Wave Racer Explained

Wave Racer
Birth Name:Thomas Michael Purcell
Origin:Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Genre:Alternative, Electronic
Instrument:Electric Guitar, Synthesiser, Vocals
Years Active:2013–present
Label:PIAS, Astral People Recordings
Birth Date:26 April 1992
Website:http://www.waveracer.band

Thomas Michael Purcell, known professionally as Wave Racer, is an Australian musician, multi-instrumentalist and music producer.[1] [2] [3] The name "Wave Racer" is adapted from the Nintendo 64 game Wave Race 64. His debut single, consisting of two songs, "Rock U Tonite" and "Stoopid", was released in 2013.[4] [5] [6] The same year, he signed with Australian independent record label Future Classic, who also signed other electronic artists including Cashmere Cat and Flume.[7] [8]

His "Flash Drive" EP was released in 2015, featuring a guest appearance by Lido.[9] [10] In 2021, he released his debut full-length album, To Stop From Falling Off The Earth.

He has performed in the United States at Ultra Music Festival,[11] on Mad Decent's Block Party Tour[12] and in support of Chromeo on their "Frequent Flyer Tour".[13] Australian festival highlights include Splendour In The Grass,[14] Field Day,[15] Groovin' the Moo[16] and Falls Festival.[17] He has also toured in support of Disclosure during their Australian tour in 2014,[18] [19] [20] and Porter Robinson during his Australian tour in 2015,[21] alongside Cosmo's Midnight.

Early life and career

Purcell was born in Sydney, New South Wales on 26 April 1992. He has cited his start in electronic dance music production as being part of a disco house duo with his friend called "Pablo J & The Lobsterettes".[22] Speaking about the comparison of his music to the likes of Cashmere Cat and Hudson Mohawke, Purcell quoted them as massive influences and said "...people often describe my music as future bass".[23]

In 2014, he released the stand-alone single "Streamers".[24] [25] [26] [27] It was described as a 'tropical, glitchy tune' with elements of trap and futuristic indie-dance.[28] [29] [30] [31] [32] In 2015, he released the songs "Flash Drive (featuring

B▲BY)"[33] and "World Record (featuring Lido)",[34] [35] [36] [37] [38] as singles for his debut EP Flash Drive.[39] [40] [41] [42] [43] The EP consisted of 4 tracks and was released on October 15, 2015.[44] [45] [46] [47] [48] The title track, "Flash Drive", was featured in the official soundtrack for the 2016 racing video game Forza Horizon 3.[49]

In 2017, Wave Racer's remix of Flight Facilities' "Stand Still" was sampled without clearance by Fetty Wap in his song "Way You Are".[50] [51] [52] [53]

On April 24, 2021, Wave Racer performed live as a part of Porter Robinson's virtual festival Secret Sky.[54] [55] [56] [57] The performance featured Wave Racer playing his original music with a live band.

On August 6, 2021, Wave Racer was featured on Triple J's "Like A Version" segment, in which he performed a cover of The 1975's "It's Not Living (If It's Not With You)", as well as his single "Look Up To Yourself".

On October 29, 2021, Wave Racer released his debut full-length album To Stop From Falling Off The Earth[58] through Astral People Recordings, a co-operative record label formed with PIAS.[59] [60] [61] [62] [63] The album contains 11 songs, and for the first time, features Purcell's own vocal performances and lyrics, as well as the prominent use of electric guitar and synthesisers. The album received 4 out of 5 stars in reviews from NME[64] and Rolling Stone Australia.[65] The album also received praise from French electronic musician Madeon.[66]

Awards

In 2013, Wave Racer was nominated for a J Award in the "Unearthed Artist of the Year" category.[67] In 2015, he won the FBi SMAC (Sydney's Music Arts & Culture) Award for "Best Producer".[68]

!Year!Award!Nominee / Work!Result
2013J Award for Unearthed Artist of the YearHimselfNominated
2015FBi SMAC Award for Best ProducerHimselfWon

Discography

[69]

Studio albums

!Title!Details
To Stop From Falling Off The Earth
  • Released: 29 October 2021
  • Label: Astral People Recordings / PIAS
  • Format: Digital download, 12" Vinyl

