Nelson-based artist, Silk Satin Suede, is working with a diverse collective of local creatives to tell his story of self-discovery by producing an immersive studio album and short film, balancing the beauty with the darkness in his emotive avant-garde style.
Set within the breathtaking landscapes of the Nelson Tasman region, this sonic and visual experience, combining music, surrealist visuals, light, and theatre, is a visceral reflection of the past three years of Silk Satin Suede’s life, swirling through the stinging pains of confusion, and the gracious kisses of love.
He is making this work to raise questions about the human condition in the hope that it will inspire, shock, and guide audiences to form a deeper, more loving and meaningful relationship with the ‘true self’ and the ‘shadow’ – acting as an artistic analysis of Jungian psychology.
The recording of the music began in June 2023 at Birdling Studios in Richmond, Tasman (his parents' beautiful home). After three separate, but equally symbolic and productive weeks, the seven songs are now fully recorded and are currently being mixed. He worked with seven musicians in total: Composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Andrew Denison; Pianist and percussionist, AJ Hickling (who sadly passed away six months after the recording sessions); Violinist, Pascal Roggen; Drummer, Sam Edmonds; Vocalist, Di Duncan; Guitarist, Richard Sherlock; and Bassist, Rua Sargent.
In November 2023, Silk Satin Suede got filming permits from the Department of Conservation to shoot the first of seven music videos at Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park. This location was specifically chosen because Max experienced a spiritual awakening there after taking a seven minute ice bath in the lake in 2021.
‘Cocoon’ opens the film with striking images of our country's natural beauty and tells the story of the relationship between the ‘Lady of the Lake’ (The Mother, played by Max’s actual mother, Di Duncan), and The Hero (Silk Satin Suede), illustrating the gifting of humanity to Mother Earth, our absolute vulnerability, our battle with our own psyches, and our curiosity to search for new experiences.
This video was produced with British Director, James Grimley (Silk Satin Suede’s cousin, currently living in New Zealand on a working holiday visa); Director of Photography, Macca Clark; Producer and Drone Pilot, Jonathan Lopardo; Set Production Assistant, Jayden Seddon; and Actor, Di Duncan.
The production of the studio album and the first music video were completely funded by money from Max’s own pocket. However, to turn this immersive and emotive album into a cinematic experience, Silk Satin Suede and his local team of talented and passionate creatives need to raise $30,000 to make the next six videos and cover the hard cost of a film production.
They are currently running an all-or-nothing crowdfunding campaign via Boosted (The Arts Foundation), ending on February 27. The $30,000 will go towards the following…
Fairly paying the team for their many hours/days/weeks of work
Feeding the crew
Securing high-quality equipment
Travel costs and accommodation
Paying for DOC National Park filming permits
Ensuring health and safety on location
They have already raised $10,000, but they need the full thirty to receive any funding and bring this surreal world to life. To donate, go to https://www.boosted.org.nz/projects/antique-angel.
This journey of self-discovery, told through the eyes and voice of a deeply passionate artist from the Nelson Tasman is planned to be released in theatres throughout the country this year, alongside a documentary telling the story of how it was all made possible through the belief, talent, hard-work, and love of a community of local creative collaborators.
Website: https://www.silksatinsuede.com/
Boosted Campaign: https://www.boosted.org.nz/projects/antique-angel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silksatinsuede
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silksatinsuede/