Cloudchord is Derek VanScoten, an Emmy-winning producer based in Austin, Texas. He originally released music under the alias D.V.S.* before switching to the moniker Cloudchord, under the premise that he wanted his “musical contributions to leave a clear and colorful legacy”. Under his new name, VanScoten is both prolific and inventive, operating chiefly in the Lo-fi Chillhop scene but often branching out into other genres. His latest EP, Cloudchord – Daybreak, is set for release later in January, and it’s made up of six lush, transportive tracks that fellow producer Brock Berrigan described as resembling “the desert in audio form”.
Berrigan is right in this sense – the Cloudchord – Daybreak EP does indeed evoke thoughts of hazy stretches of sand and exceptionally warm temperatures, with VanScoten’s steel guitar licks also adding a spaghetti western flavor to the music. Highlights include the midway point Walkabout, with its ruminative melodies and steady, rock-solid bassline, as well as the pretty Hermanos, which glistens like drops of water hit by stark beams of sunlight. Perhaps VanScoten’s greatest achievement on this EP, however, is Outlaw Aura, a track that glides solemnly along as its melodies bristle with tension. The combination of steel guitar, clipped bass tones and the subtle click of percussion really works well here, drawing listeners in and evoking thoughts of sweat-drenched cowboys, holsters, and hats donned with pride. To have the ability to evoke such strong imagery in the minds of listeners, particularly considering the minimal nature of the track (and indeed of the other five tracks on the Cloudchord – Daybreak EP) is a talent indeed.
This isn’t a record to dance, party, or rave to. Rather, it’s a collection of tracks that gives you the headspace to relax, to daydream, and to allow your imagination to run away with you.
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