Singles

TitleYearLabelAlbum
"Rock U Tonite"2013Future ClassicRock U Tonite/Stoopid
"Stoopid"
"Streamers"2014Non-album single
"Flash Drive" (featuring B▲BY)2015Flash Drive
"AUTO"2019Astral People Recordings / PIASTo Stop From Falling Off The Earth
"Summer Rain" (featuring Kwame)Non-album single
"This N That" (featuring LunchMoney Lewis)
"Higher"2020
"Left Behind"2021To Stop From Falling Off The Earth
"What Are We Waiting For?"
"Look Up To Yourself"
"Dreaming"

Remixes

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Covers

2021

Notes and References

  1. News: Wave Racer makes his Triple J mix available as a free download for only 24 hours. 18 February 2014. EDM Canada. 5 June 2017.
  2. Web site: Genres Or Labels? Venturing Down The Pigeonhole. Kopp. Shea. 29 April 2015. Lessthan3.com. 5 June 2017.
  3. News: LISTEN: Wave Racer – 'Streamers' – Music Feeds. Williams. Tom. 11 February 2014. Music Feeds. 5 June 2017.
  4. Web site: Wave Racer. Insomniac.com. 5 June 2017.
  5. News: Wave Racer – Stoopid – NEST HQ. 20 July 2013. NEST HQ. 5 June 2017.
  6. Web site: Into The Deep With Bondax & Wave Racer. Ward. Nick. 3 November 2013. Your EDM. 5 June 2017.
  7. Web site: Future Classic announces 'One in a Million' label compilation. Hooks. Patrick. 2 March 2016. dancingastronaut.com. 5 June 2017.
  8. Web site: Australian Producer Wave Racer Shares Debut EP 'Flash Drive' [LISTEN]]. Wojcik. Alexandria. 17 October 2015. musictimes.com. 5 June 2017.
  9. Web site: Wave Racer – Biography & History. Yeung. Neil. AllMusic. 5 June 2017.
  10. Web site: 10 Producers That Should Be Scoring Video GamesWave Racer. Brice. 29 September 2014. Complex. 5 June 2017.
  11. News: Ten Artists You Need To See At Ultra Music Festival. Rubenstein . Peter . YourEDM . March 12, 2016 . 23 Jan 2019 .
  12. News: Outkast, Chance The Rapper, Run The Jewels Playing 2014 Mad Decent Block Parties. DeVille . Chris . Stereogum . April 7, 2014 . 23 Jan 2019 .
  13. News: Chromeo Announce Frequent Flyer Tour. Gordon . Jeremy . Pitchfork . June 24, 2014 . 23 Jan 2019 .
  14. News: Splendour In The Grass 2014 lineup announced. Boy . Nova . Nova 96.9 . 23 Apr 2014 . 23 Jan 2019 .
  15. News: Field Day 2014 Set Times Revealed, Brace For Clashes. Newstead . Al . Tone Deaf . Dec 18, 2013 . 23 Jan 2019 .
  16. News: Groovin' the Moo line-up announced for 2014. Westcott . Ben . Sydney Morning Herald . 2014 . 23 Jan 2019 .
  17. News: Falls Festival Announce More Acts. Galvin . Hannah . Purple Sneakers . 2013 . 23 Jan 2019 .
  18. Web site: 05/09/2014: Disclosure / Wave Racer @ Metro City Concert Archives. 2021-11-26. www.concertarchives.org.
  19. Web site: 2014-04-28. Disclosure. 2021-11-26. Tone Deaf. en-AU.
  20. Web site: 04/24/2014: Disclosure / Touch Sensitive / Lancelot / Wave Racer @ Hordern Pavilion Concert Archives. 2021-11-26. www.concertarchives.org.
  21. Web site: 2015-04-23. Porter Robinson Splendour 2015 Sideshows. 2021-11-26. Music Feeds.
  22. Web site: RTT Exclusive Interview: Basenji talks Future Bass, Upcoming EP, and Touring. Chung. Max. 21 July 2015. Run The Trap. 5 June 2017.
  23. Web site: Wave Racer is More Than Just 'Future Bass'. Jake. 28 March 2014. Complex. 5 June 2017.
  24. Web site: Wave Racer Throws His Streamers in the Air. Benanti. Sam. 7 February 2014. Lessthan3.com. 5 June 2017.
