WORKING FROM HOME is the debut EP from New Zealand award-winning dance duo Chores, released today Friday, February 26.
The EP was recorded during lockdown in Melbourne 2020, where Chores - Sam Saunders and Thom Simmons - have been based for the last few years. It features the singles ‘Tremble’, ‘Girls’ and ‘Forever’ as well as new single ‘Twenty-Three’.
Chores collaborated with Melbourne producer Simon Moro on the 6-track EP, which features vocals from some of Australasia’s hottest new talent, including DOOLIE, Akacia and LALKA.
Although now living in Australia, Sam and Thom have been back in New Zealand for summer, performing at some of the country’s biggest festivals and events, including Rhythm and Vines, Deep Hard and Funky, and the George fm Summer Series.
“We are so excited to release our first body of work!” says Thom. “Having been producing for seven years and after 10 singles we thought it was the right time.
“The work draws heavily on all our favourite artists and can be seen to references of household favorites like that of Flight Facilities, Peking Duk, and Pnau.”
The WORKING FROM HOME EP is all-encompassing and expands on Chores’ crafted sound and former singles. Not bound by genre, the record delivers full-blown pop, dance, and a six minute house track, which they describe as a homage to the genre which started their production.
The work took place during the seven-month lockdown in Melbourne, and the majority of the vocal recordings/production was done at home - hence the title of the EP.
"This got a stadium rock kinda feel going on!”
- The Aston Shuffle – triple j (AUS)
"A bolt of euphoria penetrates through that clattering chorus rush. Big vibes.”
- Dave Ruby Howe – triple j Unearthed (AUS)
‘Tremble’ featuring LALKA was the first single from the EP and was warmly embraced by triple j unearthed as well as tastemaker site, Pilerats. Dance anthem ‘Girls’ followed featuring DOOLIE and became a Spotify favourite, also receiving traction at ZM and George fm as well as triple j unearthed.
‘Forever’ was the dreamy third single released from the EP and continues to grow across the DSPs with strong playlistings and further support from George fm, ZM and The Edge radio.
The new single ‘Twenty-Three’ onces again showcases the signature Chores sound and the latest single features the vocals of Ariela Jacobs.
The duo have also won several awards, including ‘Best Electronic Act’ at the 2018 New Zealand Music Awards and ‘Breakthrough Artist’ at the Georgies in 2017.
Chores have spent years honing their craft, DJing and performing as a full band at New Zealand festivals Rhythm and Vines, Northern Bass, Bay Dreams and Deep Hard N Funky, as well as supporting dance music luminaires Basement Jaxx, What So Not, Duke Dumont, Peking Duk, The Chainsmokers and A-Trak.
WORKING FROM HOME is out now, available on DSPS HERE