Echoes and Edges: RiDylan's Sonic Landscape in 'Switch 8'

Navigating the Electronic Labyrinth: RiDylan's Artistic Odyssey
RiDylan, a moniker that Dylan Gauthier wears with pride, is not just a name but a symbol of innovation in the electronic music scene. Hailing from the vibrant streets of Vancouver, he has become a central figure in the underground music community, known for his pulsating energy and eclectic performances. His journey, marked by an unyielding pursuit of musical exploration, has seen him evolve from a local artist to an international performer. RiDylan's approach to music is characterized by a willingness to experiment and a keen sense of the evolving landscape of electronic sounds.

The Harmonic Convergence: Decoding RiDylan's Sound
RiDylan's discography is a kaleidoscope of electronic genres, showcasing his versatility and passion for sonic exploration. His tracks often blur the lines between jungle, acid, breakbeat, and braindance, creating a unique blend that resonates with a wide audience. His music is not just heard; it's experienced—a journey through varied landscapes of sound. Each album and EP released under labels like Cock Rock Disco and Planet Euphorique is a chapter in his ongoing story, revealing his growth as an artist and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

Inside 'Switch 8': A Journey Through RiDylan's Latest Creation
'Switch 8' stands as a significant milestone in RiDylan's career. This EP is a vivid expression of his artistic vision, merging the nostalgic echoes of old-school rave with the intricate layers of modern electronic music. Each track in the EP is a testament to his skillful blend of diverse electronic elements, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new. The EP's tracks, including the standout remix of "Turbocide" by Laxenanchaos, are a showcase of RiDylan's ability to construct complex, yet accessible electronic compositions.

Discover RiDylan's music and the 'Switch 8' EP:

• RiDylan on Bandcamp: RiDylan - Bandcamp

• Official Website: RiDylan

• 'Switch 8' on Bandcamp: Switch 8 - Bandcamp

• Defunkt Records: Defunkt Records

Album Art by Daniel Gonzalez

• Instagram: dan_gonzo

Mastering by Julien "Stazma" Guillot

• Website: Electric Voyage Studio
  

Sonic Cinema 43- Music videos from Alias, Pasocom Music Club, and Montañera

Alias's latest single, "CURSED," pulsates with an enigmatic energy that diverges from the artist's previous works. Embracing a synth-driven, post-punk ethos, the track captivates with a compressed and distorted synth-bass line, setting an intense and darkly rhythmic ambiance. Through vivid storytelling, Alias navigates a compelling narrative of turmoil and resilience, encapsulating a scenario where control amidst chaos becomes pivotal. The absence of guitars marks a bold departure, showcasing Alias's experimental prowess. "CURSED" serves as a magnetic entry point, resonating with its vibrant sonic landscape and narrative depth, solidifying Alias's daring musical evolution and innovative exploration within the realm of post-punk.

Pasocom Music Club's "Ufo-Mie (feat. The Hair Kid) - original mix" is a sonic voyage through retro-infused electronica, intertwining nostalgic ‘90s synth elements with a contemporary flair. This track encapsulates their signature style, melding vibrant beats and effervescent melodies. Featuring The Hair Kid's vocals, it exudes a captivating energy, seamlessly blending pop sensibilities with an underground vibe. The composition's dynamic fusion of dance sub-genres showcases Pasocom Music Club's finesse in creating a hypnotic and catchy sonic experience. "Ufo-Mie" stands as a testament to the duo's ability to transcend time, bridging electronic music's rich history with an innovative, forward-looking approach.

Montañera's "A Flor de Piel" is a groundbreaking venture defying Latin music norms, weaving ambient tapestries with ethereal synths and emotive, beatless compositions. María Mónica Gutiérrez's enigmatic vocals guide a mesmerizing exploration of profound emotions across this transformative third solo album. Collaborating with Rizomagic, the album defies genre boundaries, merging ambient, pop, and experimental electronics, marking a reinvention of contemporary Latin music. The lead single, "Un Día Voy a Ser Mariposa," delves into rebirth post-separation, embodying the album's profound themes. With collaborations from Cankita and Las Cantadoras de Yerba Buena, "A Flor de Piel" stands as Montañera's boldest sonic odyssey, and is out now via Western Vinyl.

