Perth Lewis Interview I NuNorthern Soul Artist Q&A

There are some artists whose music seems to exist in its own world, unconcerned with trends, algorithms or the pressures of modern music-making. Sydney-based producer Perth Lewis is one of them.

Working largely from a modest home studio, Perth Lewis (real name Luke Fugar) has quietly built a reputation as one of the most exciting names emerging from the global Balearic community. His atmospheric blend of hazy electronics, sun-drenched melodies, dub-wise rhythms and evocative soundscapes has earned support from the Balearic Network, San Francisco's Dream Chimney label and compilation curators Blank & Jones, who recently licensed two tracks from his acclaimed album Distance Between, 'Daydreaming' and 'Float Away', for their much-loved Milchbar compilation series.

NuNorthern Soul founder Phat Phil Cooper first discovered Perth Lewis through the self-released albums Moments In Time and Distance Between, two records that perfectly captured the producer's instinctive ability to create music rich in mood, emotion and escapism. Recognising their timeless quality, NuNorthern Soul reissued both albums to help introduce his music to a wider international audience.

Now Perth Lewis returns with his first collection of brand-new material created specifically for the label. The Cherry Moon EP is another beautifully crafted journey through his distinctive musical universe, offering four tracks that effortlessly blur the lines between Balearic, ambient, dub, electronica and downtempo sounds.

To coincide with the release, we caught up with Luke to discuss his creative process, musical influences, life in Sydney and the story behind Cherry Moon.

Where are you in the world right now, and what does a typical day look like when you’re making music?

I’m currently living in Sydney, Australia, and have done so my whole life. A typical day of making music consists of mucking around with old drum machines, guitars, and synthesisers until I come up with an idea that feels worthwhile expanding on.

Do you remember the first piece of music that genuinely stopped you in your tracks?

Probably Spike’s Orange Cloud Nine album. I fell in love with the DIY sound of his recordings and his laid-back approach to music. It was like nothing I’d heard before and encouraged me to explore more DIY music from the 1980s.

How would you describe your sound to someone hearing you for the first time — without using genre labels?

Slow, drifting pads with guitar-led motifs.

What usually comes first for you: a feeling, a rhythm, or a melody?

Most of the time, I’ll start a piece of music with a melody, either a guitar riff or a chord sequence. This then gets laid out with a drum groove to create the song’s structure.

What draws you to the NuNorthern Soul world, and how does it align with how you approach music?

I’ve always loved the relaxed approach of NuNorthern Soul and Phil’s ability to maintain a classic Balearic feel across all releases while still keeping them sounding fresh and exciting.

Is there a particular time of day, place, or state of mind where your music feels most at home?

Sunrise or sunset, looking out over the ocean.

What are you listening to at the moment that might surprise people?

Probably nothing too wild, but I’ve been rinsing a mix by Dreems from his set at the Australian music festival Hopkins Creek back in 2022. The mix is called 3 Hours Deep Inside the Fantabulous Imaginarium Crater and has everything you’d want from a three-hour set at an underground doof festival.

When someone finishes listening to your music, what do you hope lingers with them?

Hopefully a feeling of calmness and self-actualisation.

Cherry Moon EP is out now https://nunorthernsoul.lsnto.me/nuns077