In the coastal haven of Gold Coast, Australia, where sun-drenched beaches meet the fervent hum of an underground music scene, Jed A. Walters is crafting a distinctive auditory universe through his project, Chiffon Magnifique. A seasoned musician and producer, Walters has long been a luminary within the passionate tapestry of Gold Coast's left-field music community, particularly as a catalyst for the analog electronics revival and experimental rock.
Before the birth of Chiffon Magnifique, Walters lent his creative prowess to the experimental synth/drums duo, Tesla Cøils, from 2013 to 2020. Their sonic explorations laid the foundation for a newfound freedom of expression within the local avant-garde music circles.
Chiffon Magnifique, an amalgamation of Walters' eclectic musical tastes, draws inspiration from the guitar-driven post-punk of the late 1970s and the DIY spirit of early 1980s minimal wave. Nestled between these temporal soundscapes, Walters finds solace in themes of sincere detachment, a sentiment that resonates deeply with his all-black-wearing, shy, and detached persona in the sunny coastal town. He humorously reflects, "When you’re an all-black wearing, shy and detached individual living in my sunny and beachy hometown, sometimes you feel like you’re leading a subculture of one."
Yet, paradoxically, it is this sense of detachment and alienation that fuels Walters' creative process. Chiffon Magnifique’s sonic landscape is one of brooding melancholy, where baritone booms, angry shrieks, and wavering cries intermingle with the morbid backdrop of analog synthesizers, drum machines, strangled guitars, and chasm-like reverb—all conceived within the confines of Walters' home studio.
The debut single and video, "Abomination," released in late 2021, marked the unveiling of Chiffon Magnifique's newfound darkness, earning airplay on Brisbane’s community radio station 4zzz. Subsequent releases, such as "Ice Witch" and "Cyanide," garnered international acclaim within post-punk and minimal wave communities, supported by platforms like Post-Punk.com and Yami Spechie.
In 2023, Chiffon Magnifique returns with a glimpse into the upcoming album, "Anxietika," through the single "Witches Falls." This melancholic ballad delves into themes of desperation and isolation, using mournful echoed guitar, building beats, and melting synths to create a haunting ode to Walters' favourite rainforest escape.
In live performances, Chiffon Magnifique transforms into an immersive experience. Walters orchestrates a sonic journey, combining echoey and modified guitar tones reminiscent of Cocteau Twins, synth samples worthy of a John Carpenter score, and rumbling drum machine tracks that resonate through the venue. With Walters' theatrical stage presence and dry humour, Chiffon Magnifique shows become a safe space for all creatures to revel in the enigmatic allure of post-punk noir. Influenced by the likes of Martin Dupont, The Soft Moon, Xeno & Oaklander, and Molchat Doma, Walters invites audiences to cathartically immerse themselves in the fresh sounds of Chiffon Magnifique—an odyssey through the shadows of sonic expression.