Josh Pyke Partnership taps Tasmanian electro-duo Sumner as 2018 winner

The winner of this year’s Josh Pyke Partnership is Tasmanian electronic duo Sumner.

Jack McLaine and Chloe Wilson have already started off the year with the release of their EP All That I Am in February, which generated airplay on community radio around the country.

They’ve also been opening for various tours, playing local festivals Falls and Party In The Paddock, and recently signed up with Parlour Sessions for a series of intimate shows.

Pyke revealed, “As always, judging the JP Partnership was a challenge as well as an inspiration.

“This year’s bunch of entries was the most diverse to date with a lot more pop and hip hop on display, and the standard overall was excellent.”

The evocative singer-songwriter said Sumner made the final cut because of their “really excellent production skills and evocative vocals.

“Their business plan was practical and achievable, and their future looks bright!”

He added, “Very excited to award the Partnership to Sumner and looking forward to meeting up with them soon!”

The JP Partnership was set up by Pyke and APRA AMCOS as a way to provide an unsigned act with mentorship and funding to kick their career up to the next level.

APRA AMCOS’ Jana Gibson said, “The Josh Pyke Partnership aims to have a real impact on a developing career, it’s an initiative that APRA AMCOS is proud to be involved with for the fifth year in a row.

“Congrats to Sumner, who are very deserving of this grant and honour.”

Sumner will receive $7,500 cash, insight and mentorship from Pyke and a meeting with Gregg Donovan (Wonderlick Entertainment) and Stephen Wade (Select Music).

“We’re beyond stoked and honoured to be the 2018 recipients of the Josh Pyke Partnership,” Sumner posted.

“Thanks so much to Josh Pyke, Wonderlick Entertainment, Select Music and APRA AMCOS for giving these Tassie kids a go.”

Once asked to describe their sound in food form, they responded, “a crisp and creamy pavlova with fresh strawberries, passionfruit, blueberries and kiwi fruit.

“Because that’s a tasty treat, and we make tasty beats.”

Previous Partnership recipients were Angie McMahon (2017), Alex Lahey (2016), Gordi (2015) and Govs aka Josiah Birrell (2014).