  25. Web site: You Need To Hear Wave Racer's New Tropical 8-Bit Track 'Streamers'. Stevo. 6 February 2014. EDM Sauce. 5 June 2017.
  26. Web site: Stream: Wave Racer, "Streamers". Friedlander. Emilie. 5 February 2014. The FADER. 5 June 2017.
  27. News: Wave Racer – Streamers. Rishty. David. 8 February 2014. EDMTunes. 5 June 2017.
  28. News: Wave Racer Is Bringing Back 8-Bit With "Streamers". 9 February 2014. Dance Music NW. 5 June 2017.
  29. Web site: Wave Racer Announces New Single and a Stretch of North American Dates. Tactic. Brent. 6 February 2014. Complex. 5 June 2017.
  30. News: Wave Racer showcases his sample collection with "Streamers". Lourenço. Jeff. 6 February 2014. EARMILK. 5 June 2017.
  31. Web site: "Streamers" by Wave Racer. JxCxL. 9 February 2014. pumpthebeat.com. 5 June 2017.
  32. News: 10 EDM Songs You Need To Add To Your Summer Playlist. 21 June 2014. EDM.com. 5 June 2017.
  33. Web site: Wave Racer – Flash Drive (feat. B▲by). Greenfield. Jeff. 30 July 2015. Run The Trap. 5 June 2017.
  34. Web site: Wave Racer & Lido Pair For Turnt Down 8-Bit Turn Up Anthem World Record. Dowling. Marcus. 1 October 2015. Lessthan3.com. 5 June 2017.
  35. Web site: "World Record (Feat. Lido)" by Wave Racer. ShiShi. 29 September 2015. pumpthebeat.com. 5 June 2017.
  36. Web site: Wave Racer – World Record ft. Lido RTT. Thompson. Hunter. 29 September 2015. Run The Trap. 5 June 2017.
  37. Web site: Wave Racer – World Record feat. Lido – The College Sound. thecollegesound.com. 5 June 2017.
  38. Web site: Your EDM Interview With Wave Racer on His New EP. Meadow. Matthew. 14 October 2015. Your EDM. 5 June 2017.
  39. Web site: Drive through Wave Racer's technicolor world in the official 'Flash Drive' video – Dancing Astronaut. Davidson. Lucy. 26 August 2015. dancingastronaut.com. 5 June 2017.
  40. Web site: Wave Racer announces tour dates and new EP with single 'Flash Drive' – Dancing Astronaut. Reyes. Kim. 31 July 2015. dancingastronaut.com. 5 June 2017.
  41. News: Check Out This Week's Angelic 808s Feat. Giraffage, Viceroy & More. 12 October 2015. EDM.com. 5 June 2017.
  42. News: Top 10 Trap And Bass Tracks 9.30.15. Barnes. Taylor. 1 October 2015. Magnetic Magazine. 5 June 2017.
  43. Web site: Wave Racer – Flash Drive EP RTT. Thompson. Hunter. 16 October 2015. Run The Trap. 5 June 2017.
  44. News: Wave Racer – World Record feat. Lido – EDMTunes. Margulis. David. 29 September 2015. EDMTunes. 5 June 2017.
  45. News: Top 20 EPs of 2015. 8 December 2015. Insomniac.com. 5 June 2017.
  46. Web site: Wave Racer Drops Debut EP Flash Drive on Future Classic. Kopp. Shea. 16 October 2015. Lessthan3.com. 5 June 2017.
  47. Web site: Wave Racer Drops Flash Drive, Announces Debut EP NA Tour. Champagne. Jesse. 4 August 2015. Lessthan3.com. 5 June 2017.
  48. Web site: Wave Racer Releases Highly Anticipated Debut EP. Matty. 15 October 2015. thissongslaps.com. 5 June 2017.
  49. Web site: 2016-09-13. Here's The List Of Aussie Artists Featured In Forza Horizon 3. 2021-11-27. Press Start. en-US.
  50. News: People Are Accusing Fetty Wap of Ripping Off A Wave Racer Song – Music Feeds. 9 March 2017. Music Feeds. 5 June 2017.
  51. News: Has Fetty Wap Blatantly Ripped Off Wave Racer?. Smith. Joseph. 9 March 2017. Stoney Roads. 5 June 2017.
