Photo credit: Daisy Peacock
Koala Karlous holds a story unlike many. A project born out of a lust for creativity in lockdown, Cornwall based Brandon Hargrave took it upon himself to start creating music for his own mind, not anyone else’s. The accomplished BMG signed songwriter and producer and previous member of the band Franklin, took comfort in making ambient electronic music that transcends beyond the norm, and thus Koala Karlous was born.
This moniker was used to cope with the new found challenges Hargrave faced in these times, producing music that would soothe and calm his listeners. His following quickly grew through the editorial support of Spotify and his local scene in Cornwall, all of which was organically driven through word of mouth alongside Hargrave’s other venture in opening a chain of bagel shops under the same name. Now using Koala Karlous as more than just an artist name, Brandon has gone on to release music which has received over 16 million streams across Spotify and Apple Music.
Now in 2023, Koala Karlous returns with epic new single ‘Patience’ featuring vocalist Emma McGrath. With a live band including drums from Hans Zimmer’s drummer Holly Madge, the fully organic recording process has created a much larger sonic landscape for this new Koala Karlous music.
The song borders across indie electronic, dance and pop, in such a way that there is a dreamlike atmosphere created by Brandon in his now renowned production. His vocals work in harmony with McGrath throughout, in this beautifully presented dance-infused track that continues to tell the story of Koala Karlous. As Hargrave says: “Emma sings “See the water, Go and find her”. This is about getting out of your head and finding peace in the ocean. Hitting the reset button and absorbing the power mother nature has to offer. With my business being as hectic as it is, my music is the yin to my yang of a business.”
For fans of Bonobo, Yoste and Zero 7, ‘Patience’ is a track that goes above and beyond with its sonically diverse landscape and pop-woven melodies amongst an intricately weaved brand of electronica. It’s easy to see why Koala Karlous has built up such a dedicated following in such a short space of time, with his music appealing to all genres whilst not being pigeon-holed to a single one, innovating an all encompassing style that simply stands alone and resonates.