Words by Keane Fletcher

There's something in the air. Maybe it's the warmer weather. Maybe it's the rising vaccination rate (#vaxthenation). Maybe because for the first time in a long time we're starting to see some kind of light at the end of the tunnel. Whatever the reason, we're getting a lot of good music at the moment. Latest on our roster: Sydney-based bedroom producer ioakim (pronounced i-owe-kem), who launches what is sure to be a very impressive musical career with his debut single and accompanying visualiser, 'Tongue Tied'.

Of his debut release, ioakim says:

'Tongue Tied' is about having an overwhelming feeling of not being able to communicate. I remember during the time of writing this song I was in situations where I couldn't find the words I needed at the right time. The themes throughout this song include, love, relationships and having the regret of not being able to say everything you wish you could’ve...it is the first of many songs that open up into the true world of ioakim.

The first artist to release music via Arcadia Records, Sony Music Entertainment Australia’s joint venture with Christian Lo Russo (the executive director and founder of The Artist Studio), ioakim's music is the dream-pop dopamine hit you didn't know you were missing, combining the grainy low-fi aesthetics of acts like Tame Impala and Phoenix with all of the sparkling indie goodness of artists like BØRNS and Bleachers. 

Check it out below!

Thanks for stopping by Hipland!