FOSS on the transformational act of a creative reset
In the Winter of 2020, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Romain Collin traveled to Iceland for a creative reset. Due to COVID lockdowns, Collin spent six months in a remote cabin writing music. Upon his return, Collin and multi-Grammy award-winning producer Jeremy Loucas worked for a month. Together, as FOSS, they finished the album Shapeless. Read our Q&A with Collin, where we chat about audio & visual work, working in isolation, being inspired by nature and circumstances, and more.
Rontronik on ‘Zero Eight’
In July, New York producer/DJ/creative director Rontronik (Ron Croudy) released his latest album, Zero Eight. Recorded live, the 40-minute project reflects on the period following the COVID lockdown with its experimental, ambient, and noise-driven sound. Growing up in Flint, Michigan, Croudy was influenced by the Detroit techno and Chicago house scenes, as well as industrial and jazz music. Those sounds would shape his eclectic musical style. After experimenting with electronic music in college and co-founding the label Töshöklabs, Croudy began releasing his own work. Zero Eight, conceived during the transition out of quarantine and initially performed live via streaming, captures the uncertainty and anticipation of a world reopening. We spoke with Rontronik to discuss growing up in Flint, his influences, and more.
Polevaulter’s ‘Hang Wave’ is a sonic doomsday
Polevaulter's debut album "Hang Wave" is a raw, intense fusion of jagged electronic synths and dance-punk influences. UK duo Jon Franz and Daniel Wearmouth, with producer Shaene Hunter, recorded the album live to capture its gritty authenticity. Tracks like "Mia Goth Made Me Do It" and "Pissed in the Baths" evoke sonic anxiety and turmoil, combining aggressive beats and noise. In our Q&A with Jon Franz, we discuss their creative process, political themes, and the struggles of independent artists in today's music industry.
Operator Music Band becomes one with house
Operator Music Band, known for its experimental approach and diverse soundscapes, has evolved from its krautrock roots to embrace house music. The trio, which features Dara Hirsch, Jared Hiller, and Daniel Siles, released their latest EP Four Singles, which showcases dance and acid-house tracks. This transition allows them to explore improvisation and spontaneity, in live performances and studio recordings. In our Q&A, Hirsch and Hiller discussed their creative processes, emphasizing a shift towards programming gear for live shows and collaborative songwriting.
ILTON finds comfort on the dancefloor
Influenced by acts like Dirty Vegas, ATB, and Real Lies, New York electronic artist ILTON makes bangers. His latest EP ‘SAD BOY RAVE’ culminates house, dance-pop, and electronic beats. On the surface, these are dance songs, but dig deeper and you’ll find heartbreak. We connected with ILTON to discuss headlining Coachella, feeling connected to the SAD BOY RAVE brand, sampling as a form of artistic expression, and more
Photo Credit: Bo Apitz
ELI fits the pieces together on Full Form
London artist ELI released her debut EP Full Form late last year. The EP showcases her songwriting and production mastery across genres like soul, trip-hop, and electronic. The four-song project explores themes of frustration, doubt, and alienation, creating an elaborate sonic landscape that mirrors its lyrical content. ELI, influenced by diverse musical genres, discusses her musical journey, genre-bending aspirations, and the evolution of her sound in our Q&A.
Best Songs of 2023
This year we compiled a list of our favorite releases from 2023. Our picks for best songs include poetic hip-hop from LPTHERAPPER and psychedelic rock from Holy Wave. Check out our full list!
Best EPs of 2023
This year we compiled a list of our favorite releases from 2023. Our EP picks include post-punk/industrial duo Polevaulter and London indie rock act Peter Xan. Check out our full list!
Best Albums of 2023
This year we compiled a list of our favorite releases from 2023. Our pick include shoegaze sounds of DAIISTAR to the bewitching rhythms of Karen y Los Remedios. Check out our full list!
La Prave - La Demo(s)
Houston’s La Prave is releasing their debut EP. The post-genre band creates music that pulls from various sounds, from new wave, grunge, pop, and electronic. In our Q&A with the duo, we talk about parallels between different creative outlets, the freedom stemming from being self-taught, the double-edged sword that is social media, and more.
Checking In: Fat Llama, Vol. 6 (London)
In our new series “Checking In,” we explore the local scenes created and fostered by emerging artists. First up is the London label and collective Fat Llama. Known for its pop-up shops, podcast series, and events, the label is fronted by experimental Hip Hop artist JoeJas. Each year, Fat Llama throws a party that highlights up-and-coming indie artists, with ranging influences from punk to electronic to grime. This year’s event included Cheray, Paris Yves, Michael Ekow, retropxssy, and JoeJas. Read our interviews with the artists and check out photos from the event!
The Seshen Finds Release on Nowhere
The Seshen, the six-piece electronic/R&B/indie rock band out of Oakland, has been around for over a decade. Their new album Nowhere, reflects the emotional journey of band members Lalin St. Juste and Akiyoshi Ehara. The two found solace in music when their marriage came to an end. The album explores the unwinding of the pair’s relationship through deeply personal and introspective lyrics. Despite their challenges, the album showcases the band's unbreakable bond. In our interview, we discuss turning to songwriting to find release, the album’s production, the definition of success, and more.
Photo Credit: Ginger Fierstein
Van Common Looks Inward on Sunstruck
Berlin-based songwriter/producer Van Common set strict parameters before recording his debut album Sunstruck. Instead, the album took shape organically, stretching outside of those restrictions. The result is a mostly electronic, indie-pop dance album on which Van Common looks inward and analyzes the impact of his actions. In our interview with the Dutch musician, we discuss discovering instrumental dance music, the challenges of learning to create music on a laptop, translating the album to a live setting, and more.
Photo Credit: Hannah Aletta