Toronto trio Austra are back this week (17 June) with new album Olympia. To celebrate the new record the band are throwing a pool party and everyone’s invited. Here’s drummer Maya Postepski‘s selections for living up beside some clear blue water.
Tom Tom Club – Genius of Love
“Right off the top you hear those weird sounds, like from outer space. It’s unlike anything I ever heard before, and when that sexy guitar lick and the backbeat drums drop it’s an instant party. The vocals and lyrics are so much fun too.”
Grace Jones – Pull Up To The Bumper
“I remember hearing this song when I was a kid, thinking it was the best thing ever! I would dance to it like a freak. The vibe of this song is so in the pocket. This recording was made at the famous Compass Point studio in Nassau, Bahamas and Sly And Robbie totally kill the rhythm section. Those guys are a huge influence for me as you may hear on Olympia re: cowbells! Also the music video for this is beautiful, it’s kind of my dream music video.”
Gina X – No G.D.M
“The first time I heard Gina X I felt as though I had found something I had been searching for my whole life. This music finds a balance between suave intelligence, icy coolness, and there’s a big dash of freaky in there. Perfect cocktail for a party. Gina’s voice is so distant and nonchalant. I love the performance. We were fortunate enough to work with Gina on a collaboration called Mayan Drums. Check it out!”
Glass Candy – Beatific
“The bass synth is just massive throughout the song. It obliterates everything and takes up so much space, like a big toad. When the drums drop everything gets moving in the best way. I want to start jumping around. The vocals are incredibly fun and sexy, I love the performance and the reverb makes everything spaced out and flowing. This is a song I wish I wrote, it’s so simple and creates such a good vibe. It’s a guaranteed head bobber… pass the Campari darling.”

NB MORNING (A3) and Reggae Is Here Once Again are currently unavailable
Chris & Cosey: MORNING (A3)
“This song is so playful and light, it’s like running through a psychaedelic field, a colorful disco field full of sparkling flowers. I love their work, their albums are really transformative and insightful. I think these guys were among the most original and honest artists of all time. I’m totally inspired by them.”
Todd Terje – Inspector Norse
“Doesn’t this sound expensive? The bass line kills me, I just want to eat this one up and shake my body. And those space sounds take you straight to the mothership. I definitely feel like I’m on date in outer space with this track, and it’s going great. Terje is really good at crafting the songs repetitive riffs with the climaxes and drops throughout the track. Excellent architecture. OMG, the stars at 3:36=break my heart.”
Daphni – Cos-Ber-Zam Ne Noya (Daphni Mix)
“Truth be told Jamie XX made me a mixtape with this on it during our tour. I love the sample of the old drum break and bongos. The whole aesthetic of this song is really chilled out and sensual, I imagine lounging by the side of a pool while listening to this. Lovely.”
Steel An’ Skin – Reggae Is Here Once Again
“I’m such a sucker for steel pan. The sound is so good and wholesome, fills me up with sunshine. I love the percussion of course and the bass is so nice and fat. This song is a free spirited celebration. I’ll always be a fan of Reggae!”

For more head to Austramusic.com. Plus here’s the band’s own Home.
