Lab78 signs Tasmanian duo Sumner

Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes’ Lab78 label has added another act to its roster with the signing of Tasmanian duo, Sumner.

Sumner is an alternative electro duo made up of Chloe Wilson and Jack McLaine, who use their music to explore themes of power, intimacy and isolation. The performers won the Josh Pyke Partnership in 2018 based on their production skills and evocative vocals, as well as a “practical and achievable” business plan.

Sumner’s debut single ‘Stranded’ is out today and was co-written and produced by Littlemore and Mayes’ PNAU.

Littlemore heaped praise on his third signing, saying they “make music to feel better to”.

“Pete and I came across this band while on tour in regional Tasmania. We shared a stage together at the Forth pub on a sweet breezy day a few years back. We were struck by their fierce intensity. Chloe commanded the stage conjuring notes of Chrissie Hynde, Iggy Pop and Karen Finley. Jack the uber-cool, multi-instrumental wonder dazzling on any synth/bass or guitar he picks up and plays,” he said.

“‘Stranded’ came together very quickly in an impromptu session in Sydney’s Little Italy in the same studio where Passenger laid down his eponymous hit. Sumner are a marvel, hailing from a tiny town in Tasmania.”

Sumner said partnering with Lab78 was “one of those dream come true partnerships”.

“It’s a real privilege to gel so well with a creative team so early into the process; the like-minded creative energy we all share in the studio feels electric. There’s a euphoric and understated sense of power and purpose within this project for us and we’re absolutely pumped to begin this journey with the guys,” the band said.

Wilson also explained the meaning and motivation behind today’s release, ‘Stranded’.

“Lyrically, Stranded is a letter to a former self – acknowledging that without that previous person you once were, you would never have arrived at your current form. It’s easy to shy away from a former version of yourself that you’re not so proud of, but it’s crucial to acknowledge that existence and what it taught and prepared you for. Accept what was and carry yourself forward. See the beauty in all versions of yourself instead of abandoning the ones that no longer serve you.”

Sumner joins Ivy Rose and Vlossom on the Lab78 artist roster.

Littlemore and Mayes drive Lab78’s A&R and creative, and have teamed up with independent label etcetc to look after label services.