  52. Web site: Did rapper Fetty Wap rip off Aussie producer Wave Racer?. John. Brandon. 9 March 2017. tonedeaf.com.au. 5 June 2017.
  53. Web site: Fetty Wap Accused of Stealing From One of EDM's Brightest Talents [LISTEN]]. Rubinstein. Peter. 8 March 2017. Your EDM. 5 June 2017.
  54. Web site: 2021-04-28. Porter Robinson's Secret Sky recreated the most meaningful parts of a physical festival. 2021-11-27. NME. en-GB.
  55. Bain. Katie. 2021-04-15. Porter Robinson Is Hosting Another Virtual Festival With a Massive Lineup: See Who's Playing. 2021-11-27. Billboard. en-US.
  56. Web site: Theory. Active. 2021-07-06. Secret Sky 2021. 2021-11-27. Active Theory Case Studies. en.
  57. Web site: Heffler. Jason. Porter Robinson Reveals 2021 Secret Sky Festival Set Times. 2021-11-27. EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists. en.
  58. Web site: 2021-10-29. Wave Racer Releases Long-Awaited Debut Album, "To Stop From Falling Off The Earth". 2021-11-26. Your EDM. en-US.
  59. Web site: Astral People Astral People Announce New Record Label 'Astral People Recordings'. 2021-11-26. astralpeople.com.
  60. Web site: 2019-07-12. Astral People, PIAS launch new label, sign Wave Racer. 2021-11-26. The Industry Observer. en-AU.
  61. Web site: 2019-07-11. Astral People Recordings launches with first signing Wave Racer. 2021-11-26. The Music Network.
  62. Web site: Australian firm Astral People partners with [PIAS] on new label venture Complete Music Update]. 2021-11-26.
  63. Web site: 2019-07-15. Aus management & touring firm Astral People partners with [PIAS] to launch Astral People Recordings]. 2021-11-26. Music Business Worldwide. en-US.
  64. Web site: 2021-11-02. Wave Racer – 'To Stop From Falling Off The Earth' review: Future bass producer pivots into a (b)rave new world. 2021-11-26. NME. en-AU.
  65. Web site: 2021-10-28. Wave Racer Delivers a Lexicon for Future Bass with His Debut Album. 2021-11-26. Rolling Stone Australia. en-AU.
  66. Web site: Madeon: "Love the album Red heart" on Twitter. 2021-11-27. Twitter. en.
  67. Web site: 2013-09-10. J Awards 2013 triple j. 2021-11-27. www.abc.net.au.
  68. Web site: SMAC AWARDS 2015. 2021-11-27. FBi Radio. en-US.
  69. Web site: Wave Racer on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 5 June 2017.
  70. Top Dance/Electronic Albums. Billboard. 5 June 2017.
  71. Web site: The Best Remixes of the WeekFlight Facilities ft. Mickey Green – "Stand Still (Wave Racer Remix)". Khal. 15 December 2013. Complex. 5 June 2017.
  72. Web site: Flight Facilities ft. Mickey Green – "Stand Still (Wave Racer Remix)". Tactic. Brent. 11 December 2013. Complex. 5 June 2017.
  73. News: Why Australian Producers Killed it in 2013. 30 December 2013. EDM.com. 5 June 2017.
  74. News: Flight Facilities – Stand Still feat. Micky Green (Wave Racer Remix) – NEST HQ. 9 December 2013. NEST HQ. 5 June 2017.
  75. Web site: The Best Remixes of the Week. Khal. 27 October 2013. Complex. 5 June 2017.
  76. News: Panama – "Always" (Wave Racer Remix). Beer. Nathan. 23 October 2013. EARMILK. 5 June 2017.
  77. News: Panama – Always (Wave Racer Remix) – NEST HQ. Berry. Jonah. 23 October 2013. NEST HQ. 5 June 2017.
  78. Web site: "Always (Wave Racer Remix)" by Panama. JxCxL. 12 November 2013. pumpthebeat.com. 5 June 2017.
