A quick glance at DRKTMS’ Spotify profile reveals the project’s nuanced, liminal quality, with the Swiss producer boasting millions of streams and illustrious collaborations. He made a name for himself remixing hits for Majestic Casual; since then, he initiated a slow transition into a more cohesive and purposeful solo endeavour, one that finds its zenith with the recently released album ‘Bupropion’.
In it, keen listeners will rejoice in the constant stream of lo-fi house and leftfield electronica, all built with an incredibly expansive character and digestible melodies. Furthermore, DRKTMS uses his own mangled and heavily processed vocals as a sound source, adding to the album’s spacious, haunting vibe. Packing nine wonderful episodes, ‘Bupropion’ is unexpectedly buoyant and vibrant, masterfully navigating the fine line between melancholia and escapism. It’s music for the soul.
Speaking about the record and its production process, the Swiss creative explains: “I was really inspired by artists like ‘The Blaze’ and ‘Paul Kalkbrenner’ and the way that they changed their vocal tones with digital effects. So I was experimenting with a couple of plugins, including a Choir-Plugin and “Little Alterboy”, which gave a new tone to my voice, which I really liked. I think as a producer, to like your own voice, you kind of have to jump into cold water and just try everything out.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Bupropion’ on Spotify: