Divide and Dissolve, Takiaya Reed (saxophone, guitar, live effects) and Sylvie Nehill (drums, live effects), are a heavy two-piece from Melbourne who create music designed to decolonise, dismantle white supremacy and empower people of colour and Indigenous people the world over. Their new album Abomination is a culmination of their experiences over eight instrumental tracks, drawing inspiration from their ancestors, rivers, forests and bodies of water. We chat to the duo.
Congratulations on the release of the single ‘Resistance’! What has the response been like so far?
It seems very positive. We are super proud of our work. It’s so incredible to hear people say that the music is unlike anything else out there. We can’t wait to share Abomination (the album) with everyone.
Basic [debut LP] was a pretty big success! What were some of your favourite things that came off the back of it?
We learned a lot about ourselves as musicians and are so excited to learn so much more. It has been amazing to be able to share the music from that album with lots of people. In London we got a chance to play Decolonise Fest. Basic won The Age Music Victoria Award for best heavy album. The best things that could possibly come from making the album are Black and Indigenous people feeling a sense of empowerment.
You are some of the few Australian’s performing at this year’s SXSW! What are you most looking forward to about the festival?
Really looking forward to performing and meeting new people!
Is there an artist you are most looking forward to meeting, or hoping to meet at SXSW?
Really excited to see Yamantaka/Sonic Titan.
You’re also supporting US band Poliça on a couple of their US shows. How did that come about?
We first connected with Polica after they posted about one of our tshirts which says ‘destroy white supremacy’. We will be playing at 1st Avenue and Thalia Hall with Polica which is exciting. Can’t wait to meet them and share music.
What are you most excited about this year’s journey to the US?
Getting to play music every day. How lucky we are to be able to do this? We can’t wait to see all the wonderful people. SXSW is surely going to be an experience. We are just excited to be doing what we are doing and feel extremely grateful for all the loving support we have in the so-called United States.
Thanks for chatting with us! What comes next for Divide and Dissolve?
So much is happening. Back to so-called Australia in April. Heading to Europe later in the year. It has already been a massive year, so we are so excited to keep this up and to keep on elevating.
Release: Abomination via Dero Arcade
Image by Tasha Tylee