Expansive electronics, loop-based improvisations and shoegaze rolled into one.
Theory Therapy 24 is by Sydney musician and producer Marco Vella aka BODY CORP. Despite its relative brevity—clocking in at just 50 minutes—Marco has crafted a mix that moves with ease from deep ambient and loop-based improvisations courtesy of Suso Sáiz and Matt LaJoie to lush, sun-dappled Balearic and shoegaze by Hidden Spheres and Luz Bel.
Vella’s own productions pull from a wide range of influences, eras and styles, just like his mix. Since his first release back in 2015, he’s been quietly building an impressive and varied catalogue. Between releasing music under his own name, as BODY CORP or in the Rhythm Section affiliated Retiree, the Eora-based producer has made long-form ambient, electro, deep house, disco, alt-pop and funk.
His forthcoming ambient-leaning album Monument, out August on Bedroom Suck Records, is probably his most expansive and introspective release to date. Made in collaboration with visual artist Max Berry and featuring readings by actor Sam Smith, it’s unfailingly warm and thoughtful in form like all of his music, though probably has the most in common with his tracks on the Best Effort and Ken Oath compilations—two personal favourites of mine. He also features on our upcoming Theory Therapy charity compilation. Listen out for an earlier iteration of that track in his mix.
How are you today?
I’m great! Enjoying a couple of very nice sunny, winter days here at home in Sydney.
You've got a release coming out on Bedroom Suck Records in August. How did that release come about?
I do! My stuff (around 4 EPs/LPS worth) was actually forwarded onto Joe at Bedroom Suck from a friend of mine in Melbourne and Joe hit me up straight away, wanting to put them all out. I wasn’t really sure what I was doing with them at the time, to be honest, so it was really nice to hear and feel the excitement from Joe.
That really helped me with finishing the tracks as well as currently continuing to finish a few other songs that I have been sitting on for too long for upcoming releases with Bedroom Suck. It’s still an odd time in the world (and music industry) so it feels really nice to be able to work on music with a purpose as opposed to not having much direction due to the fact that live shows and performances aren’t really a thing at the moment — although they seem to be creeping in which is nice.
How does the new album compare to your previous releases?
This album Monument was done in collaboration with an amazingly talented visual artist Max Berry, with readings by again another very talented friend and actor, Sam Smith. This music probably wouldn’t have seen the light of day if it wasn’t for this collaboration so when Max approached me, I re-worked a few of these songs and composed new ones to suit how Max’s art resonated with me.
The calmness the art brings me is what I wanted to somewhat replicate with the music. Sam’s readings and voice over records really helped structure the songs and give them their final form. I think this album has some what of a storytelling component to it, which I feel Max’s artwork always does, so I hope that translates well.
Were there any specific music influences you drew from or were inspired by?
I was mainly inspired by the art and Sam’s readings. I guess I also focussed on composing songs that were dynamic, evolving and ever building which I see in Max’s art. They have a great sense of tension and release for me, so I wanted to try and achieve that within the music. I always feel inspired by the great music that’s around me from local artists and friends too though! Listening to a lot of great compilations that have come up in the last year or two such as Nik Thorup’s Best Effort comps as well as the last few releases from Michael Kucyk’s Efficient Space catalogue just to name a couple.
Can you tell us a little bit about the mix? What were you feeling when you made it?
The mix is a collection of new and old songs that I’ve recently discovered in the last year or so. The mood is definitely set in a very tranquil tone. I am finding myself inspired by mostly calming soundscapes and nature at the moment so I wanted to incorporate that in the mix somehow. Hopefully it translates.
Where did you record the mix?
At Mum’s place, where I am currently living :) I’ve turned one of the bedrooms into a studio, it’s super comfy, I’ve been enjoying it heaps.
Where would you recommend listening to it?
Maybe just before bed time, or on a long walk with a nice view or close to the ocean.
Are there any tracks you’ve used in the mix that are special or significant to you?
They’re all equally as special as they helped me significantly with creating this mix (so thanks goes to the artists for that!)
Is there a particular album or piece of music that you find yourself returning to for tranquillity?
I am really loving Ana Roxanne’s album, Because Of A Flower at the moment. I’ve been listening to that quite a lot lately and find it super soothing and comforting.
What do you have planned for 2021?
I actually have been working on a whole lot of new music over the last year and am hoping to have a couple of solo releases out by the end of this year on a couple of local and international record labels. I’ve also been working on finishing a couple of albums for the Retiree project too which is exciting! Looking forward to a few live shows hopefully by the end of the year, or early next.
Tracklist:
Black Swan - The Innocence of Sleep
Warmth - Observatory
Land Of Light - Light Of The Milligram
Suso Saiz - The Balcony Of The Land Of No
Brama - Punta Cometa
Hidden Spheres - Laamore
Popp - Amina
Paraclete Toungue - Kuchina's Dance
Luz Bel - La vida está en otra parte
Ana Roxanne - Camille
Knopha - Er
Body Corp - In The Distance (Unreleased)
Snow Palms - White Cranes Return