"Let’s. Talk. About. Death. Every single word is important in that title, and I only say that because the word death tends to overshadow everything in a sentence if it’s there. I didn’t name the album ‘Death.’" says Goodspace, as he stands behind the counter at Vendor - the unconventional, immersive listening experience he’s created to accompany the release of his debut project.

He’s dressed in a beaded cap and patchwork pants; an outfit as unusual, and eclectic as his music.

As we chat about his musical influences, and the inspiration behind this unique, and innovative album, the next batch of people file in to the small, converted store room at the back of Lim Chhour food court, and Goodspace greets them with a smile, handing out menus for the listening experience they’re about to embark on together, where the “songs are the dishes, and the music is the meal.”

The atmosphere he’s created in this space might not be what you expect from an album titled Let’s Talk About Death, and certainly neither is the opening track She Don’t Need You, who’s funky, poppy, punky sonics are more uplifting than anything.

“It’s not a morbid album.” Goodspace reiterates, “It’s a conversational piece - and these conversations actually can be very uplifting, because they’re very empowering.”

While She Don’t Need You might sound very uplifting at first, it touches on themes of abandonment, with poetic, thought provoking lyrics that illustrate the complexity, and dichotomy of this project eloquently.

“I think I like playing with tension,” Goodspace acknowledges, “where you might talk about something quite heavy - and explicitly - but juxtapose it with something quite sweet and ethereal and uplifting, or fun - in fact.”

And this proclivity for playing with tension, and juxtapositions is illustrated nicely again as the album transitions from She Don’t Need You into its second track Kicking Stones quite unexpectedly. The shift from one song to the next is surprising, and a bit jarring, in the best way possible.

While Goodspace identifies his biggest influences on the project as JPEGMAFIA, The Beatles, Talking Heads, and Burial, he acknowledges that it’s a melting pot of musical influence, and I personally can’t help but draw parallels between the sounds in Kicking Stones - specifically the vocals - with those of Gorillaz, and Damon Albarn.

The Beatles influence is clear as day on the track Bit By Bit, and this range of musical styles represented on the album illustrates perfectly just how innovative, and forward thinking this project is.

In the streaming era, genre is dead. Whether the radio stations, and labels like it or not - this musical melting pot is the future of the art form.

This music is exactly what the NZ scene so desperately needs to shake up a monotonous landscape fostered by a mainstream far too stuck in their ways.

But I digress…

As we descend into the back half of the project, the sonics feel noticeably darker. I’m sure it was intentional to save these sounds for later in the album. This is a nuanced conversation, much more complex than simply death = dark and sad.

And yet, as the album nears its close I can't help but find myself wishing for the sounds of the beginning of the project. The upbeat, more fun songs. Maybe that’s the point. It is a conversation about death after all, and what more universal experience of grief is there than wishing to go back to a time that’s passed. The only difference is that here, I can always go back and listen to the album again. We’re not afforded that luxury when it comes to life, and death.

And then, with the closing line “you only give what you leave. Let’s talk about death.” The experience is over, and I’m left with nothing but my thoughts.

“Is this a concept album? Is Looking Down On Myself referencing the artist being the one who has died?

Is this about death in a more metaphorical sense? Death of ego perhaps?” I wonder.

As I make my way to leave, Goodspace’s words echo in my mind:

“Take and make whatever meaning you wish.”

Listen to Let’s Talk About Death Here.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Outside In
• 3
  Horror Story
• 4
  Fraser Ross
• 5
  Fur Patrol
• 6
  Michelle Rounds
• 7
  L.A.B.
• 8
  The Boondocks
• 9
  Us As Robots
• 10
  Springloader

• 
  Fly My Pretties @ Great Hall, Massey University, Wellington - 19/10/2024
• 
  Jon Toogood @ Totara St, Mount Maunganui - 19/10/2024
• 
  Jazmine Mary @ Totara St, Mount Maunganui - 19/10/2024
• 
  Mel Parsons @ Moons, Dunedin - 18/10/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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