The Kite String Tangle C()D3X Interview

A Shift to a Harder, Darker, More Electronic Sound

The Kite String Tangle has released his second album, C()D3X. The 11-track album contains already released singles 'NORTH', 'KILLING TIME', and 'P()L4R' and continues the shift to a harder, darker, more electronic sound.

The Kite String Tangle collaborated with close friends for the album including Eliott ('KILLING TIME'), LANKS ('I.S.T.A.U') and Kateboy ('LANDSLIDE').

Unfortunately due to the current climate, the C()D3X album tour will now be postponed. New dates will be announced once the touring climate is cleared and all tickets already bought will be valid for the new dates.

Says The Kite String Tangle: "Well, what a strange time for us all. I hope everyone's doing ok and looking out for each other. With everything that's going on we have no choice but to postpone my album tour until it's safe to play shows again. All existing tickets will be valid for the rescheduled dates so PLEASE hold onto your tickets in the meantime. Don't worry - we'll be back when the coast is clear so watch this space. Keep the positive vibes flowing and look after each other."

2019 was a breakout year for The Kite String Tangle with a residency in Berlin, sold out headline Australian shows and performances at some of Australia's biggest regional Festivals. Harley rang in 2020 playing St Kilda Fest main stage, as well as performing to a sold-out Tivoli as part of the Raise 'Em Up Bushfire fundraiser concert. He followed it up with a double win at the Queensland Music Awards, including winning the Electronic/Dance category for the 3rd consecutive year.

The release of his debut self-titled album in 2017 which saw him nominated for an ARIA award, three national headline tours, much-talked about sets at Splendour in the Grass and FOMO festivals amongst others. In 2018 he released single 'Give It Time', won a Queensland Music Award, played captivating sets at local and international festivals. Then there was also the release of mini album The Kite String Tangle Presents: In A Desperate Moment which resulted in two sold out shows with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Brisbane. All this came alongside the announcement of his own record label Exist. Recordings which has put out well received releases from Brisbane producer Golden Vessel and sibling duo Lastlings.

Interview with The Kite String Tangle

Question: What inspired the new album, C()D3X?

The Kite String Tangle: I really wanted to create something that felt like its own world both aesthetically and sonically. I think in my previous stuff it's always felt a little disjointed to me so I was super focused on creating a cohesive body of work. Also something that is a little closer to what I listen to and something that feels unique to me.


Question: What motivates you most when creating music?

The Kite String Tangle: I really get inspired by other music. It's been an obsession of mine for as long as I can remember, and so when I hear stuff that inspires me, lyrically, musically, or in the production, I get really excited like a little kid and just want to create.


Question: How have the collaborations on the album changed your sound?

The Kite String Tangle: I think each collaborator brings their own flavour to a song and that's really why I enjoy including other artists on my own records; I find it eventuates in something that you definitely would not have landed on by yourself. Also it acts as a bit of an inspiration feedback loop in which one person contributes something and the other becomes inspired by that and creates another element of the song and it goes back and forth like that which is really fun.


Question: How do you feel about having to postpone your tour?

The Kite String Tangle: Well, obviously I'm super bummed but there are a few silver linings. Firstly, there's a real sense of community and the fact that we're all in this together and I think its bringing people and artists and audience's closer which is really cool. Also, it has inadvertently given me time to create more music in the down time which I'm enjoying.


Question: What have you been doing to stay busy during self-isolation?

The Kite String Tangle: I've been creating music and exercising and doing puzzles and playing Crash Bandicoot and drinking wine and video calling friends. Not necessarily in that order.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

The Kite String Tangle: I've been slamming the latest Caribou record. That's amazing. Also currently listening to the new Willaris K EP which is a huge vibe.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

The Kite String Tangle: I've wanted to do something in music since I was 11 or so years old. I didn't ever really have a backup option and I was pretty one track minded about the whole thing so I guess it's all I've ever know and wanted. I'm very lucky to call it my job... for now... (laughs)

Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

The Kite String Tangle: I love the idea of collaborating with a producer I really like, such as Bonobo, Jon Hopkins, Jamie XX or Flume.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

The Kite String Tangle: I guess self-doubt is always present when you create and that can be a bit of a downer. Apart from that I think mostly you have to persevere and be patient and believe in your own vision relentlessly and unapologetically, and that can be really hard to maintain.


Question: What's next, for you?

The Kite String Tangle: I'm going to be writing a bunch of new music and then hopefully organising some more live stuff for the end of the year if this mess of a situation has cleared up at all.


Interview by Brooke Hunter