Architecture In Helsinki, one of Australia’s most infectious pop bands are about to release their highly anticipated new album NOW + 4EVA (out March 28th).
In order to celebrate the upcoming release of NOW + 4EVA, lead singer Cameron Bird put together a mixtape of tracks that inspired their new lead single I Might Survive. Listen to the exclusive mixtape and read Cameron’s descriptions below.
Architecture in Helsinki – I Might Survive
So proud of what we made with this song. Though, I would hate to know how many hours we spent making it! For us it was a tip of the hat to quite a few of the songs in the list below.
Diana Ross – Love Hangover
In my opinion this extended 12” version is the best thing Diana Ross ever did.
Fact – Hal Davis, who produced it made the engineer install a strobe light in the studio, so that Diana could get into the vibe after the drop.
Gladys Knight & The Pips – It’s a Better Than Good Time (Walter Gibbons Mix)
Walter Gibbons has such an incredible and poetic perspective on the mechanics of song structure and sound. His mixes are littered with moments that technically should not work, but wind up emphatic, emotional and powerful gestures.
Every single time we’re lost in the studio, we put this on and the world makes sense again.
Jimmy Briscoe And The Beavers – Into The Milky Way
Jimmy Brisoce’s voice is truly spectacular. The arrangement by is so stacked but so effortless and The mix by Bobby “DJ” Guttadaro is very special. LOVE.
Queen Samantha – Take A Chance
Chicago Diva meets French Disco Producer in 1979 – Takes me to outer space. Sounds particularly spectacular on vinyl ;)!
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes – Don’t Leave Me This Way
Probably my favourite Soul Song of all time. Teddy Pendergrass’ vocal performance is without peer, Gamble and Huff’s writing and production is deeply emo and Tom Moulton mixes it into the pure dancefloor fire. Philadelphia MAGIC.
Gino Soccio – Dream On
Canada’s greatest Disco export. The tail end of disco as it dabbled in Hi NRG. Face 2 Face was a patchy album compared to ‘Outline’ but I could bask in Dream on’s groove for hours.
Glass Candy – Life After Sundown
We were lucky enough to do about 30 shows with Glass Candy on a tour of the U.S. in 2007. This was their closing jam most nights and still gives me chills every time I hear it.
A truly brilliant band and a huge inspiration to AIH.
Klein And MBO – Dirty Talk
Milan 1982.Timeless Dance production. There was a lot versions of this song at the time as it became a minor hit in the US clubs.
IMO, the best version is the ‘European Version’
The Flying Lizards – Move On Up
British avant pop circa 1981 mangles Curtis Mayfield’s classic. This was on our pre-show playlist for the longest time.
I have always loved how disaffected and sexy Patti Palladin’s vocals are.
Roni Griffith – (The Best Part of) Breaking Up
Phil Spector re-imagined by incredible Italo Pop producer Bobby Orlando, who is most famous for producing the original version of ‘West End Girls’ for the Pet Shop Boys.
Love the trademark bounce and energy he brings to this version.
Ottawan – Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)
I don’t believe in Guilty Pleasures – Late era French Carribean bubblegum disco pop. Flawless recording, arrangement and Production not to mention ridiculously catchy!
F.O.X. – S-S-S-Single Bed
Noosha Fox is a unheralded treasure of Australian Pop. Yes, she lived and the UK Yes, this was an Australian #1 in 1976. But, with a voice like this, she should be a household name!
