Running Touch

Robustt

Alex Hosking

Supported by ROBUSTT & Alex Hosking 

  

Chippendale is turning up the volume as the Chippendale Gig Trail brings a night of live music and discovery to the precinct as part of Great Southern Nights.

Music lovers are invited to wander the neighbourhood and experience a curated lineup of performances across some of Chippendale’s most iconic pubs, bars and underground venues. With each stop just a short walk away, the trail offers an easy way to explore a diverse mix of artists and genres throughout the night.

The most legendary names in music refuse to be boxed in. Prince, Madonna, N.E.R.D — all are singular artists not bound to any particular style or genre. This chameleonic quality can also be found in Australia’s Running Touch, a fiercely versatile talent and one of the countries hottest exports. 

Now boasting more than 250 million streams and several multi-platinum certifications, the multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer-songwriter has already drummed up plenty of attention at home and overseas. 

There’s been an APRA win for Best Dance Record (for “Better Together”, with Hayden James). A sold out album tour supporting the 2022 release of his acclaimed debut solo LP Carmine, streamed 27 million times and followed by a surprise performance at Coachella. Recent life-changing moments touring with Lastlings (USA) and Chase Atlantic in Australia, New Zealand and London – performing to 15,000 people over three sold out nights at the Eventim Apollo. Support slots for the likes of ZHU and Odesza, two sold out headline nights at the Forum and on top of a mountain in Hakuba Japan for the infamous ‘CERCLE’ to name just a couple of major moments, and an ever-growing audience captivated by Running Touch’s winning blend of authenticity, humility and fearlessness. More than just another name on an overcrowded electronic music circuit, Running Touch’s dexterity and daring is the sign of a true artist.

It’s not surprising when you consider his prodigal beginnings. After learning drums, piano and guitar at a young age, Touch co-founded his first band at just 13 years old, the combustive alt-metal group Ocean Grove. He still works with the platinum-selling band in the studio, and also forms half of audacious art-techno duo Adult Art Club, but his solo Running Touch project is the most personal and impressive distillation of his talents. Fusing elements of his hardcore beginnings with lashings of R&B, tech-house and pop, the Running Touch sound is utterly distinctive, yet always evolving. For the first time after his debut LP ‘CARMINE’, a pair of fresh RT singles kick off the latest chapter. 

“Lost” is a deep, expansive slice of dance-pop. Set to deceptively sunny synth stabs and guitar licks, RT’s searching, soulful vocal tells the story of getting swept away by lust, and the claustrophobia that follows as the fire burns out and the relationship feels hollow. The similarly moody “I Can’t Wait All Night” describes cutting ties with an elusive lover; someone who’s a source of excitement, but not comfort. Clattering percussion, murky pads and plaintive keys cast a dark atmosphere, but propulsive arrangements keep the track firmly rooted to the dancefloor. 

Inspired by mixed media, poetry, literature, movie scripts and travels, Running Touch’s lyrics are sincere and emotive, imbuing personal observations with the drama and romance found in the finest works of art. The accompanying music is brooding, dark and sexy as often as it is heartfelt, highly danceable and frequently fun. It’s the sound of a real one giving it everything he’s got, unafraid to push the boundaries as he boldly navigates unexplored terrain.

After a period of profound growth as a person and musician, the Running Touch project is now at its most fully-formed, with an enhanced focus on vocals and live performance and a determined step into the spotlight. Beloved by Gen Z women in particular, Running Touch cuts a sensitive and sensual figure on stage, his years of playing in live bands arming him with the confidence to rock a captivated crowd. Marrying his well-honed studio and performance skills with the unmatched energy and raw emotion of the hardcore scene he cut his teeth in, RT has come full circle in 2024. Like most groundbreaking artists, Running Touch is something of an outsider in electronic music, but he has no interest in conforming to industry expectations. Instead, he’s embracing and celebrating his points of difference, lighting his own path and picking up millions of fans along the way.

Whichever way he pivots, one thing’s for sure: Running Touch is going to hit the ground running and immediately start kicking goals. A new era is on the horizon in 2025 and with  every release, RT continues to reach new heights. Even as he heads down the road less travelled, the Running Touch journey feels both thrilling and assured.

Running Touch

Event Description

The Chippendale Gig Trail With Running Touch

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Performing Artists