Neon Remixed by Ghostwoods
Since 2021, Ghostwoods has forged an atmospheric and unique musical path down from the environs of Mount Nebo/Jinibara Country outside of Meanjin/Brisbane. Essentially a solo project, led by composer/producer James Lees, the music has been variously described as evocative, expansive, bruised, alt-country, minimalist jazz, intense and dramatic. Since that time, Ghostwoods has grown to feature a range of guest musicians and collaborators and become a six-piece live ensemble. In 2021, Ghostwoods signed with 4000 Records releasing two EP’s, several singles and their debut album My Neon which was recognised with a nomination for the Australian Music Prize in 2023.
Summer 2024/2025 sees Ghostwoods unveil a suite of six remixes, all derived from the My Neon album, in its entirety. Entitled Neon Remixed, the album will feature the work of six of Meanjin/Brisbane’s very best electronic and sound artists.
“I feel like I’m coming to the end of what might be the first ‘era’ of Ghostwoods” says Lees. “What started as my lockdown piano meanderings became a suite of compositions spread across the first EP and album, then forming the full live version of the band. For me, this set of remixes is like putting a full-stop on this time. I gave all the remixers carte balance to do whatever they wanted with the tracks so in a way it’s the ultimate act of letting go of the music fully which feels very satisfying”
The process of collaborating with John Russell from 4000 Records and dipping into their network and community to decide on artists to reach out to was a very rewarding one, and a refreshing reminder of Brisbane’s absolutely brimming talent pool.
“I did spend a lot of time thinking about who to approach to invite to each track - John suggested some great artists and of course, I’m an agonizer with everything and this was no exception! I was very pleased that all the artists we approached were all very excited to be involved and responded really well to the suggested track choices. It was such a pleasure to see the remixes coming in gradually - like little aural gifts and I was so happy with every single one. What we have now is a completely alternative, reimagined and reworked version of the album - like it has been put through six different sonic kaleidoscopes and I could not be more pleased with it.”
Tracklist
Credits
See individual tracks for remix credits
James Lees - drums, percussion, piano
Mark Angel - electric guitar
Karl O’Shea - bass
Andrew Garton - saxophone, clarinet, flute
James Halloran - keys, synths
Rohan Seekers - keys, synths
Mastered by Lawrence English
Artwork by Brett Harris
License
All rights reserved.Tags
Led by musician and composer James Lees, the dreamlike, atmospheric music of Ghostwoods gradually blinked into existence over the lockdown winter of 2020.
The cold and gloomy environs of Lees' mountain abode make for a dark, atmospheric winter. The simultaneous qualities of the natural beauty and a sinister sense of underlying hostility very much influenced the music that was created.