Thomas Purcell / Wave Racer on SoundBetter

Known as the electronic artist Wave Racer, I've toured extensively around the world with acts such as Disclosure, Porter Robinson, Chromeo & Flume, & at festivals including Coachella, Splendour in the Grass, and many more. Since my debut album release in 2021, I've been focussed on producing, engineering & mixing for other artists.

As an artist, I've made music professionally since 2013. In addition to finding success as a touring artist, my primary role in the music industry has been as a writer and producer, which has sustained me a celebrated and diverse career for the past 10 years. In recent years, I have focussed on production, engineering and mixing for other artists, having completed projects for Warner Music Group / Atlantic Records, Future Classic, Astral People Recordings, and many more, including many independent and emerging artists.

My main services include: Mixing, Recording & Engineering, Vocal Production, Song Production, Sound Design and Composition.

I am also a skilled guitarist, synth programmer and sample designer. I work across all genres, but specialise in Pop, Electronic and Alternative styles.

Accomplishments include:
My song 'AUTO' featured in the Apple WWDC keynote (2022).
My song 'Higher' featured in Apple Arcade's trailer for Jetpack Joyride 2 (2022).
My song 'Flash Drive' featured in the Microsoft Studios game 'Forza Horizon 3' (2016).
My EP 'Flash Drive' (2015) debuted at #15 on Billboard US Electronic Album Charts, #2 on iTunes AUS Electronic Album Charts, and #6 on iTunes US Electronic Album Charts.
My song 'Streamers' featured in national TVC campaign for Telstra's 'Belong' (2014).

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

Discogs verified credits for Wave Racer

Wave Racer
Ryan Hemsworth / Wave Racer
Wave Racer
Wave Racer
Wave Racer
Wave Racer
Wave Racer
Wave Racer
Ta-Ku
Flight Facilities Featuring Micky Green
Various
Panama (16)
Various
Duke Dumont
Various
Flume Feat. Kai (12)
Flume
Ninajirachi
Cosmo's Midnight
Daedelus
Various
Various
Various
Meth Dad
Various
Various
CARB CAP (fka Rusty Shackleford)*

Languages

English

Reviews

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Interview with Thomas Purcell / Wave Racer

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: My proudest achievement is my debut album, "To Stop From Falling Off The Earth", which was released in October 2021 – It was written, recorded, produced and partially mixed by me. Another project I'm proud of is daine's "shapeless" mixtape, which came out in 2023, on which I worked as vocal producer and mixing engineer.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I get to be creative and I get to help clients bring projects to completion, which is incredibly satisfying. Also, I can often work with my own equipment in my own space, which gives me confidence about the quality of the work I'm delivering.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Do you have any sonic references, or songs/sounds/media that you used as reference or inspiration? Is this part of a larger body or work or a standalone piece? What is the goal or plan for this particular piece?
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Shure sm57, Macbook Pro, UAD Apollo Twin interface, Fender Stratocaster, Audio Technica ATH-m50x headphones.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Idiosyncratic, bright, colourful, imaginary.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: If you're thinking too hard about it, it's probably not worth it.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest and most useful skill is probably my musical interval recognition. I use this skill every day when working on songs, as it allows me to create a mental image of a song's key, tonal centre, melodic contours and harmonic structure. Second to that, my greatest strength is my ear for detail.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: It depends greatly on the job, but I typically work in an iterative manner, making small but meaningful changes that add up over time. I try not to be too destructive in the process, as I want the original intention to always shine though in the work.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: A modest setup - a spare room in my home is used as a small but highly functional studio space. There's enough room for all my guitars, synths, keyboards, amps, pedals and microphones, but most importantly my monitor speakers have room to breathe and my desk is sizeable and comfortable. I have a condenser microphone on a stand and a preamp set up at all times for vocal recording, and all my instruments within reach for when inspiration strikes. Apart from that, the majority of my studio work takes place inside the computer.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: George Daniel (The 1975), Cashmere Cat, 100 gecs, Sophie, Kevin Parker
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mixing, recording, engineering and producing songs.