Synth sounds set for Southbound

Fresh from a tour of the US with fellow Australian musician Hayden James, Adelaide-based producer and synthesiser fanatic Luke Million, aka Luke Godson, has turned his sights to the South West.

Godson will take his live show to Southbound, translating the efforts of his studio — which he told the Times boasts nearly 30 pieces of vintage equipment — to a one-man electronic journey through 1980s-inspired sounds, no doubt including his cover of Netflix hit Stranger Things’ theme tune, which went viral online earlier this year.

It will be the musician’s Southbound debut, and Godson didn’t hold back his excitement about the gig, as well as the local and international talent he’ll share the stage with.

“Southbound has always been on my radar as one of the best festivals in Australia,” he said.

“I can’t wait to see Hot Chip, Safia and Ladyhawke, just to name a few.”

While admitting he would love to be able to take his vintage synths on the road — among them his favourites, the Minimoog D and the Oberheim OB8 — Godson said the fragility of the equipment made such a task impossible.

“I have managed to create a situation where I can get as close to all the sounds that I have in the studio in a portable form and have as much fun as possible,” he said.

The collection responsible for the Italo-disco flavoured electronica that has catapulted Godson to international fame is also not about to stop growing.

Sitting atop his wish list is a PPG Wave 2.3, a German-made synthesiser produced in the mid- to-late 1980s.

“I always love that moment when I get a new synth back to the studio and set it up and play it for hours to discover what it can do,” Godson said.

“Then as a rule, I always use it in the next track or remix I work on.”

Godson’s collections of 1980s- inspired electronics, as well as his undeniable skill with a keyboard, were put on show to the world when a jam session video of him covering the Stranger Things theme took off across the internet.

The initial clip was a first take — filmed after a couple of beers and a bout of inspiration — but it wasn’t long before Godson recorded a fleshed-out extended cut, which has received regular airplay and praise since.

“The reaction was totally unexpected,” he said.

“I remember posting the video and watching it take off instantly.

“I had never experienced anything like that before.”

Godson was flooded with collaboration requests and even found himself jamming with Ryan Lewis (of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis fame) and former Savage Garden frontman Darren Hayes.

He’s barely had time to catch his breath since, recently embarking on a tour of the US supporting Hayden James, a journey Godson could only describe as “amazing”.

“Hayden and his crew are a bunch of legends,” he said.

“The crowd response went way beyond my expectations ... the biggest thing I took away from it is that people really appreciate the live show experience.

“Now I’m looking at ways to make my shows more epic with new gear, visuals and guests.”

The inspiration garnered from that trip will be on show when Godson takes to the stage at Southbound this month, but between gigs he’s snatching studio time to put the final touches on his upcoming EP, with plans to start on a debut full-length release next year.

Luke Million will perform at Southbound, at Sir Stewart Bovell Park from December 27-29.

Tickets are available at southboundfestival.com.au.