For Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles, 2014 was the year the Duk landed. The Canberra, Australia-bred electronic music act, better known in clubland as Peking Duk, has enjoyed a breakout year which has included an AIR Award, an international deal with Sony Music and their first-ever nomination at the upcoming ARIA Awards.
The duo has been flying with the hit “High,” which crossed Australia’s clubs, charts and airwaves. The track and others (including follow-up “Take Me Over” featuring electro-indie three-piece Safia) have been released through Vicious Recordings, the label co-founded by Andy Van, the producer who enjoyed a U.K No. 1 with his own duo Madison Avenue. “High” was the third successive Peking Duk track to hit the pinnacle of the ARIA Club Chart, following “Feels Like” and “The Way You Are.” It opened at No. 40 on the ARIA Singles Chart in February and by April had climbed as high as No. 5.
“High,” which features the vocal talents of Nicole Millar and is now certified double platinum (140,000 units), took out best independent dance/electronica or club single at the Independent Music Awards in early October. They’re also up for best dance release at the Nov. 26 ARIA Awards, their first nomination at the Australian record industry’s showpiece event.
Adam is keeping tight-lipped on Peking Duk’s full-length artist album. “We have a lot of music in the works and a lot of exciting collaborations. We’re trying to keep most of it under wraps at the moment so when we have the final product it will be a present to the people.” They’ve been giving their fans a “cheeky sneak peek” at new music during their live shows, which have included dates at Splendour in the Grass, Groovin’ The Moo, Field Day, Falls Festival and the Big Day Out festivals. In August, they became the first DJs to sell out four shows at Melbourne’s 850-capacity Corner Hotel. The gigs were part of a 12-date Peace, Love & Sweatiness Tour, where every show was a sell-out. Soon after, they bagged a new global deal with Sony Music Entertainment Australia, in conjunction with RCA Records in the U.S.
Peking Duk is keen to spread its wings Stateside. “We’ll be heading out to the States and the U.K. throughout next year to spread the Duk love over the pond,” Adam notes. “We’ll definitely be getting over there soon.” Dates at SXSW, Ruby Skye, and Miami’s Winter Music Conference helped set up the recent release of “High” through RCA.
The plan for the months ahead, says Adam, is to be “writing music every day and dancing every night.” There’s little rest during Australia’s baking-hot holiday season. The outfit’s touring itinerary includes the national Stereosonic tour, Beyond the Valley festival, then Field Day in Sydney on New Year’s Day.