The Melbourne-based songwriter Hui, who is pronounced Hughie, applies his interest in personal writing that is typical of a folk musician to a wider interest in indie rock and electronics. Among his previous recordings are “Low.”, “Ghost” and “Axel”, so “Count In” can be seen as part of his continuous body of work. In this case he collaborates with Melbourne producer and DJ STNZA in order to give his more intimate style a rhythmic element. The single was released on October 2 and has a duration of three minutes and 44 seconds.
The fact mentioned in the song’s background is that the project started in a very casual way. Having spent years writing and recording together, Hui provided the chords and STNZA created the drums using chopped samples, drawing inspiration from Yussef Dayes’ organic method of handling rhythm. Almost an hour was enough time for most of the track to take shape. As the two of them worked on that first exchange, the electric guitar, the piano and the harmonies were added to the arrangement. This fast start offers the collaboration an attractive idea: that two people with a great deal of shared experience can follow an idea while it is still new.
The fact that the songwriter is linked with laid-back folk and indie rock makes this collaboration quite interesting. Since a sampled rhythm can have its own way of phrasing and personality, it provides reflective writing with something dynamic to counteract it. STNZA’s interests include soulful hip-hop, electronic production and funk, with influences such as KAYTRANADA, Tom Misch, Darius and Tame Impala. On “Count In” this background results in a slow and atmospheric style, with the vocals being incorporated into the overall production. What is attractive here is the connection between the voice and its environment: Hui’s intimacy becomes part of the broader composition.
The song explores themes of hope, desire and the need to slow down in order to be present. Together with its jazz-influenced rhythm and warm harmonies, these themes put it in the musical area closely linked with Jordan Rakei and River Tiber. Reflection is included here alongside a groove which gives the lyrics a sense of forward movement. When looking at how the song has been put together, this combination is reasonable: a lyric focused on taking time gains from an arrangement that is prepared to offer it. The purpose of both the production decisions and the subject matter is clear.
The reason why this combination is worth pursuing is the extent of the shared authorship. Hui. is given credit for vocals and co-production, while STNZA is credited with both vocals and production; furthermore, Ethan Sheils and Hugh William Davies are jointly credited for the writing. These details indicate that the record emerged from a process of mutual exchange, with the songwriting and production evolving alongside each other.
The single ‘Count In’, which is the first preview of the upcoming EP All That I Need, shows a hopeful trajectory for their partnership. Hui’s own songwriting can still stay at the heart of the work while the collaboration opens up new musical avenues. There is greater appeal in the fact that an EP is being planned: the two have a well-established working relationship, compatible musical instincts and a clear starting point from which to proceed.
*This review was made possible by MusoSoup
