FRAZER MCDONALD

Deep within the crevasses of Newcastle, Australia their lives the songwriting, hangover-fighting puff of smoke they call Frazer Ray McDonald. The drummer and master creative for two East Coast gems Rum Jungle (indie rock) and Fungas (garage psych project), Frazer writes sweet, sweet ditties that'll make you wanna dance and cry till you puke. His solo work is quite versatile from producing music behind Calvin Klein advertisements to local surf video projects.

Living a life in constant international transit provides a spice to Frazers' creativity that never slows down as he experiences the world as a hungry youth. Frazer feels passionate about odd aesthetics and believes that “unique expressions are important” to him and this is clearly shown through the influence and energy he attempts to bring to his surroundings and work.

A rhythm-first player with instinct, grit, and a seriously strong pocket, Frazer started drumming at 12 years old. Since then making low, dead, punchy sounding drums his staple sound. Joining Rum Jungle at just 16, Frazer’s become a driving force behind the band’s evolving sound: a blend of 60s surf rock and indie edge. Live, he brings presence. From regional pubs to packed festival stages across Australia, the UK, and the US, Frazer holds the room with ease and wishes to fully involve the brands he works with into that lifestyle. “I want to believe in what I’m doing and I want align personally with the people I’m collaborating with”.

Frazer prioritises originality and it seems to come naturally in his style that’s shaped by influences such as Ty Segal, MGMT, Zac Olsen (of Traffik Island, ORB etc.), The Clean, Pavement, Tyler the Creator, Parquet Courts, Spaceman3, Lou Reed, Daniel Johnston…the list goes on.

Off stage, he’s hands-on in shaping the creative direction of all projects he involves himself in not always chasing perfection, but chasing feel. A proud creative and passionate artist, Frazer is a metronome with confidence and an advocate for dynamics. He’s got that rare ability to keep things steady, strong and linear in some cases while still sounding alive; expressive, natural, and always hooky.