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| The Presets | |
|---|---|
| Name | The Presets |
| Background | group_or_band |
| Origin | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Members | Julian Hamilton; Kim Moyes |
| Labels | Modular Recordings; Future Classic |
The Presets are an Australian electronic music duo formed in Sydney, New South Wales, consisting of Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes. They emerged from the Australian indie and dance scenes in the early 2000s, gaining prominence through a blend of dancefloor-oriented production and pop songwriting that connected with audiences in Australia, Europe, and North America. The group achieved commercial success and critical acclaim, with charting albums, festival appearances, and industry awards.
Hamilton and Moyes first crossed paths in Sydney's music circles after participating in local scenes associated with Sydney Festival, Big Day Out, and venues around New South Wales. Both members had roots in different Australian projects and conservatory study: Hamilton performed with acts linked to Bluebottle Kiss and worked on songwriting influenced by touring circuits such as Splendour in the Grass and Livid Festival, while Moyes played in bands that intersected with the Sydney Opera House contemporary programs and electronic collectives connected to Modular Recordings collaborators. The pair formally formed their duo during the early 2000s, engaging with producers and engineers who had worked with artists on labels including Modular Recordings, and benefiting from the international attention on Australian acts sparked by tours to SXSW, Glastonbury Festival, and European club circuits like Fabric and Berghain.
Their sound synthesizes elements from electronic genres and live instrumentation, drawing on precedents from acts and movements associated with Kraftwerk, New Order, and Depeche Mode, as well as contemporary electronic producers affiliated with Warp Records and Ninja Tune. Melodic and harmonic aspects show lineage to songwriters linked to The Beatles, David Bowie, and Prince, while rhythmic and production choices reflect influences from House music, Techno, and Synth-pop traditions tied to clubs like Rex Club and festivals such as Tomorrowland. They have cited inspirations among peers and mentors in the Australasian scene connected to Nick Cave collaborators, producers who worked with Tame Impala and Cut Copy, and international DJs from the circuits of Carl Cox and Sasha. Their aesthetic also resonates with visual and performance art traditions associated with institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and international multimedia collectives.
The duo released early singles and EPs through labels connected to Modular Recordings before issuing full-length albums that charted on the ARIA Charts and drew attention from outlets covering Triple J-featured artists. Key releases include breakthrough albums that received acclaim alongside contemporaneous releases by Gotye, Empire of the Sun, and Kylie Minogue collaborations within the Australian pop and electronic zeitgeist. Internationally, their records reached listeners in markets influenced by tastemakers from BBC Radio 1, Pitchfork, and club-focused publications referencing artists like Daft Punk and The Chemical Brothers. Their discography shows progression from dancefloor singles to full-band arrangements that were played on tours supporting acts in festivals such as Coachella, Primavera Sound, and Parklife Festival. Studio collaborators and mixers associated with their albums have included engineers and producers who also worked with artists on XL Recordings, Universal Music Group, and independent imprints linked to Future Classic.
They built a reputation as an energetic live act across venues and festivals tied to international touring networks, performing at events such as Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Glastonbury Festival, Lollapalooza, and Australian festivals like Splendour in the Grass and Laneway Festival. Their stage shows incorporated lighting and visual design practices akin to productions found at Jazz Festivals and electronic showcases at clubs including Output (club) and Ministry of Sound. They supported and toured with peers whose fanbases overlap with LCD Soundsystem, Robyn, and M83, and shared bills with legacy acts present at curated festival stages organized by promoters such as Live Nation and Sonic Management. Their touring circuits included headline runs in Europe, North America, and Asia, engaging audiences in cities like London, Berlin, New York City, Los Angeles, and Tokyo.
The duo received industry recognition in Australia, including nominations and wins at ceremonies connected to the Australian Recording Industry Association and airplay milestones on national broadcasters such as Triple J. Honors placed them alongside awardees like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Tame Impala, and Sia in national music award histories. Critical acclaim came from outlets and institutions that spotlight contemporary music, including features in publications and festival programming decisions by organizations like MX and broadcasters such as ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), further cementing their status among prominent Australian electronic artists.
Outside their primary releases, Hamilton and Moyes engaged in production, remixing, and songwriting projects involving artists and institutions across pop and electronic fields. Collaborators and remix subjects have included musicians associated with Kylie Minogue, Robyn, Peaches, and bands on labels such as Modular Recordings and Future Classic. Individually, they participated in studio work and guest appearances with artists connected to Tame Impala sessions, producers from Dirty Projectors-adjacent circles, and remix exchanges with DJs prominent in circuits like Carl Cox and Sasha & John Digweed. Their side endeavors also involved scoring and curatorial input for events at venues such as the Sydney Opera House and festivals like Vivid Sydney.
Category:Australian electronic music groups Category:Musical duos from New South Wales