Power Nap. Photo by Nicole Hunt
Power Nap is the musical project of Chris Cudby, a musician and songwriter currently based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Today he is releasing his latest single, Out Of The Pit, with a tasty remix by Amamelia on the b-side. The former Golden Axe singer and keyboardist leads listeners on a catchy sonic journey through proto-vaporwave party jams, lo-tech psychedelic pop, looping sample slices and zoned-out soundscapes.
In early 2022 he'll be releasing his next set of tunes in the form of a mini-album called Dinosaurs. We took the time to ask Chris a few questions about his music, below. But first, take a listen to the tracks themselves:
Describe the music of Power Nap
Pulsing grooves, catchy and wild keyboard lines, direct from the dome lyrics yelled through a sparkling echoey fog, chopped up samples, showbiz personified.
One of your previous bands, Golden Axe, was described as a band "unmatched in their dedication to freeing your inner spaz." How does Power Nap differ in this regard, or is your dedication steadfast and unwavering?
Power Nap is committed to moving asses on the dance floor. PN is more groove-focused and (slightly) more chill than my older band — which has turned out to be still pretty upbeat. The BPM is definitely lower this time around.
What are your inspirations for Out Of The Pit in particular?
Out Of The Pit is named after a ratty old Fighting Fantasy book I own describing monsters you might encounter in a dungeon + La Brea Tar Pits in LA. I've also finally started reading ultra-violent fantasy manga Berserk which is certainly an influence.
It feels like Power Nap's natural environment is the party. Are there any plans for post-lockdown parties in 2022?
I love playing live — there will 100% be an amazing party happening for the release of my forthcoming new mini-album Dinosaurs in 2022.
Power Nap. Photo credit: Caroline Sturgess
Power Nap released his debut solo long-player Shaped Canvas in mid-2019, delivering independent radio hits Pizza Man and Forever Man. Dinosaurs is set for release early 2022 via Sunreturn.