Tash Sultana
Tash Sultana: The One-Person Psychedelic Soul Phenomenon
Tash Sultana is an Australian multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer known for a mesmerizing loop-based sound. The artist's rise from busking on the streets of Melbourne to achieving international fame is a testament to raw talent and viral digital exposure.
Early career
Tash Sultana began playing guitar at a young age and was busking by the teenage years. A series of homemade performance videos, uploaded online, captured the artist's dynamic one-person shows and began attracting a significant online following.
Breakthrough
The 2016 single Jungle became a viral sensation, with its live-looping video showcasing Sultana's ability to build a dense, psychedelic soundscape solo. This led to a record deal with Lonely Lands Records and the release of the successful Notion EP that same year.
Key tracks
Jungle - This breakthrough track demonstrated Sultana's masterful live-looping technique and became a viral video hit.
Notion - The title track from the debut EP solidified the artist's signature blend of soulful vocals and intricate guitar work.
Murder to the Mind - A fan favorite from the early repertoire, often highlighted for its rhythmic intensity and soaring melodies.
Mystik - This track showcases the expansive, atmospheric side of Sultana's psychedelic soul productions.
The debut studio album, Flow State, arrived in 2018 to critical acclaim, debuting at number one on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart. Sultana followed this with the 2021 album Terra Firma, which further explored themes of growth and featured a slightly more collaborative approach while maintaining the core loop-pedal foundation.
For listeners who appreciate Tash Sultana's genre-blending style, other compelling Australian artists include Matt Corby, who shares a soulful vocal delivery and intricate songcraft. The experimental pop of Flume connects through innovative electronic production. The dynamic live energy of Ocean Alley offers a similar psychedelic-infused rock sensibility.