The perfect piece of music in times like this - dreamy ambient, gentle percussion and fingerpicked guitars courtesy of selector and multi-instrumentalist Max Santilli.
It’s a pleasure to have Max on for Theory Therapy 6. The Sydney artist has been a personal favourite of ours since releasing Scenes in 2018 as one half of the duo Angophora. More recently, we were captivated by his solo project Surface, an emotive and immersive ambient exploration of the Australasian landscape, and easily one of our most listened to albums of last year.
Santilli’s take on ambient and chill music has always been imbued with colour and musicality – a quality that defines both his solo and group work with Jacob Fugar in Angophora. No matter where you listen, it’s impossible to separate his music from the warm, sub-tropical climate in which it was conceived. His mix for Theory Therapy is no different. Drawing from jazz, balearic and ambient works, the Sydney artist’s mix retains the same unmistakably Australian vibe as his own music.
We were going to sit on this mix for a little longer, but Max’s contribution speaks to the particular moment in which we find ourselves, offering some much needed calm during uncertain times. For those familiar with the artist, expect Santilli’s signature brand of naturalistic textures, shimmering chords and lush rhythms. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure, let Santilli’s Theory Therapy mix stand as a welcome, overdue introduction to the Australian musician.
Images by Tara Sydney