Neil O’hardty (real name Curtis Fearon) has been toiling away at his unique brand of DIY trap since he was 15. Under the name Blackheart, Curtis has already released five albums, numerous collaborative tracks and remixes, and played dozens of live shows during his time in Melbourne alone. Praised for its cross-dimensional approach to bedroom-produced hip-hop, Blackheart/Neil O’hardty draws influences from his contemporaries such as Toro y Moi and Travis Scott, but also a heavy dose of nerd-culture and anime.

Now living in New York, and re-labelling the project to Neil O’hardty, Curtis isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. His new LP Angels Are Apparent has just been released through one-to-watch Queensland indie label Tenth Court, and its 13 tracks manifest a perpetual growth as both an artist and producer. 

‘Recently’ is a great example of how effortless an accomplished producer can make their music seem. The track boasts a small amount of sonic layers and a simple arrangement, yet uses what it does have with an adept precision that intensifies its mood and highlights Curtis’ creative vision. The heavy trap rhythms and blaring sub are in perfect juxtaposition to the melancholic sweetness of the synth-loops and smooth, slightly tuned vocals. 

The video itself is a relatable dive into isolation. Curtis in his bedroom studio, flicking through Photobooth effects on his mac - the software struggling to differentiate his image from the gaudy backgrounds as he rolls smokes, raps along and mostly just vibes. This DIY aesthetic is coupled perfectly with Neil’s honest and personal lyrics: big dreams of travel and success contrast drearily with self-doubt and that feeling of being stuck in one place. Something we’ve all had a taste of recently.