While the smooth R&B vibrations of daste. continue to echo across the Australian music scene, core member Callum MacDonald is carving out a distinct, vibrant new path. This week marks the official unveiling of his solo moniker, Monsieur Mellow, a project that swaps polished soul for a sun-drenched, "rough around the edges" aesthetic.
The debut offering, ‘Paris Strut’, serves as a masterclass in atmosphere. It isn't just a track; it's a rhythmic travelogue born from the momentum of a recent UK and European tour. Rather than sticking to familiar territory, MacDonald used his time on the road to absorb a global palette of sounds, resulting in a jazz-house gem that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unbothered.
“After returning home from touring Europe with my band daste., the time on the road left me deeply inspired by Caribbean, reggae, disco, and funk. For the first time I felt a clear sense of direction for music that existed outside of the band,” MacDonald explains.
That sense of direction is palpable. ‘Paris Strut’ is anchored by a cleverly chopped, emotive a cappella sample from Parbleu’s ‘Pas de Saints Au Paradis’. MacDonald weaves this vocal thread through a tapestry of live-feeling instrumentation—think understated percussion, warm guitar licks, and a bassline with just the right amount of bounce. The result is a production that breathes with the organic energy of a live jam session rather than a rigid studio construction.
“This project is about following instinct, world influences, and creating groove-setting music that feels raw and rough around the edges,” he says.
True to its name, the track carries a certain effortless swagger, reminiscent of a confident stroll through the French capital’s winding arrondissements. It prioritises "groove over gloss," favouring a lived-in warmth that is often lost in modern electronic production.
While fans of daste. can rest easy knowing the band has fresh material slated for 2026, Monsieur Mellow offers a fascinating glimpse into MacDonald’s individual psyche. With a full EP already finished and waiting in the wings, ‘Paris Strut’ is a stellar first step into a world where musical freedom and instinctive rhythm lead the way.
You can join the Monsieur Mellow project today on Instagram and TikTok.
