John Vanderslice Launches New Band ORANGEPURPLEBEACH, Shares Video For Debut Single “Pylon Shadow”
John Vanderslice is an indie rock legend. So, I was absolutely thrilled to speak with him last year on the Look At My Records! podcast about his many experiences operating his all-analog studio paradise TIny Telephone. Through this one-of-a-kind studio, Vanderslice has produced a venerable who’s who of bands including Death Cab for Cutie, Spoon, Deerhoof, The Magnetic Fields, and more. For decades, Vanderslice was unwavering in his dedication to the analog medium, but with the onset of the pandemic, he let up just a bit and began experimenting with digital formats like Abelton. Culling inspiration from electronica and hip-hop, and songwriting tips from the late David Berman, Vanderslice broke down the components of his songs into their most fundamental pieces, foregrounding texture and rhythm over traditional song structures. His first experiments culminated in the release of his excellent 2020 EP, Eeeeeeep!
Today, Vanderslice is announcing a new band, named after the password that encrypted the dark web market Silk Road, ORANGEPURPLEBEACH sees the veteran producer & songwriter completely embrace the deconstructed, electronic-heavy approach he’s explored across his latest collection of EP’s.
“Pylon Shadow,” the first single off his new album d E A T h ~ b U g, picks up where Vanderslice left off on Eeeeeeep! He’s continuing to explore electronic instrumentation and recording techniques with stunning results. He mixes stuttering synths, robotic backbeat, and his heavily treated vocals to create a bit of a surreal sonic trip. Reflecting on the song and the album, Vanderslice explains "I’m interested in making more abstract and surreal music, and I want to recede as the narrator and face of my own music."
The album release coincides with a brand new podcast produced by TrueAnon, that details the rise and fall of Tiny Telephone, and explores the question of whether a career in the arts is a sustainable pursuit. Episodes 1 & 2 are available now.
d E A T h ~ b U g comes paired with a 12-part 16mm film directed by Serena Hughes and Sammy Lamb commissioned by John Vanderslice. Watch the first installment below.
For more of Vanderslice’s music, you can visit his Bandcamp and website. Keep up with him by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook.