Exploring the Garden of Sound: The Artistry of Alaskan Tapes

Brady Kendall, the composer behind the musical project Alaskan Tapes, has built a substantial musical catalog with his attention to detail and acute creativity. He seamlessly blends ambient sound, striking string arrangements and unexpected guitar elements to create unique soundscapes made to envelope and enchant the listener. Alaskan Tapes' music can also be heard in a plethora of short films, including "Birth Pangs", “Childhood Trauma” and “Mag Sein” by Eliot Rausch, “ABADDON” by Rogerio Silva, and the new documentary "Harvest Season" by Bernardo Ruiz. With over 100 million streams, Brady continues to captivate audiences with his innovative vision, which is showcased in his 2023 full-length album, "Who Tends a Garden".

Support Alaskan Tapes- Who Tends A Garden over on Bandcamp

Inspired by an old book he found on a trip to the Adirondacks, "Who Tends a Garden" delves into the dual meaning of a garden, both literally and metaphorically. Whether digging into the dirt of one’s backyard or arranging soundscapes from seed to harvest, Kendall has cultivated an intimate album of warm tones and earthy atmosphere. The boundary between field recordings plucked from the natural world and strings and keys carefully pressed begins to fade away as the album unfolds into waves of texture and tone. With mastering from fellow Toronto musician Chad Skinner at Half Moon Audio, the final result is a 9 track journey of lush soundscapes and nourishing melodies.

Sun Rain delivers a contemplative experience in his latest EP ‘Pebble/Waters’

His multi-instrumental approach shines though in his capacity to compose rich and relaxing sounds

Toronto-based musician Chad Skinner launched his solo career as Sun Rain in 2019. He is a DJ, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer who explores genres from modern classical, to ambient, and drone, emphasizing downtempo beats. With a versatile set of instrumental skills, he takes a gentle approach to his sound, incorporating classical piano, percussion, and synthesizers to develop intimate connections between the music and the listener. Bringing his unique, contemplative tracks to the forefront, Sun Rain is often seen performing DJ sets in clubs and at festivals to a meditative and introspective crowd.

His latest EP ‘Pebble/Waters’ drops in early April 2022 and features two quiet, relaxing, and heartfelt tracks comprised of improvised soundscapes.

Debuting as Sun Rain in 2019 with his album Sheets, Skinner showed his organic, reflective style that creates a fluid soundscape environment. The album featured rich sonic textures producing an experience of emotional significance and the gravitas of modern classical music. His ability to merge organic sounds with electronic and percussive elements and guitars results in a one-of-a-kind electro-acoustic sound. Since 2019, he has released several singles and EPs, most recently this year he dropped “Willow Tree Testing (Animal Party Remix),” as well as “Ma,” “Woods,” “Real People in Real Places (Reimagined),” and more in 2021.

His latest EP ‘Pebble/Waters’ drops in early April 2022 and features two quiet, relaxing, and heartfelt tracks comprised of improvised soundscapes. Produced with a Maestro electronic piano, electric guitar, Yamaha synthesizer, fx pedals, and tape machines, the EP reveals itself as a labor of love with a generous openness for relaxation that give the listener permission to engage, absorb, and escape.

See more from the artist:

Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram

Sun Rain’s latest album gives the listener space to tell their own story

With quieting tracks, the artist demonstrates a maturity in music composition

Sun Rain is Toronto based producer Chad Skinner who debuted his solo career with the album Sheets in 2019. In addition to his solo career, Skinner also plays with BisonBison and previously played in the electronic duo Snowday. Playing as Sun Rain has brought to life Skinner’s intimate, personal, and reflective style. His multi-instrumental approach incorporates his background in classical piano, as well as percussive beats and synthesizers. Taking inspiration from ambient and drone genres, he produces his own version with a grounding in physicality.

Ma is Sun Rain’s most recent release in 2021, a fruitful year for the artist. He has already released ‘Woods,’ a remix with The Field Tapes and Light of the Woods, ‘Real People in Real Places (Reimagined)’ with Alaskan Tapes, singles from Ma including ‘Phase,’ ‘Friendship in F#M,’ ‘Zenith,’ and ‘Moonwalk,’ plus ‘Breeze Blowing,’ a remix with Zeb Samuels. Last year, he released the EP Ella Gorge, ‘Charcoal,’ ‘Drivved,’ a remix with Vargkvint, and ‘Views from Sixteen Stories,’ a remix with Alaskan Tapes. Finally, in 2019 he released ‘Willow Tree Testing,’ ‘Paper,’ and his debut album of deeply organic sound, Sheets.

