Blake Appelqvist

About the Artist

Bio: Naarm-based artist Blake Appelqvist (they/them) crafts intimate alternative pop at the intersection of songwriting, R&B, and electronic influence. Drawing inspiration from Frank Ocean, James Blake, and Daniel Caesar, their music explores longing, memory, desire, and the quiet tensions that linger between people. Following their feature on Self Tape’s “Hold”, named Triple J Unearthed’s Track of the Day, Blake now turns their focus to their debut solo releases. Beginning with CALI and continuing with IKYLT, these songs showcase an artist drawn to emotional honesty, cinematic storytelling, and pop music that leaves space to breathe. IKYLT has since received support from Triple J Unearthed radio, Happy Mag, and independent Australian music tastemakers. Outside of their solo work, Blake has contributed to several original Australian musical theatre recordings, including the ARIA-nominated FANGIRLS Cast Recording, bringing a performer’s instinct for storytelling into every release. Song Info: IKYLT is an alternative dance track about that strange kind of connection you can only get with a stranger at night — when everything feels a bit more open than it should. it blends pulsing electronic production with really intimate vocals, inspired by artists like james blake, sitting between club energy and late-night reflection. the track lives in the world of a house party pool at 3am — blurred lights, conversations fading out, and that moment where you’re not sure if the night is ending or just shifting into something else.