Simon Okely, the artist known as Slow Dancer, crafts music that feels wonderfully out of step with time, in the best possible way. His warm, intimate indie-rock songs are like love letters to the rhythm and blues records of the 60s and 70s, the kind that filled his childhood car journeys along the Australian coast. Heavy on atmosphere and rich with imagination, Slow Dancer’s music invites listeners to escape the present and embrace a timeless sound. “I try not to be too caught up in trends and what’s popular now,” explains the Melbourne-based songwriter, “and just focus in on my passions, my influences.” This dedication to his artistic vision resulted in his debut album Surrender in 2014, a collection of melt-in-your-heart tracks reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac with a touch of Neil Young – a sonic postcard from a bygone era.
Returning in 2017, Slow Dancer unveiled a new single, ‘Don’t Believe,’ and a subsequent album, In A Mood, signaling an evolution in his sound. This new material showcased a “more expansive, more ambitious” approach, delving deeper into the emotional landscape of relationships. While Surrender explored the narratives we create around love, In A Mood navigates the shifting moods that can permeate even the closest connections. “It’s a little more tasteful, involving new instruments, like drum machines and strings,” says Okely. This subtle shift in instrumentation adds layers to his lush tales of budding romance, awkward encounters, and the complexities of fading love, resonating with fans of artists like Mac DeMarco, Tobias Jesso Jr, and Connan Mockasin. Slow Dancer’s music captures the nuanced emotions of love in its various stages, making him a compelling voice in contemporary indie music.
Growing up near Perth, in a small Australian farming town, Okely’s early musical experiences were formative. As a child, he would bring a toy ukulele to church, mimicking the hymns as if it were his own instrument. Later, at age nine, he learned guitar and inherited his grandmother’s piano, opening up a world of musical exploration. He became deeply drawn to the intimate folk of Nick Drake, the soulful rhythm and blues of Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett, and the music of Van Morrison, a childhood favorite that evolved into a rediscovered adoration in adulthood. These diverse influences shaped the musical DNA of Slow Dancer, blending introspective folk with soulful undertones.
In 2013, a move to Melbourne proved pivotal for Okely, providing a fertile ground to cultivate his artistry live. While Melbourne resonated with him personally, the “rugged, beautiful coastal surroundings” of his Perth upbringing continue to profoundly influence his music. He acknowledges the pervasive impact of Perth’s landscape on artists from the region, citing bands like The Triffids, The Panics, and Tame Impala as examples. Okely feels this expansive quality is present in his own work as Slow Dancer, even while creating in a different urban environment. His music evokes a sense of vastness and open spaces, reflecting the landscapes of his youth.
The Slow Dancer project officially began in 2014 in Melbourne, taking its name from a lyric within a song on Surrender. This lyric, “essentially an instruction manual for slow dancing with someone who is experiencing apathy,” perfectly encapsulated the project’s sentiment and overall sound. The intimate and often melancholic nature of slow dancing is mirrored in his music’s atmosphere. Okely’s creative process is deeply personal and nocturnal. He writes and records alone, late at night, in a bedroom studio that accommodates a surprising array of instruments – drums, piano, guitars, and a bed. “I couldn’t really face the songs during the daylight hours,” he admits. The quiet solitude of late nights, when the world is winding down, allows his mind to awaken creatively. This nocturnal environment is integral to the introspective and intimate feel of Slow Dancer’s music.
“Come as simple as the sun and as steady as a breath,” Slow Dancer sings on his single “Don’t Believe,” set against a backdrop of smooth, slow grooves, tremolo guitar, and poignant strings. His lyrics often explore themes of vulnerability and introspection, inviting listeners into his emotional world. His ambition for this new chapter as Slow Dancer remains grounded in his personal connection to music. “This has always been my journal, my love letter to the music I love,” he reflects. His primary focus is creating music that resonates with him, and any wider appreciation is a welcome bonus. For Simon Okely, the journey as Slow Dancer is a deeply fulfilling exploration of sound and emotion, and he invites you to get lost in time with him and his music.
