DJ Moopie's Charmingly Moody Curated Collections and The Week's Best New Tracks
From Melbourne
Perfect for fans of the C86 compilation, Australian and New Zealand guitar pop, art-pop experimentation
Latest release Going Back to Sleep out now
The artist known as DJ Moopie, real name Matthew Xue, from Melbourne, has built a reputation for deeply absorbing musical journeys that effortlessly shift between icy, atmospheric ambience to driving drum and bass plus other genres. He also runs A Colourful Storm – a remarkable DIY imprint that massively punches above its weight when it comes to putting out endearingly atmospheric avant-pop, from artists as disparate as the rhythmic explorations of Valentina Magaletti, dubby Hobart duo Troth, and the prolific underground figure Simon Fisher Turner.
In 2017, the label released I Won’t Have to Think About You, a collection of delightful, C86-inspired indie pop. More recently, it has issued Going Back to Sleep, a spiritual follow-up to that compilation which simultaneously serves as a carefully curated roadmap to several excellent bands in the gentle pop sphere making music now. Daily Toll, a band from Sydney, their 2025 first record A Profound Non-Event being a hidden jewel from this year, contribute Time, a sprawling, seven-minute meditation featuring melodica and guitar. Chateau, the pair, featuring members Al Montfort and Alex Macfarlane, explore percussive, psychedelic lounge pop on How Long on the Platform, whereas Who Cares?, blend influences from Hope Sandoval and Eartheater on Wax and Wane.
Elsewhere, Going Back to Sleep showcases songs by the enduring San Francisco indie group the Reds, Pinks and Purples; minimalist Sydney group the Lewers; and sun-dappled folk-pop from Dutch duo the Hobknobs. It’s an unassuming compilation that’s almost certain to become a beloved and regularly mentioned resource for aficionados of music that is subtle and emotionally resonant.
This Week’s Best New Tracks
Flea – A Plea
A seldom-seen individual effort by the Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist, which is brilliantly accomplished: driving yet inquisitive soul-infused jazz with Flea calling for tranquility and compassion. “I’m not being corny – this shit is real!”
Daniel Blumberg and Amanda Seyfried – Clothed By the Sun
Having won this year’s best original score Oscar, it's easy to picture Blumberg taking home the Best Original Song award in 2026 for this breathtaking duet with Seyfried featured on his soundtrack to The Testament of Ann Lee.
Jana Horn – All in Bet
Jana Horn, an artist based in Texas depicts all the nuances of melancholy on this deeply gloomy comeback, as delicate traces of piano and woodwind tinge her fatigued disillusionment.
Umor Rex – Lo Animal
It's not hard to picture the work of this Madrid cellist's industrial-tinged gothic opus playing over scenes in Dune, due to its seismic drum work, metallic shrieks, eerie chorals and cataclysmic majesty.
Zora Jones x DJ Polo – Hoes Link Up
Austrian visionary Zora Jones collaborates with Bristol-based UK bass maker DJ Polo to deliver pounding ghettotech: the drums could knock you flat although the tune is nearly dream-pop in nature.
Jawnino and Surf Gang – Hit Again
On new mixtape Amnesia, The UK's Jawnino rolls over diverse, ethereal rap production courtesy of Surf Gang, and this is one of its peaks, Jawnino focused and in the zone while he examines the world of narcotics.
Annabelle Chairlegs – Heavy Sleeper
Produced by Ty Segall, this garagey number propels itself forward at a self-determined tempo, shifting from a runaway vehicle to the musician from Austin's hazy daydream about how “the moon returns the spirit to me”.
