Between Synth, Soul & Sampling: Eraserhood Sound

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Between Synth, Soul & Sampling: Eraserhood Sound

Philadelphia-based record label and production company Eraserhood Sound blessed Tracklib with a new batch of synth-fueled soul. Dig into Italian-themed library music, analog synthesizers, heavy funk breaks, and spaced-out vocals—with all multitracks thrown in for good measure.

By

Tracklib

·

April 13, 2022

I heard you moved all copies of ‘Ribelle Di Mare’ shortly after the vinyl release. That's great! Why do you think that record and the theme of Italian library music make it so in demand to listeners, collectors, and producers alike?

We feel that soundtrack music and library music are popular now because most of it is so rare and unheard compared to music and acts that have been heavily played and sampled in the past 25-plus years. It is beautiful, elegant, and smartly composed. A lot of it incorporates tough funky drum breaks. Also, much of library music is instrumental, which a lot of people seem to enjoy. It’s the perfect music to drop the needle and enjoy your night, afternoon, or any time of day. This is true for both listeners and for producers creating new music. So what’s not to love?

Later this year, we will be releasing a repressing of the Ribelle Di Mare LP on pink vinyl, and a limited edition 45 featuring alternate DJ mixes of the songs “Cliffdiver” and “Smoke & Mirrors.”

What do you love most about Stereo League’s music, which made you decide to release their debut?

We really fell in love with Stereo League's lead singer Alex Savoth’s voice first. He has a rich, timeless sound full of soul and expressiveness. We knew our productions paired with his voice would create a wonderful sound. We also recognized in the band shades of Americana, heartland, and Southern soul. This is a slightly different lane for us to explore compared to projects like Fantasy 15 or our own record Ribelle Di Mare, so we were excited to branch out and do something new as producers for the label.

How does their analog production fit in with Eraserhood Sound?

The band did not necessarily have the kind of timeless analog production that we favor prior to our collaboration. That is something that we feel we specifically injected into their process and sound. For their EP Endless Mirage, we wanted to shift away from the group’s indie rock influences and zeroed in on an approach more indebted to soul and R&B music. We used drier, deader 70s drums, conga/earthy percussion (“Money in Your Mouth”), fuzzy bass (“Miss Me”), Lennon-esque slapback delay on the vocals, and of course vintage synthesizers (“Whistleblower”), all to feature what are great songs at their core.

A tape machine at Eraserhood Sound's in-house studio

"'Galaxy Oasis' is a nod to the type of late 70s and early 80s dancefloor boogie that is often overlooked but that we love so much."

—Eraserhood Sound

Can you please introduce Eraserhood Sound’s “intergalactic house band,” Fantasy 15?

We, unfortunately, cannot at this time. It’s a secret. However, we CAN tell you that the group is hard at work on their debut LP at this very moment, and it is bigger and better than anything they have released to date…

But to quote the artist profile on Tracklib: “(...) Armed with analog synthesizers and a never-ending supply of primordial rhythms reminiscent of Nigerian funk, Brazilian tropicalia, and New York City new wave, the rebel group works diligently day and night to save all of humanity from the horrors of robotic automation.”

“Galaxy Oasis” is the first song by Fantasy 15 with lead vocals. What does that bring to their sound?

“Galaxy Oasis” shows that the group is composed of talented songwriters and lyricists in addition to being superb instrumentalists. The song is a nod to the type of late 70s and early 80s dancefloor/boogie that is often overlooked but that we love so much.

What can you tell us about Eraserhood Sound’s newest signee, Angelo Outlaw, and his song “Forgotten Tomorrows”?

Angelo Outlaw is an extremely talented mallet percussionist from Philadelphia. We reached out to him during the pandemic, and we actually wrote and produced “Forgotten Tomorrows” without ever having met Angelo in person. We all absolutely loved the results, as his vibraphone playing went perfectly hand in hand with our ‘Synth & Soul’ production style. Be on the lookout this year for a 7” featuring two brand new songs from Angelo Outlaw!

To end this Label Feature with a hypothetical question: if you could sample any of Eraserhood Sound’s new songs on Tracklib yourself, which one would it be, why, and for what type of track?

We would use “Julieta” by Fantasy 15 and get Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, and Benny the Butcher to all lay down a verse. They can take the song wholesale. No changes needed!

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