Song recommendations for this week. Listen to these.
Super American - “Hands Down Olivia”
We Are the City - “Mid-Tempo Drama”
Eager Seas - “Live Wire”
Swimming Tapes - “Easy Strand”
Geowulf - “Saltwater”
Super American has been a recent discovery. The lo-fi, indie sound is blended with a modernized pop and is surprising addictive and mainstream-ready. The whole album has its moments, but I think “Hands Down Olivia” is the standout.
Artist spotlight - Hallucinogenuis
You’re likely unfamiliar with Hallucinogenuis, but if you’ve ever fawned over Tycho or The Album Leaf, these are songs that demand your attention. Here’s a few questions with the mystery artist behind the project.What people and circumstances are you creating music for?
When I set out, I wasn't sure what kind of music would come out of me. I've produced records for hundreds of artists, so, I wasn't sure what I'd sound like on my own. I was pleasantly surprised when it sounded so blithe. I like to listen to it in moments when I'm alone, looking out a window, in the car, clement or inclement weather (depending on the song). I also really enjoy listening to it at night, in my home, lights dimmed, on ketamine - that might be the most specific circumstance I created it for; to me it sounds like ketamine feels.
Do you start with the song title or it comes after you've finished a song?
Once I've completed a track, I sit and listen and ruminate on what pop culture reference the music makes me feel, e.g. "safe sex of the highest order" was Vonnegut's answer to the question, "What is your definition of jazz?" or "In Another Life When We Are Both Cats" I use a quote from my favourite movie, "Vanilla Sky." I like to read listener comments on their interpretation of what the song titles mean.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I love Photay's self-titled LP - it's some of the most adroit production I've ever heard. And I'm still in love with, "Someday Somewhere," by Mura Masa. He's a virtuoso of electronic music production.
Who is an artist you wished more people knew about?
I wish more people knew about Hallucinogenius.