SPT.IMG.005: Assassins 88 – Lonely Masturbator

ASSASSINS 88 return with ‘Lonely Masturbator’ a cover and reimagining of a Jonny Telafone original.

Jonny Telafone is a bedroom auteur and solo artist that has maintained a prolific musical
output since 2007. Originally from Newcastle, Jonny Telafone spent years in Canberra
developing his output before relocating to Melbourne. In 2012 legendary Melbourne label
Chapter Music released a best of, compiling the highlights of Telafone’s diverse and
eclectic digital output. Jonny Telefone’s output has covered everything from folk, alt-rock,
synth pop and R&B.
Meeting Jonny Telafone in the first year of university, members of Assassins 88 were
immediately drawn to the craftsmanship and raw talent from his MySpace page. “Seeing
someone you know create this incredible output for free with nothing more than a laptop
and a practice amp was hugely inspirational” says Lachlan Thomas, bassist and producer
for Assassins 88, “it was like sorcery and we have kept that wonder and ethos with every
project we have made since.” Tim Guthrie, singer and drummer for Assassins 88 adds
“Jonny Telafone is able to balance this incredible sense of humour and playfulness with
absolute sincerity and introspection. This is the kind of music we still love and want to
champion”.
Assassins 88 will release a full album of Jonny Telafone covers in June 2025 via
Spitting.img Records.

Recorded by LA Thomas
Written by Jonny Telafone
Mastered by David Forcier
Artwork by Assassins 88