In the dynamic realm of experimental electronic music, few artists navigate the space between ambient electronica and experimental sound design with the distinctive touch of Avalon Kane. Based in Adelaide’s Kaurna county, Kane has emerged as a compelling voice in Australia’s electronic underground, crafting a sound that merges the dark melancholia of Nick Cave with ethereal electronic textures reminiscent of Enya.
With two albums and 24 singles released in the past five years, Kane’s prolific output speaks to an artist deeply committed to her craft. Her latest release, ‘Solace,’ marks her third album and most ambitious work to date. The 11-track LP, created in collaboration with Stu Patterson of The Empty Threats, has already made waves with its lead single “Medusa” garnering over 300,000 streams. We spoke to Kane about her evolution as an artist, her collaborative journey, and the introspective depths that shape her music.
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Your musical evolution from ‘222’ to ‘Solace’ feels quite significant. How has your approach changed over these albums?
With ‘222’, I was finding my sound, navigating my way through production in my own little studio, and homing in on the sounds that made me feel good. I did become a bit impatient and I did put pressure on myself to finish the album which I don’t do now. Solace has taken two years and every single note on the album is meant to be there. There is a reason for everything. A linger, a release, a sound, a purpose, a lyric. The depth is there.
The collaboration with Stu Patterson features prominently on ‘Solace.’ How did this partnership come about?
I was looking for a new sound for my vocals and I noticed The Empty Threats’ video and Stu singing and bouncing around. I could just hear their voice pairing with my sounds and what I could explore further, particularly with the rock, and grunge side of my music. Thankfully we were able to work together, and we have been able to create some beautiful pieces together.
Your track titles often feel like stories in themselves. How do you approach naming your works?
Oh, you think it would be so much fun, but it gets so hard! Most of them are created after to tie in with the vibe. Sometimes a track is named even before it is written, for example, Michael Sheen. I love the actor Michael Sheen. He is naughty, perfectly sinister, adorable and just soooooo cool. I wrote the song thinking about all the characters he plays and if he had a theme song what would it be? It would have to be a bit sexy, seductive, psychedelic, spooky and uber-slick. Haha. Well, I think the song sounds pretty cool. I hope he thinks so too.
‘Solace’ seems to carry a deeply personal message. What do you hope listeners take away from it?
I really want listeners to take time to just be alone with themselves with Solace. I hope it can provide a sense of comfort. A sense of peace. There is only one person we are with for our whole lifetimes and that is ourselves. Finding that peace with ourselves is what Solace is about.
There’s an interesting balance between digital and analog elements in your work. How much of your music relies on samples versus recorded instruments?
90% of the album has been recorded with instruments and I think 10% may have samples. Some samples are just too cool to not use! Hehe.
You’ve mentioned there’s a second album coming. How will it differ from ‘Solace’?
It will be night and day. The second album is dark. Chaotic. Modulated noise, extreme. I cannot wait to share it. It is the new era of my sound, and it will be the base of my live shows. It is going to be insane!
What drives you to create music?
It makes me feel good. It helps me heal. It helps me grow. I have so much more confidence since I started my music career. It has helped me shed so many layers and step out of the shadows into myself. I’ve found my community.
What’s on the horizon for you after these albums?
I am so ready to perform live. 2025 will be all about exploring what my live show will be like and getting it out to as many places as I can. I am so eager to share the visual components of my work together, so listeners can have the full experience of my sound.
I also have more music coming. I have songs just waiting to be recorded, so more music will be on the way too. Hopefully, I can come and play in Berlin!
