Sylvan Esso Unveils New Album ‘Ow ∞’ and Shares Insights on Modern Technology
Musical duo Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, widely known as Sylvan Esso, have captivated audiences with their unique blend of low-key electro-pop since their breakout in 2014. With their debut album, self-titled and the infectious single “Hey Mami,” the pair has evolved artistically over the years. Their recent works, including Free Love and No Rules Sandy, showcase their willingness to experiment with different sounds while maintaining their signature style.
The duo’s latest effort, Ow ∞, released last Friday, marks an ambitious pivot in their sonic direction. Embracing a nostalgic aesthetic, the album replaces the polished, glitch-driven beats of their previous work with the raw energy of early 2000s breakbeats and distorted guitar riffs. Fans will find familiar elements in tracks like “Hot Slob” and “Concrete Glen,” which evoke stylistic nods to bands such as Soul Coughing and Blur, while also retaining splashes of modern production techniques.
To celebrate this launch, Sylvan Esso responded to a series of thought-provoking questions about their creative process and technological preferences.
Insights from the Duo
What is your most indispensable tool?
Nick Sanborn: My laptop. I have cherished a series of MacBooks since high school and can’t imagine working without one. I detest conducting important tasks on a touchscreen.
What is one thing you wish you could change about your phone?
NS: I wish it felt more attentive to me rather than to its manufacturers.
Amelia Meath: I wish my phone could replicate food. It would solve numerous problems.
How many tabs do you have open right now?
NS: Eight, which is surprisingly low compared to my usual habit. I prefer a clean slate when opening my browser.
What is your happy place online?
NS: I often visit a version of the old Monome forum, focused on programming and instrument design. It is an excellent community, welcoming and positive.
What is your favorite gadget you’ve ever owned?
AM: My childhood T-Mobile Sidekick. I saved up for it and viewed it as the coolest phone available.
What game do you have the fondest memories of?
NS: EarthBound on the Super Nintendo. It’s a beautifully strange JRPG filled with humanity that I replay every few years.
AM: My first Zelda game was Skyward Sword on the Wii. It has many memories tied to it, becoming a gateway to my adult gaming life.
Which tech trend do you wish would disappear?
AM: The trend that promotes apathy.
What is one thing you wish you had created?
NS: For years, I’ve dreamed of an AM/FM radio with an analog tuner operable remotely through a computer or sequencer. Though a small company has released something similar, it’s not quite perfect yet.
AM: I wish I had invented a water storage method that is both innovative and simple. It would establish an impressive legacy.
What do you do when you need to focus?
AM: I prefer to step outside and write. I often attempt to leave my phone behind, but typically, I forget!
What do you do when you feel stuck?
NS: When I’m struggling to create something I want to be great, I step away and engage in a different activity. Removing pressure often rejuvenates my creativity.
When was the last time you went somewhere without your phone?
NS: About a month ago, my phone went through the washer and dryer, leading to a week free of it. It was blissful.
What’s the last piece of physical media you bought?
AM: I recently purchased Sheila Heti’s Pure Colour. It’s a surreal and captivating read.
What do you think is worth splurging on?
NS: Quality yogurt. Though not a huge splurge, I find it incredibly delightful and often underrated.
Editor’s Take
The evolution of Sylvan Esso with their new album showcases their commitment to exploring new musical landscapes while keeping their core identity intact. This flexibility not only appeals to existing fans but might open doors to new audiences, emphasizing the significance of innovation in creativity. As artists navigate this balance, it highlights how technology and art can continually reshape contemporary music.
Source: www.theverge.com
