out.
How would you describe your sound in food form and why?
Am I allowed to say a satsuma or is that too obvi? It just makes sense – a little bit sweet, a little bit sour, juicy, succulent, tuff on the outside, squishy on the inside, satisfying, tazty AF.
Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote.
On our way to Sydney during our east coast tour supporting Yeo, we broke down on the highway about 5 hours into the drive. We ended up in Gundagai and made friends with a man at a motel who gave us VB tins and kept trying to make us play fuseball with him. Our guitarist Stuckey purchased the entire Gundagai gift shop. We (somehow) made it to Sydney on time and played a really fun show. The car got sent to the wreckers. The entire experience was educational, enjoyable and expensive.
What, or who, inspires you?
Bjork, Frida Kahlo, David Bowie, mum and dad, my mates who do very inspiring creative things.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Sk8r boi – Avril Lavigne
What’s next for you?
We’re spending the next few months over summer writing and refining the album. We’ll be releasing lots of new stuff over the next six months which is very COOL. I feel like 2016 has been a year of learning development, figuring out what this project is about and finding our feet. I’m looking forward to the next couple of years because we now have a clear idea of what the project is and the direction we want to head in. I just want to keep doing what I’m doing, and continue pushing myself to improve in all areas – writing, producing and live performance. We’re also hoping to squeeze in an album tour next year and get matching band tats.
What does Melbourne Music Week mean to you?
A celebration of the incredibly diverse and exciting music scene we’re so fortunate to have here in Melbourne. What a treat.
What’s your scene?
A deep one.
SAATSUMA, based in Melbourne, Australia, is the collaborative electronic music project of Memphis Kelly and Cesar Rodrigues. Their music is driven by elements of neo-soul, hip-hop and house, drawing inspiration from the likes of Little Dragon, FKA Twigs and Flying Lotus.
On stage SAATSUMA are a five-piece live act, fronted by Memphis Kelly and joined by Cesar Rodrigues, Maddy Kelly, Lachlan Stuckey and Andrew Congues. Their captivating live show features analog synths, drums, layered vocals and live samples.
SAATSUMA released two singles in 2016, ‘Storm’ and ‘Floating’, sold out both launch shows in Melbourne and have received strong radio support from triple j, 3RRR, PBS, FBi and triple j Unearthed.
Throughout the year the band have supported Dorsal Fins, Olympia, Thelma Plum and Vera Blue, and recently joined Yeo on his east coast tour. They performed at the 2016 BIGSOUND showcase, performed live for Balcony TV and have been announced on the Melbourne Music Week and Paradise Music Festival lineups.
SAATSUMA will release their debut album in 2017, mixed by Melbourne DJ and producer Declan Kelly (aka Dream Kit).
Upcoming shows:
November 11 – MMW Imperium In Imperio @ 1000 £ Bend
November 17 – MMW Zoo: Live Music Safari @ Section 8 / Ferdydurke
November 18 – MMW Sol-Lux @ RMIT Chambers Courtyard
November 25-27 – Paradise Music Festival @ Lake Mountain Alpine Resort
December 15 – Alice Ivy x SAATSUMA @ The Gasometer Hotel
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