Sound & Soul: Chet Faker's Melbourne

Built on Glass was the album that catapulted Chet Faker, aka Melbourne singer-songwriter Nick Murphy, into global stardom. He won five ARIAs on its release and the song ‘Talk is Cheap’ reached number one on Triple J’s Hottest 100. Now the album is being re-released for its tenth anniversary.

When it came time to produce his first album, Murphy found himself in North Melbourne. “This is where my old studio was,” he says, standing outside what is now heritage-listed venue Meat Market. “I recorded Built on Glass there."

MUSIC MEMORIES

Murphy’s deep integration and interest in Melbourne's music scene and vibrant cultural landscape clearly influenced his artistic development. Some of the places he played early gigs at are still going strong. “I lived just around the corner from The Tote – where I played with some of my early bands. We also played in the Front Room at The Espy in St Kilda.

I was into the dance music scene at the time, there was an outstanding house, disco and techno music scene in Melbourne some world class DJs like Lewie Day, Francis Inferno Orchestra and Mic Newman. I used to DJ at Nevermind Bar in Hawthorn on Tuesday and Friday nights. I remember working at the Mercat Basement too, they played everything, reggae, house, disco. That scene was a big part of my story.”

It was in Hawthorn, at Alley Tunes Records, where Murphy’s music interests really started to take shape, later shining through in his distinctive blend of electronic and soulful music. “This was an important place for me – it’s where I was first introduced to jazz and started buying records.”

24 HOURS OF FLAVOUR

“My Melbourne experience is different now,” says Nick. He’s been living in the US for 11 years, but when it's winter there, he heads back here. “I’m less into the club scene but usually meet up with mates and spend time with family. Cracking a ginger beer and enjoying a Four’N Twenty classic meat pie is pretty good.”

If you’re out and about in the city, for lunch he suggests stopping in at Soi 38 for authentic Thai flavours and good vibes.

On a recent trip back, he recalls a stellar Melbourne experience that stands out. “We started at the Builders Arms in Fitzroy – it does great food, I had a really good parma there. Then we headed upstairs to At The Above gallery, where my friend Magnus Reid had an art exhibition on. Another Fitzroy spot that’s good for a drink is Marquis of Lorne. I end up there quite a bit to meet up with mates.”

For a special dinner, Murphy recommends Cam’s Kiosk and Julie Restaurant in Abbotsford Convent.

WALKING ON GOLD

A clear autumn memory Nick recalls, is walking home from school through the golden leaves along the treelined streets of the eastern suburbs.

One thing he does without fail when he’s in town is head for the hills and into nature. “Whenever I’m back, I like to go out to the Dandenongs to do the 1000 Steps Walk.” This walking track (the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk) starts at Ferntree Gully Picnic Area and winds up a steep hill along a creek through lush rainforest and has great views of Melbourne.

Ten years on, Chet Faker’s sound remains woven into the fabric of Melbourne, offering a soundtrack to both the quiet moments and the highs.

chetfaker.com