The late ’90s saw a significant shift in the way electronic music was made and received. Across the pond, Aphex Twin, Autechre, Boards of Canada, and many others all contributed to a growing interest for intellectual electronic-based composition, but Europe wasn’t alone in this endeavor.
Though it was much more successful at flying under the radar, North America had its own hustling and bustling, heady electronica scene. Often reserved to message boards and underground labels, These artists helped define what intelligent electronic music outside of Europe sounds like.
One artist who contributed to the culture and has been prolific in the time since is ilkae. The Montreal-based electronic producer has now covered a lot of ground between the simple tag of “intelligent dance music” and a long list of genres and styles ranging in textures, atmospheres, and content.
This week ilkae released Primer via Eerik Inpuj Sound. The effort is a collection of unreleased material written between 1998-2002. Full of tight drum work, intriguing synthesis, and a comforting bit of nostalgia, Primer is a release that belongs in the collection of any serious electronic music lover.
To kick off the release, ilkae presents the video for the opening track “1121.” Crafted by Clift Anthony (of Rare NNudes), the video is a warm and grainy monument to fond memories and bittersweet feelings.
You can download Primer in full via bandcamp. Keep up with more inpuj activity via their website.
