The Totem Spirit Animals “Get My Groove”

In the evocative realm of sound, few rival the dynamism of “The Totem Spirit Animals”. These trailblazers aren’t just another musical duo; they are a testament to tenacity and unwavering collaboration. From the coastal shores of Fremantle, Western Australia, emerge Eddie Bouchard and Nic D’Adamo. Sonic alchemists whose diverse musical lineage meld into a soundscape unparalleled.

A soundscape that straddles the sphere of Alt-Pop and Electro Rock, setting them apart from their contemporaries.

Eddie’s musical odyssey began in his childhood with the unmistakable crackle of Beatles vinyl records. As the years passed, Eddie undertook an expansive evolution. He was initially captivated by the unbridled intensity of thrash titans like Slayer, Sepultura, and Metallica before being lured by the rebellious spirit of So-Cal punk bands like Pennywise and The Offspring.

However, it was the shadowy embrace of Black Sabbath, coupled with the gritty, desert-inspired riffs of Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age that truly anchored his musical soul. The disbanding of his alt-rock group, ‘El Horizonte’, marked a transformative phase for Eddie. Freed from the constraints of heavy guitar driven music he wandered into the evocative realms of Tom Waits and Nick Drake, dove into Delta Blues, saluted the lyrical mastery of ’90s Hip Hop, and even explored mainstream pop to deepen his understanding of music.

His journey didn’t stop there: the world of Electronica beckoned him. He drew inspiration from both mainstream icons like Daft Punk and Deadmau5 and underground luminaries like Trentemøller and Oliver Koletzki. Today, Eddie epitomizes a rich and expansive musical journey. Drawing from a rich tapestry of influences, his work is characterized by meticulous production, compelling guitar riffs, and chameleonic vocals that seamlessly bridges various genres, imbuing their music with a unique depth and richness.

In parallel, Nic’s passion for music was evident early on in primary school which was indelibly painted with memories of singing The Beach Boys’ harmonies with his best friend. As he navigated his pivotal adolescent years, Nic found himself deeply immersed in the tumultuous sonic waves of the ’90s. From the visceral cadences of grunge pioneers such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam to the kaleidoscopic undertones of Smashing Pumpkins, and the electrifying industrial overtones of Nine Inch Nails. His musical palate broadened further with the discovery of the alt sounds from bands like Wilco and Gorillaz, as well as the trailblazing brilliance of Radiohead and Bonobo.

Along his journey, he also revisited and fell in love with the timeless charm of classic rock, especially the Doors. Living in England ushered in a new chapter, as he found himself entranced by the pulsating, rhythmic beats of Pendulum, Prodigy, Infected Mushroom, and the distinctive movement of UK Breaks. Today, Nic’s musical narrative is a masterful testament, an amalgamation of his eclectic influences. His oeuvre shimmers with jangly atmospheric guitar melodies intertwined with quirky synths, vibrant breakbeats, and off-kilter percussion patterns, infusing a rejuvenated vigor and twist into the duo’s emblematic sound.

Their shared history can be traced back to an ordinary suburban supermarket in Perth, Western Australia. It was here that casual conversations transitioned into profound musical discourses, setting the foundation of their partnership. Fate briefly took them on different international journeys, but serendipity reunited them years later in a Perth recording studio. In an unexpected turn, both were engrossed in overlapping sessions with their previous bands at Studio Couch – Edward with “Rogues on the Sea” and Nic with “Ghost Chorus” – unbeknownst to each other. Sensing the hand of fate after realizing this, they quickly united their creative spirits, giving life to ‘The Totem Spirit Animals’.

The creation of their debut album, “The Way We Feel!”, is a testament to their dedication and craftsmanship. Not only did they craft the songs, but they also took the reins, engineering and producing all the music themselves for the first time. From various makeshift studios in personal spaces to a serene mountaintop cabin in Balingup, they embraced every setting. Even in a world rocked by the pandemic, they leveraged teleconferencing to sustain their creative momentum.

Together, they are “The Totem Spirit Animals” – a harmonious clash of Eddie’s rhythmic sensibilities and rock spirit with Nic’s grunge roots and eclectic explorations. As their varied inspirations intertwine, the result is as electrifying as it is nostalgic. It’s more than just music; it’s a symphony of past and present, an anthem to their collective odyssey.

-Official bio