Imave by Glen Matheny //

Here’s what inspired the eclectic track.

Releasing his first single a matter of months ago and somehow already raking in 250K+ Spotify streams, it seems that London-born, LA-based artist Oliver Malcolm is red hot at the moment – and it’s easy to see why. The 20-year-old has a distinctly gritty voice that he maneuvres like a sonic ninja over stuttery and funky beats in a way that feels both effortless and meticulous.

His latest single ‘The Machine’ is a brashly delivered critique of capitalist structures that blends elements of psych-pop, rock and rap in a way that is reminiscent of Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz. Malcolm picks and chooses from various genres and creates something that is ultimately unique and inescapably anthemic. The lyrics, he says, are a “revolt against the social institutions that prioritise material and financial gain above all else, transforming their subjects into simple cogs in ‘The Machine'”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTs5MVlKODw&feature=youtu.be

Check out the tracks that influenced ‘The Machine’ below, along with words from the man himself, and head here to follow Oliver Malcolm on Instagram:

1. The Damned – ‘Neat Neat Neat’

“I like the energy of it and the quick tempo of the drums. Also the quick, high intense bass line on it – when I first heard it I thought “THAT’s cool.”

2. The Clash – ‘I Fought the Law’

“This one is more about the subject matter. I like the lyrics and how it feels inspiring and rebellious at the same time.”

3. Oasis – Supersonic

“The melody line on the in-between call and response sections of ‘The Machine’, particularly in the first verse, were inspired by the Oasis melodies.”

4. slowthai – ‘Doorman’
“I love how aggressive and high energy this song feels, but also how it feels new and fresh. To me, that’s exciting.”

5. The Clash – ‘English Civil War’:

“The repeated guitar and bass notes on this song really create a driving feel to the track, which is what I feel like speeds up that intensity and energy and excitement.”