Thinking in Textures

Thinking in Textures is the debut EP from Australian musician Nick Murphy, performing under the moniker Chet Faker. Released in early 2012, the record served as a pivotal moment in the 'indie-soul' movement, bridging the gap between traditional R&B songwriting and modern electronic production. The EP gained significant traction following Faker's viral cover of Blackstreet's 'No Diggity,' which showcased his ability to recontextualize classic hip-hop through a lens of dusty, downtempo minimalism. Recorded largely in a home studio environment, the production emphasizes 'textures' as much as melodies, utilizing field recordings, analog synthesizers, and intentional lo-fi grit. The release won Best Independent Release at the 2012 AIR Awards and established Faker as a leading voice in the Australian electronic scene, eventually leading to his breakthrough success in the Triple J Hottest 100. It remains his most cohesive exploration of the 'smoky' aesthetic that would define his early career.