As we discover Veinmelter’s peculiar and eclectic sonic universe, we can’t help but appreciate the constant tension between chaos and tenderness, a feature that seems to have bloomed into a sort of mantra for the Nashville-based music explorer. ‘Starstreams’ is the perfect example of that: introduced by folk-like intimacy, ethereal vocals, and a keen lyrical poignancy, the piece then explodes into electronic fervour, a haunting, dreamy quality that’s partly confusing, and partly hypnotic. That’s where Veinmelter is at his best: on the fringes, walking between genres, sculpting highly personal and hard-hitting aural walls.
‘Starstreams’ acts as the opener track of Veinmelter’s latest album, ‘An Endless Ocean’. Across seven malleable, artsy episodes, the American singer, songwriter, and producer uncovers a wealth of gentle vocal harmonies and crepuscular textures, usually counterpointed by harsher electronic beats; a cosmic, spacious component that sounds as if rock music had been washed through limitless reverb. Written in the few empty moments in between parental duty, ‘An Endless Ocean’ marks a personal milestone for Veinmelter, especially when it comes to his writing process and the conceptualisations of ideas.
As the American artist explains: “I received an unexpected gift in the form of limited time. Before she was born, I used to spend hours toiling over sounds and ideas, and rarely ever had a workable song idea after I decided to stop for the day. After my daughter, I had to finish an idea and document it as quickly as possible so that I could remember it and work on it again. Suddenly, everything just started to flow more easily.” Further evidence that limitations are highly beneficial for creativity.
Recommended! Discover ‘An Endless Ocean’ now: