With a Grammy nom & multiple Gold records, Jack Froggatt (of Australian band Mansionair) now takes solo spotlight as Elmar. His debut LP ‘Beneath My Skin’ is a gorgeous melange of indie-electronic & soulful melodies evoking emotional depth and raw energy – out now on Saint Lucky Records. Following critical acclaim and numerous accolades as Mansionair and via Odesza, Dom Dolla, and Rezident collabs + Rolling Stone support, ‘Beneath My Skin’ showcases Froggatt’s ability as Elmar to create a cohesive album from personal nostalgia, optimism, and vulnerability. We’re getting nods to Radiohead ‘In Rainbows’ era (on Your Love Is Changing Me), Portishead (Beneath My Skin), Cigarettes After Sex, London Grammar… The name ‘Elmar’ is a nod to both Ernest Hemingway’s ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ and the iconic Café Del Mar compilations, drawing inspiration from Jack’s lifelong love of the ocean and surfing culture. To celebrate this new venture, DMCWorld goes Back To Mine with Elmar.
Oso Leone – Virtual U
I have had this song in my playlist arsenal for a few years now, I’ve really connected with it, in a way I hadn’t really connected to a song before. To those that know me or come over to my house for dinner they will always hear this song playing on my stereo. It’s the undulating hats, the groove of the keys and bass and that voice – just love.
Common Saints – Dreams
My best friend showed me this song one night going home from a night out. We were driving over the hill with the ocean drawing into sight. I’ll always remember it. The song hasn’t gotten lost on me over the years I’ve enjoyed it. In fact I’ve grown to appreciate it more, the more I listen. It’s the arrangement shifts, the subtle shifts in production, and just a very convincing vocal performance.
Talk Talk – The Rainbow
Speaking of vocal performances, I’m a huge fan of Mark Houllis. Only a recent addition to my listening however. I find this song so transpiring, and I can always picture myself driving in early dusk or dawn, with the horizon stretched out before me. The kick in 2:30mins into the song, with those dry Toms and guitars is just mesmerising and will always be on the stereo at my place for many years to come.
Sulah Jordan – Jasmine
I’m such a sucker at the moment for songs that paint the environment – and this song is no exception. To me it sounds like floating on the ocean on an island far away, or even to put it more simply, just a dance in the kitchen with my partner, tequila in hand, after a day in the sun. I’m so looking forward to seeing where Sulah Jordan goes next, this EP is a staple in my listening at the moment.
Air – La femme d’argent
My original surfing trip song, played many times on the car stereo – driving the coastlines. It will certainly be played back at mine, at least twice a month.
Renao – PRESSURE
Bit more of a late night swing, I was really impressed by this song when I stumbled on it. I think the songwriting is really great, such a stunner of a chorus melody and emotional vocal performance.
Gloria de Oliveira & Dean Hurley – All Flowers In Time
The Jeff Buckley & Elizabeth Fraser version of this song will always remain a favourite. But I also really enjoyed this more ambient modern version of the song. It took it to a different space and I was pleasantly surprised when I listened for the first time.
Headland – Garden of Verse
I’m a big fan of Headland, having soundtracked a lot of my favourite surf films of late. I love this guitar refrain, and the subtlety of the synths, drums. Feels like an early morning rise to get out to the surf.
Maro – Just Wanna Forget You
If you’re still at mine late in the evening, it’s likely you’ll hear this song through the stereo. Maro has one of those voices that can stop a moment. I’ve been a big fan of this whole record and her Tiny Desk concert. The arrangements are refreshing and the songwriting is exquisite.
Niia – Deeper Than Goodbye
A very recent addition to my listening catalog, I’ve been listening to this song a lot recently. Another late night special.
Elmar’s debut album ‘Beneath My Skin’ is out now on Saint Lucky Records.
https://elmar.ffm.to/beneathmyskin-album