The new album takes its name from traditional Japanese culture where ‘Ma’ refers to the artistic interpretation of an empty space, and the equal importance that negative space holds in relation to positive space in an art piece. The musicality of the album reflects that sentiment in the stillness and space created through the compositions. Building to slow peaks and crescendos, Sun Rain produces an album that both takes a listener on a journey, while leaving room for the listener to bring their own story. The quiet and calm is balanced by a cinematic feeling that leaves the listener in a meditative sense of awareness.

See more from the artist:

Spotify | Instagram | Website

Korea Town Acid’s latest album represents a creative milestone for the artist

Recorded in the height of the COVID pandemic, KTA made the most of her circumstances

Korea Town Acid is a Toronto-based musician named Jessica Cho, who recently released her new album Metamorphosis. Raised playing piano as a child growing up in Seoul, Cho has always held her classical training at her core as she makes a name for herself in electronic music. Known for her experimental sound, Cho is able to elegantly merge sounds from genres including UK future bass, glitch, jungle, and alternative hip hop, with her own touch of movement and texture in her multi-medium post-production processes.

KTA released her single ‘WANT U’ in 2019, followed by ‘Eclipse,’ ‘Jupiter,’ ‘Space Cadet,’ ‘4 am Love Songs,’ and the album Mahogani Forest in 2020. Earlier this year, she released a single entitled ‘Bounce.’ Cho has previously showcased across Canada and in cities around the world including Seoul, NY, Athens, Berlin, London, and Helsinki. NOW magazine named Korea Town Acid one of Toronto’s musicians to watch in 2018, and Mahogany Forest as one of the best albums of the year in 2020.

The latest album, Metamorphosis is entirely self-produced and mixed. Featuring collaborations with a roster of artists including Desiire, Pianwooo, PNSB, and LJ The Alien, the album was made during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Resulting in restricted studio access and tools, the conditions of the pandemic meant an opportunity to collaborate virtually and produce creatively. KTA explains “It actually helped me cut to the chase and focus. Limitation made it open to other possibilities, like being able to collaborate with artists from all over the world like Seoul, LA, and Toronto, remotely, at home.” KTA’s abstract and experimental sense of musicality comes alive on this ten-track album where she pushed her own creative limits producing, composing, recording, editing, and mixing.

See more from the artist:

Soundcloud | Spotify | Instagram

Stereo Ferment merges sounds from around the world in their latest groove compilation

Ten producers and DJs feature on the label’s newest release

Toronto-based label Stereo Ferment has released its compilation Fermented Grooves Volume One. As the label’s fourth release, this collection of tracks keeps at the pace of their afro-centric inspired grooves and what they call a ‘psych-tropical disco-dub-boogie’ sound. The label is operated by producers Oreku (Cayden Mowbray) and Coy Haste (Brad Weber) and collaborates with artists from around the world to produce experimental sound.

Stereo Ferment released Coy Haste’s EP Apicultura earlier this year. The songs on this album represent the artist’s interpretation of a San folk origin story from the Kalahari Desert. The album blends electronica with folk recordings and 70s inspired afro synth. In 2020, the label released ia ia ia by Oreku which is a collection of three tracks inspired by Kabyle folk of Algeria, Baul folk of West Bengal, and radio recordings from Indonesia, all mixed with dub and disco sounds. 2020 also saw Stereo Ferment’s debut release Quorum Sensing I, an EP named after the cell-to-cell communication in bacteria.

Fermented Grooves Volume One features ten tracks from ten DJs and producers from around the world. Contributors include Hiatt dB, The Pathchouli Brothers, FOC Edits, Frank Agrario, André Laos, Souldade, Jules Brennan, Kheodo Turner, Oreku, and Coy Haste. The sound on the album is in keeping with their usual funk and merges international genres and eras like 80s Bollywood, Afrobeat rhythms, Filipino disco funk, and Turkish boogie to produce a fun, danceable, detailed electronic sound.

