The debut EP from Callum MacDonald, operating under the moniker Monsieur Mellow, arrives as a vibrant study in creative autonomy. Known for his contributions to the Brisbane-based outfit daste., MacDonald uses Dreaming In Colour to pivot toward a sound that is both deeply personal and meticulously curated, marking the culmination of an 18-month period of sonic self-discovery.
The EP builds upon a foundation of well-received singles, including the rhythmic pulse of "Paris Strut" and the soulful textures of the Jackson James Smith-assisted "Roll River, Roll." However, it is the title track that serves as the project's true north. "Dreaming In Colour" is a masterclass in slow-burn production, weaving together glowing brass lines and sophisticated vocal samples that feel less like digital chops and more like rediscovered memories. There is a duality present here that is difficult to execute; the music feels intimate enough for late-night headphones yet possesses a rhythmic gravity…
MacDonald’s collaborator choices, featuring Taj Ralph and Jackson James Smith, add layers of warmth to the project, but the spotlight remains firmly on his own evolving intuition. By stripping back his process, MacDonald has moved beyond the constraints of a band dynamic to find a voice that is uniquely his own. The result is a collection of tracks that feel lived-in and honest.
“The journey of Dreaming In Colour has been a lesson in trusting my intuition. I’ve always known I wanted to create my own music. Something I could build, shape, and truly call my own, but for a long time I couldn’t quite define what that would sound or look like.
Over the past 18 months, everything has started to fall into place. By stripping things back and following my instincts, I’ve felt a real sense of reward, both personally and creatively. The music I’ve made reflects where I’m at in life, and in the same way, I feel like the best parts of me have come through in the process. I’m enjoying it all, not just the end result, but the process of getting there.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with such talented artists as Jackson James Smith and Taj Ralph, and I feel genuinely grateful to have them be part of this project. I’m excited to continue growing the Monsieur Mellow world through future collaborations, but right now, I feel like I’m truly living my dream in colour.”
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