What are we t a l k i n g a b o u t ?
Artifacts by Stux.Io/Vaporwavez and Vanitas命死 is a sparkling, sidechained, experimental walk through an abandoned mall, a hybrid track brought to fruition by the creativity of two prolific vaporwave producers.
After speaking with the two, I learned that the process was a bit of a back-and-forth affair. They began with stems then created a mixdown. Next, Vanitas chopped the track up. Lastly, Stux mastered it.
(who are these two?)
Vanitas and Stux are both two true collaborators at heart. I've worked with Stux.Io on quite a few singles, and I can vouch he is a very generous collaborator with an open mind to the entire collaborative process from inception to mastering.
From what Vanitas命死 has told me, he is also a huge fan of collaborative electronic production, pulling inspiration from a variety of laid back and experimental music. Other big influences include: Boards of Canada, King Tubby, Scientist and Brian Eno.
Stux.Io draws inspiration from a myriad of genres and artists. Check out his discography and you can see the variety from video game covers to house to future funk.
Both artists are drawn to the "experimental," and I believe what they've created here is a real audio puzzle.
p l a y BY p l a y
Here's a basic song breakdown:
Intro (0:00 - 0:21)
Drop of A section [twice through] : (0:22 - 0:56)
B section (0:57 - 1:19)
Repeat of A section (1:19 - 2:04)
C section (2:05 - 2:48)
A section (2:49 - 3:11)
Outro (3:12 - 3:22)
Tape stop to percussion tag (3:23 - end)
The track starts out with one of my favorite effects, the next door neighbor effect. It begins with a massive low-pass on a track with other unaffected sounds living in the sonic space as well.
As the high end is reintroduced, we hear a persistent tambourine that tosses us into what sounds like a nightclub! Friends are dancing with glow sticks, hands are clapping, strobe lights are vibrantly flashing and briskly reminding us that it's actually 5 AM and morning is right around the corner.
The entire track does such a great job of never eccojamming the original sample aggressively out of time. Chops may be severe and manipulated experimentally, however, I am always able to tap my toe consistently throughout the track, which is the best.
I'm reminded of a roller coaster. The rollercoaster has a very clear beginning, middle and end. There is a strong sense of linear sequence. However, there is also the inability to get comfortable. Even after a big drop, you never quite know if you're going to lose your bearings, or in this case...the beat.
If you've got the patience for one more metaphor. This glitchiness of the track is similar to that kid who shouts out inappropriate things during class then quickly puts his head down before the teacher catches him.
The biggest spitball is shot at 1:31!
My two favorite featured instruments in this track have to be the vibraslap around the 1 minute mark and the HARMONICA (possible from the M1) around 1:20. That dancing harmonica brings me such joy. It even toes the line a little with some m2 dissonance reminding us that this is in fact a vaporwave song.
I love the bridge/C section. An entirely new harmonic pallet...a huge wash of white noise...a massive high-cut...climbing electric guitars....slow increase of high end...eighth note percs come creeping....at 2:49 thrown back into the nightclub...
And then there's this real startling ending with glitches coming in and out...polyrhythms galore. We're reminded...the club is closing soon. It's morning.
A tape stop...and a march of percs as everyone walks to their cars.
OH! P.S. The Spotify canvas for this tune is spectacular. It's a seemingly endless loop of a hand holding a large orb. I'm happy to gaze at it for the entirety of the track.
B O T T O M L I N E . E X E
Artifacts by Stux.Io and Vanitas命死 is a trip on a vaporized rollercoaster. It's definitely worth a listen! Add it to your playlists on streaming platforms!
C:\Where?
The single was released on all streaming platforms. Links below:
Stux.Io: Stux.Io
Vanitas命死: https://vanitas567.bandcamp.com
Artifacts on Spotify: Click here!
