Records That Influenced PLANET’s New ‘Waking Eight’ EP

Sydney’s PLANET have been generating a handsome amount of buzz around their music as of late, drip feeding their stunning singles ‘Aching Dream’ and ‘Save.Sold’ to an eager, and receptive audience. A few weeks ago, they finally dropped their heavily anticipated EP Waking Eight, a gorgeous, cathartic and mesmerising collection of warm, intimate songs underpinned by lush melodies. Matty Took of PLANET has said of the EP – “We’ve worked with some great people and friends throughout the recording process, filming and artwork for this collection. It bangs off with a punchy number, ‘For You’ and finishes with my personal favourite and third single/B-side, ‘You, Just A Little More’.”

We wanted to understand a little bit more about the influences that led to the creation of Waking Eight, so we had Matty run us through some of the music that got the creative juices flowing as they crafted the record.

Alvvays – Antisocialites 

Probably my favourite album that came out last year. Awesome fuzzy dream-pop with great melodies all the way through. ‘Dreams Tonite’ is a deadset hit. The synth sounds are great and I love the way the guitars stick together in the mix.

Night Moves – Pennied Days

My favourite album from the year before that (2016). This 4-piece from Minneapolis nailed it with this 9-track album. Such a good mix between folk and pysch. The vocal melodies on this album are pretty all-time.

The Jesus and Mary Chain – Stoned And Dethroned

The best album to mung out to when you feeling a bit down. Still with a grunge/pop sensibility of their earlier stuff, but with a lot more acoustic guitar and tambo’s. The track ‘Girlfriend’ is one of my favourites on the album. Heaps summery sounding but underlined with some pretty dark lyrics.

Carole King – Tapestry

Undeniable record. Some of the best melodies and lyrics going around. Probably have listened to ‘So Far Away’ close to 300 times. Helps me to relax.

Kurt Vile – Wakin On A Pretty Daze

I always go back to this album when I need something nice and chill to listen to. Listened to this album countless times since it came out in 2013. The production and the guitar tones on this record are awesome. Take a look at my hands…

Would definitely be dropping The War on Drugs, Van Morrison, Sly And The Family Stone, Crowded House and a few R.E.M albums in this mix to if there was room.

‘WAKING EIGHT’ EP TOUR