Close Counters Unveil LOVERS DANCE ACADEMY – A Celebration of Dance, Soul, and Collective Energy
On 12th February Australian producer duo Close Counters—comprised of Finn Rees and Allan McConnell—deliver their highly anticipated album, LOVERS DANCE ACADEMY. This vibrant body of work brings together soul, broken beat, house, and jazz, wrapped in infectious grooves and exquisite musicianship. Featuring an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Lyric Jones, Tiana Khasi, Allysha Joy, Jace XL, and Shiv, the album is a dynamic testament to the duo’s musical evolution and commitment to uplifting dance culture.
A Journey Through Sound and Movement
LOVERS DANCE ACADEMY is more than just an album—it’s a conceptual space, a sonic club where dance, love, and self-discovery intersect. Close Counters describe it as a metaphor for the power of collective energy in dance music and an actual representation of the team behind the album. Each track tells a story, with themes ranging from freedom and movement (Freedom We’re Needing, Feeling Takes Over Me, On The Move) to personal reflections on love (Waiting All Night, Constant Love). Meanwhile, I’ll Be There for You stands as a collective anthem for unity and support.
The album’s intricate production combines syncopated basslines, organic percussion, and shimmering synth improvisations, crafting a sound that is both energetic and expansive. It captures the live-performance essence that Close Counters have become known for, bringing their signature groove-heavy, jazz-infused electronic sound to new heights.
A Collective Effort
Collaboration has always been at the heart of Close Counters’ music, and LOVERS DANCE ACADEMY is no exception. Beyond the album’s featured vocalists, the duo enlisted an extended family of musicians, including Lucky Pereira, Robyn Poppins, Matthew Hayes, Ryotaro Noshiro, Tiaryn Griggs, Annalisa Fernandez, and Adam Halliwell (of Mildlife). This collaborative spirit fosters a sense of community and celebration, reinforcing the album’s core message of unity through music.
Touring and Global Recognition
To accompany the release, Close Counters embark on their biggest Australian tour to date, following a breakout UK/EU tour where they sold out Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and performed at Lost Village Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, Cabaret Sauvage, and Defected Malta. Back home, the duo has been on a streak of sold-out shows in Melbourne (Northcote Theatre – Northcote Rise Festival, The Corner Hotel, 170 Russell, The Night Cat).
Close Counters’ previous record, SOULACOASTA II, earned them Best Electronic Work at the Music Victoria Awards and received heavy support from Double J, PBS, 2SER, and international tastemakers like Gilles Peterson, Folamour, and Jamz Supernova (BBC 1Xtra / BBC 6 Music). Their 2022 track “Rollout” was featured on the FIFA 23 soundtrack, and their single “SNAP TO IT!” landed a sync placement in Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max campaign.
With LOVERS DANCE ACADEMY, Close Counters continue to solidify their place in the global electronic and jazz-fusion scene, bridging the gap between dancefloor euphoria and soulful introspection.
Album Release Date: 12 February 2025
Pre-Order / Pre-Save: bfan.link/lovers-dance-academy
