Tarn PK’s latest single, “Papier-Mache”, an immersive slow burn that transports listeners into a world of introspective lyrics and dreamy instrumentation, is creating vibrations in the landscape of indie music. In a departure from previous work, “Papier-Mache” provides listeners with an exclusive glimpse into Tarn PK’s evolving style and aesthetic.
As the listener is introduced to the song, they are greeted with ringing tones of distorted guitars, which set the stage for Tarn PK’s dreamy layered vocals to take centre stage. The minimalist style of instrumentation creates a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere that draws listeners inward to Tarn’s introspective lyrics. As time passes, tension builds, building anticipation of a release at some point during the evolution of the song.
As you arrive at approximately 1:30 minutes into the performance, “Papier-Mache” transforms into full-band indie bliss, complete with dreamy ambience and layered background vocals. The transition is long awaited and provides a sense of intense satisfaction, transporting listeners into its atmosphere of distorted guitars, synthesisers, and deflated drum sounds, all working in unison to mesmerise the audience.
The story of the lyrics conveys an intimate experience in Tarn PK’s life following university graduation as he attempted to navigate an unknown “big wide world”. Furthermore, this track digs deeply into feelings of disorientation as well as social pressure to succeed in an “achievement culture”.
Tarn PK’s curiosity of new sonic territories can be heard crystal clear within “Papier-Mache”, in which he harmoniously integrates elements from hyper pop, alt pop, and left-of-centre sounds. This single is a hint of what is to come for his upcoming works.
He explains in his personal reflection of his creative process that “Papier-Mache” came about as a result of a writing trip to Auckland. “I was there to work with other artists as a producer and had one artist cancel a session. At a loose end, I decided to spend the day working on something from myself. I was really inspired by being in a new location and wrote most of the song in that day. It was all based around the chorus guitar tone and a Yamaha DX7 synth (popular in the 80’s) which felt enticing and new.”
“Papier-Mache” delves into themes of self-discovery and productivity under pressure, drawing inspiration from Tarn PK’s philosophy podcast on achievement culture, imbuing each verse with introspective emotions that honour life’s duality.
The sonic story of Tarn PK continues to evolve through his latest single, “Papier-Mache” and stands as an expression of authenticity and intrigue. The journey of listening to the track, will take you as a listener through an adventure of beige hues, water reflections and personal growth as you traverse across mountains and valleys of self discovery.
You can find more of Tarn PK at:
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You can listen to “Papier-Mache” below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.