See more from Stereo Ferment

Instagram | Bandcamp | Soundcloud

Thanks for Understanding and Fermi Lekunde come together for a debut collaboration

Two new tracks by these Toronto-based artists produce innovative sound

‘Donovan Birds’ is the first collaboration between Toronto-based musicians Thanks for Understanding and Fermi Lekunde. The former is the alias Ali Awah who brings an indie sound to the two-track collaboration. The latter, Fermi Lekunde, brings the other dimension to the sound; he was classically trained in piano before turning to experiment with electronic music beginning with FM synthesis, deconstructed analog beats, and Space FX. His inspiration comes from the emerging Toronto techno scene that he saw growing up, including Jeremy Greenspan, Ciel, and Daphni.

Thanks for Understanding released Year of Uncertain Gods in 2021—his second album after Kevin Nishri Tape from 2020. Additionally, he has released singles including ‘Milk’ in 2019, and ’Kulish Helu’ in 2020. A live set from 2020 featuring Thanks for Understanding can also be replayed via Biblioteka Records. Fermi Lekunde has released two EPs in collaboration with Toronto-based label Doubt & Uncertainty: Hydra in 2020, and The Once and Future in 2019. Prior to that, he released the EP Comess in 2019.

Thanks for Understanding brings his self-described androgynous and genre-less sound to Donovan Birds. He adds the elements of real-life-sound, voice, and bubbly disorientation. Mixed with Fermi Lekunde’s warm techno feel that combine ambient sound textures, glitches, and rhythmic beats, the collaboration arrives at an unpredictable set of jazzy, techno, acoustic music that leaves the listener in an auditory cliff hanger.

See more from the artists:

Thanks for Understanding
Spotify | Bandcamp | Instagram

Fermi Lekunde
Spotify | Website | Instagram

Philippe Brault releases krautrock voyage “Fear and Greed”

Music by Philippe BraultVideo art by Marc-André LabelleFull album: https://philippebrault.bandcamp.com/album/fear-and-greed-music-for-a-performance-by-fr-d-r...

Maintaining a connection with both the artificial and emotional, Brault captures a progressive mood in his most recent EP

Canadian Philippe Brault is an artist with a wide range of skills at his disposal, having worked as a sound designer, producer, and arranger. He took steps towards touring as a musician at the early age of eighteen, and his rise in the electronica community has seen him work closely with artists such as Pierre Lapointe, Dear Criminals, Philémon Cimon and Salomé Leclerc. It’s a journey which has earned Brault awards for his involvement in projects both as an arranger and composer, including the IRIS for Best Original Score.

His identity as an established professional has also helped fuel tours across Europe and Quebec, but the territory Brault has ventured into most recently is that of krautrock and post rock, as he announces his newest EP.

Titled “Fear and Greed”, the five track collection strives on the balance of mechanical resolution and deeply human disassociation. Originally the music scored a 2019 production of the same name, created by choreographer Frederick Gravel. Brault constructed the tracks featured on the EP with the show’s central theme of transcendence and ritual in mind, an approach which delivers a strikingly methodical soundscape which succeeds in illuminating a world of quiet emotion.

Stream the release on Spotify or support it on Bandcamp

Check out more from Philippe Brault
Instagram / Homepage / Spotify / Soundcloud

A new perspective with Iain Howie's 'Shift'

The Vancouver musician teases his upcoming debut album with a mesmerizing audio / visual trip

Imbued with a kind of rare honesty, Iain Howie crafts cinematic sonic landscapes charged with emotion and depth. His widescreen, layered sound has taken the better part of the last decade to develop and time spent in Vancouver’s minimal house and techno circles has given him a keen sense of both late night atmosphere and introspective expressionism.

But it wasn’t until a couple years ago that the electronic producer peeled back another layer of his creative self and shifted his focus to songwriting. With his early releases showing hints of vocal-led melodies and reverb-drenched phrases, it wasn’t until recently that his singing took on a more central role in his productions. With a number of singles and EPs under his belt, Howie’s sound is just now coming to fruition as his vocals blend seamlessly with his years of production technique.

Which brings us to today’s featured track and the first single from his upcoming debut album. Being the only instrumental track on the album, ‘Shift’ builds instead with a layered combination of subtleties. A slowly unfolding hypnotic groove accented by rich synth and floating pads builds to a late crescendo. All the while accompanied by the mesmerizing and other-worldly visuals of Akiko Nakayama.

Support the single on Bandcamp or stream it on Spotify

Stay tuned for Iain’s upcoming album ‘Patterns’ - out June 11th 2021
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