Jetset With Indie Music’s New It-Guy: Japanese Wallpaper

We first got wind of this indie band when Evan Molineux threw down 13 New Australian Musicians Deserve Your Undivided Attention.

Japanese Wallpaper, an up and coming solo artist by the name of Gab Strum, immediately caught our attention with melodic vocals that reverberate off of chill, electronic hooks. The transient vibe is sweet and melancholy, with vocals that loop and harmonize hypnotically. The kid’s like temporal ventriloquist, and he’s pulling on all of the right strings.

At only 17 years old, the word in the music community is that Gab is a prodigy. The multi-instrumentalist possesses a comfort and maturity in producing music that is uncanny for someone of his age, and it’s already earned him recognition from indie big guns such as Chet Faker.

His track Breathe In (ft. Wafia) joined the likes of Bon Iver, Coldplay, and Cat Power on the motion picture soundtrack for Wish I Was Here (Zac Braff’s latest independent film), a monumental accomplishment for such a young artist.

Gab took a few minutes to sit down for a Jetset With interview to tell us what’s on his Jetset Playlist and how this indie up-and-comer feels about living on the go.

If your soul embodied a city, which would it be and why?

It would probably be Melbourne, my hometown. It’s hard to explain why, but I feel an incredible connection to the people here and especially to the thriving music culture.

One surprising item you can’t be without on the road (nothing sensible).

My teddy bear in case I get home sick! I’m not much of a rock star.

What is your favorite restaurant in the world and what do you always order?

Not sure if this passes off as a restaurant but there’s this amazing frozen yoghurt bar near my house called Yo-Chi. Can’t go wrong with chocolate fro-yo + strawberries and chocolate sauce.

What artists are on your go-to playlist right now?

The new Flight Facilities album is pretty great; I’ve been listening to that a lot recently! Also this cool American duo Silk Rhodes who just signed to Stones Throw – their album is out of this worlddddddd.

Which do you think is the most beautiful language in the world?

Italian I think! I wish I could understand it, it sounds so melodic.

How you feel about travel in a five word or less statement:

Hmm… it’s worth the jet lag.

Follow the band on Facebook & Instagram.

Check out Soundcloud for fresh downloads, collaborations, and new releases.

Lena Kazer

Lena is a Chicago native, her travel style consists of red cowboy boots that make her feel like she can take over the world. She adores Peru and can't travel without her journal to draw or write in.