Photay has a real knack for creating shimmering music that doesn’t sound over the top. Take his latest album, »Windswept«, for example. He uses those balmy breezes and gusts he created as a synthesiser patch. It sounds more sophisticated than it actually is. Tracks like ‘Still Existing’ chatter away cheerfully, only to arrive at poppy moments. It’s great fun that immediately captures the listener’s attention.
It’s clear that someone who claims to have been exposed to Aphex Twin at the tender age of nine has a unique understanding and feel for music. But Aphex Twin isn’t the only influence: Shornstein pursued certain sounds for weeks as a child, as he once said in an interview. There are many more influences in his music, including polyrhythmics, soul, and beats.
In the same interview, Photay stated that tunnel vision is the best form of creativity. »When your mind doesn’t classify musical decisions as right or wrong. When you listen beyond genre and classification«. Photay provides the perfect soundtrack for this state, which allows you to lose yourself and find inspiration. We asked him which albums he is currently celebrating.
Top 10
