Introducing Sonny Ism, the Copenhagen-via-Melbourne producer and songwriter with his brand new single ‘Song for Julia’. LISTEN HERE.

Sonny Ism, aka Xavier Bacash, has cut his teeth in the Australian underground for the last decade through a mix of musical worlds and genres. Having relocated from Naarm / Melbourne to Copenhagen, Bacash became immersed in the local Danish music scene and soon, Sonny Ism came to life.

The result is a honest sphere of his own that speaks to the soundscapes of both Scandinavia and so-called Australia. Firmly grounded between the two territories, Sonny Ism cemented himself as the label front at his very own imprint Northern Underground Records, where he releases his own music along with other signings including house-based producer Gooch, a debut which was hailed as a “sing along” by Resident Advisor and “melodic, no-nonsense” by DJ Mag. Self reflective in culture, Sonny Ism’s music covers a large sonic ground of Danish stylistic conventions, bouncing between synth-pop and off-kilter house that leaves listeners wanting to unpack more each time.

For anyone looking to get their fix of TOPS, Patrick Holland or Jack J, ‘Song For Julia’ is the next showcase of Sonny Ism’s expansive back catalogue. It plays like a love letter to his brand of indie pop driven by soft synths and mellow psychedelic melodies, while equally tapping into the new age movementthat sees an extended crossover from electronic beatmaker to DIY dream pop instincts. With it’s namesake an ode to his wife Julia, Sonny Ism shares “I wrote this song for my wife, Julia. It reflects on a time when we first began dating. We met in Copenhagen whilst I was living there and she was attending University there, commuting across the Ørsund from Malmö in Sweden (just across the bridge) 3 times a week. We were becoming really close, and right in the middle of that time I had a planned trip back to Australia for Christmas. We had decided to become boyfriend and girlfriend before I left, but there were still so many open questions and worries from both sides about what the future held and how this time apart would test our connection.”

Finding success through previous records Clock Without Hands, Island Impressions and Union: Integration of the Shadow, Sonny Ism’s position in the DIY pop landscape has cultivated fans across triple j Unearthed, NTS Radio, FBi Radio, 3RRR and XLR8R amongst others. Unveiling an atmospheric and slightly melancholic universe with easygoing control, Sonny Ism’s musicality rests in his ability to cross-pollinate cutting sentiments with detailed walls of sound.