Australian/American singer-songwriter, Athron, who has been a Bali-based musician for the past decade or more is at it again. If he had one, CREATIVE would be his second name, and once again ‘the concept’ is at the fore of his latest project, Heartfelt Echoes in a Digital Womb. The concept this occasion is one in relation to his time. With the attention spans being collectively driving down to almost non-existent by the social media world we now live in it makes a lot of sense to create one minute songs and compile them into a world-first concept album with a total duration of ten minutes. Or does it? We had a quick chat with Athron about his latest abbreviated tracks and album. You can have a listen to a teaser of one of the tracks on the album now below by clicking the link, but for the real thing you will have to wait till March 19, 2020.
What is it?
A unique concept album. Ten minutes. Ten songs. Each one minute in length. Followed by the release of animated music video stories. An experiment with new ways of storytelling, creatively pushing traditional conventions of song-writing expression & music production.
What’s the Reason?
In today’s social media climate, clickbait information challenges artists to capture their audience’s attention in a single moment. Often, this leads to gimmicks compromising the value of the work while diminishing the true representation of the artist. To challenge this, these one-minute songs carry broader and deeper emotional journeys than the limiting time parameters they are bound to.
What’s the Concept?
In the isolating time of a world health pandemic, the internet has challenged us all with its own digital virus. Extorting our need for connection with the greater world, we are afflicted with a fractured and divided onslaught of misinformation, unrealistic expectations, and consumerist proclamations. The very thing we reached for to remain within a community, has divided us both individually and as a whole. With this though, comes a simple reminder; the need to unplug, release our lives from the validating grip of social media, and fall back into the warm arms of organic conversations and heart-to-heart understanding. ‘Heartfelt Echoes in a Digital Womb’ carries us through this journey. From the electronic screams of a world gone mad to the soft acoustic lullaby of a simple lover’s song.
“Give yourself ten minutes, turn up the volume, close your eyes and listen to this interpretation of our times. I hope it connects, and we find each other again. Somewhere within the crowded lanes of the information super-highway.” – Athron
What’s the vibe?
Old folk with dark, non-conformist, reimagined neo-rock (think Rodriguez meets Radiohead). Athron’s lyrics are rooted in universal themes of today’s thirst to feel known and loved against the backdrop of a technology-saturated world. Isolated in the digital matrix, our affection, addiction & obsession for relevancy and to be ‘seen’ brings forward a moody juxtaposition.
What’s the aim?
To draw people into an emotional reflection of their own personal stories, while bringing a sense of peace and vindication. That we are not all lost behind screens and binary codes. That our intrinsically artistic selves will always find each other within art, expression, and harmonic creativity. This album also aims to inspire musicians and creatives to think outside the box and challenge conventional norms.
Who’s else is involved?
ANDREAS ARIANTO
Multi-instrumentalist Andreas Arianto has produced and engineered rock to pop acts, composed and conducted symphony orchestras, and written scores for major motion films and TV. In 2008, he was orchestrator and conductor for Indonesia’s biggest rock band, SLANK’s six-city tour. His composition and production are credited to artists including The Dead Bachelors, Ungu, Asteriska (Barasuara), Budapest Scoring Orchestra, and The Raid 2 movie.
https://instagram.com/andreasarianto
WRITER’S FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I listened to Heartfelt Echoes in a Digital Womb late on a rainy mid-week night lying on the sofa at home, and then sent a message to Athron.
I just listened to your Mini album. How interesting. It pump’s, jams, grinds, lays you out flat and winds you back to the blues. I love the layers of sound. Haunting and reminiscent of the 60s. Great piece of work, Athron.
Athron: Cheers man! That was officially my first review in any form haha. Each one minute track reflects each month of lockdown from March ‘til December last year, in terms of the emotional ride.
SDW: Yes I can feel that. I didn’t want to read the notes before listening. I will listen to it again loud in my headphones tomorrow.
Ath: Yeah awesome. Lemme know how the headphone session goes. My friend/producer Andreas put a lot of amazing textures through it – I love what he does.
SDW: Yes, I love the layers and texture too.
PRODUCTION NOTES
Writing: Songs by Athron and Andreas Arianto
Vocals: Athron
Guitars: Athron and Andreas Arianto
Keys, fx, sound design: Andreas Arianto
Engineer: Andreas Arianto
Mixing: Moko Aguswan and Rex Dio
Mastering: Moko Aguswan
Artwork: Athron
ATHRON LINKS
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.athron.net/
YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/athronmusic
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/athronmusic
INSTAGRAM: @athron77
SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/athron
TWITTER: @athron77
SPOTIFY: https://bit.ly/AthronSpotify
APPLE MUSIC: http://bit.ly/athronapplemusic