  79. Web site: Wave Racer's Remix Of "Always" From Panama. Wood. Chris. 4 November 2013. Your EDM. 5 June 2017.
  80. News: DCUP – Don't Be Shy (Wave Racer) – NEST HQ. 19 September 2013. NEST HQ. 5 June 2017.
  81. News: Cosmo's Midnight – The Dofflin (Wave Racer Remix) – NEST HQ. 7 September 2013. NEST HQ. 5 June 2017.
  82. Web site: Dylan. 18 February 2014. Download Wave Raver's Triple J Mix [ONLY Today]]. 5 June 2017. EDM Sauce.
  83. Web site: Foster The People – "Best Friend (Wave Racer Remix)". Jake. 6 June 2014. Complex. 5 June 2017.
  84. Web site: Foster The People – Best Friend (Wave Racer Remix) [Preview] – Dancing Astronaut]. Zwilling. Eric. 5 July 2014. dancingastronaut.com. 5 June 2017.
  85. News: Wave Racer brightens everyone's day with official Foster the People remix. dAlencon. Nick. 5 June 2014. EARMILK. 5 June 2017.
  86. News: Foster The People – Best Friend (Wave Racer Remix) – EDMTunes. Greco. Ally. 5 June 2014. EDMTunes. 5 June 2017.
  87. Web site: Wave Racer Flips Foster The Peoples Best Friend. Codd. Nathan. 6 June 2014. Lessthan3.com. 5 June 2017.
  88. Web site: WAVE RACER Strikes Again with a Heavenly Remix of Foster The People's Hit "Best Friend" – thissongslaps.com – Electronic Dance Music & Hip-Hop Media. Bay. Jeaux. 4 June 2014. thissongslaps.com. 5 June 2017.
  89. News: Ryan Hemsworth – Ryan Must Be Destroyed (Wave Racer Remix) – EDMTunes. 1Z. 1 May 2014. EDMTunes. 5 June 2017.
  90. News: Ryan Must Be Destroyed (Wave Racer Remix) – NEST HQ. 3 May 2014. NEST HQ. 5 June 2017.
  91. Web site: Ryan Hemsworth's Wonky Wave Racer "Streamers" Remix. Ward. Nick. 20 February 2014. Your EDM. 5 June 2017.
  92. Web site: Duke Dumont – The Giver (Reprise) (Wave Racer Remix). GLU. 5 May 2015. EDM Sauce. 5 June 2017.
  93. News: Duke Dumont – The Giver (Reprise) (Wave Racer Remix) – EDMTunes. PeterByun. 5 May 2015. EDMTunes. 5 June 2017.
  94. Web site: Duke Dumont – The Giver (Reprise) (Wave Racer Remix) – The College Sound. thecollegesound.com. 5 June 2017.
  95. Web site: [NEW] Duke Dumont – The Giver (Reprise) (Wave Racer Remix)]. El Gamal. Ash. 4 May 2015. themusicninja.com. 5 June 2017.
  96. Web site: Duke Dumont – The Giver (Reprise) (Wave Racer Remix). Your EDM Staff. 6 May 2015. Your EDM. 5 June 2017.
  97. Web site: Snakehips – All My Friends (Wave Racer Remix). Thompson. Hunter. 28 November 2015. Run The Trap. 5 June 2017.
  98. Web site: Flume – Never Be Like You feat. Kai (Wave Racer Remix) – Dancing Astronaut. Cooper. Michael. 24 March 2016. dancingastronaut.com. 5 June 2017.
  99. News: Wave Racer submits an official remix for Flume and Kai's "Never Be Like You". Saunders. John. 25 March 2016. EARMILK. 5 June 2017.
  100. Web site: Flume feat. Kai Never Be Like You Wave Racer Remix [Mom Pop]]. Codd. Nathan. 26 March 2016. Lessthan3.com. 5 June 2017.
  101. Web site: Flume – Never Be Like You ft. Kai (Wave Racer Remix). Sevdalis. Sydney. 25 March 2016. Run The Trap. 5 June 2017.
  102. Web site: Flume Enlists Star Studded Support For "Skin:The Remixes". Jessika. 7 April 2017. thissongslaps.com. 5 June 2017.
  103. Web site: 2017-02-10. Wave Racer Delivers Delicious Remix Of Tkay's 'Carry On'. 2021-11-26. The Interns. en-US.
  104. Web site: 2021-06-29. Listen to Wave Racer cover No Rome's 'Seventeen'. 2021-11-26. NME. en-AU.

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