BMF Presents: Earshift Music Showcase – Koi Kingdom & Maddison Carter’s ‘Polymorphic’

Earshift Music is proud to celebrate 15 years with a showcase presenting Melbourne’s most ground-breaking jazz stars.

Founded in 2009 and directed by Jeremy Rose, Earshift Music has released over 80 albums, representing the diverse cultural bleed and distinct musical voices of Australian jazz.

“…Earshift represents the fresh future of Australian music.” – nycjazzrecord

“Australia’s most significant outlet for jazz-related music.” Sydney Morning Herald

Koi Kingdom

Koi Kingdom was founded in 2016 on a shared love of composing and performing original music as well as a mutual respect for each other’s craft which reflects their experiences growing up in a multicultural and globally connected country. All three artists are powerful composers, performers, and bandleaders in their own right. The group’s music lies outside genre boundaries while their distinctive sound is characterised by detailed compositions, instrumental virtuosity, and fearless exploration.

After releasing their second album in April 2021 Koi Kingdom have been working hard on their most ambitious project to date. Aiming to make the most of the special musical connection and shared creative vision these three musicians have found in each other, they committed to meeting weekly for the past two years to compose and rehearse for their latest album. This concept driven work is structured around a co-created native based in the koi world or rather ‘koi kingdom’ and touches on themes of friendship, loss, grief, rebirth, and joy.

The album draws on the genre defying precedents established by their first two records but reaches even higher heights through a greater cohesion of each individual’s creative strengths resulting in a sum that is truly greater than its parts.

Cheryl Durongpisitkul – Saxophone, Voice (Prose)
Marcos Villalta – Guitar, Keyboard and Percussion (Pink Milk)
Stephen Hornby – Double Bass

Maddison Carter album launch

Polymorphic is drummer Maddison Carter’s latest venture, drawing upon his fascination for rhythmic complexity. Whilst blurring the boundaries of jazz and contemporary classical music, the compositions juxtapose tonal and atonal threads. The music shows an affinity for constructed, organised sonic space alongside vast improvisation. Electronic manipulation, tight interlocking rhythms, and vibraphone craft the distinct sound of this ensemble.

Jessica Lindsay Smith | Flute, & piano
Imogen Cygler | Violin, keyboard, & piano
Flora Carbo | Alto saxophone, & bass clarinet
Niran Dasika | Trumpets, effects, & synthesiser
Isaac Gunnoo | Double bass, & bass guitar
Maddison Carter | Drums, vibraphone, & composition

The Earshift Showcase is presented as part of the 2024 Brunswick Music Festival