After introducing himself with a string of highly-praised outings throughout last year, New York-based artist and producer Andre Unknown is back once again to offer up his breezy new single 'Affection'.
Capturing more of that smooth and alluring electro-pop-inspired aesthetic he is quickly earning a reputation for, 'Affection' makes for a wonderfully fresh and captivating listen. With his light yet passionate vocals layered across a dreamy production from start to finish, he is returning to the fold with one of his most impactful cuts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I gotta say it was Ableton Live at first. I wasn't really capable of playing any other instrument. It then inspired me to produce music, and I realized that if I was able to play the keyboard, it would unlock a lot of creative possibilities since I can control things through MIDI.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Oh man, I used to buy CDs for myself as a gift for my mom. We only had one stereo, so I knew that whatever I got her, I would end up listening to anyway. So I tried to diversify, from boy bands like NSync to Bon Jovi and Carlos Santana. I grew up in Brazil but was very drawn to American music. I suspect it's because English feels more rhythmic and punchier, so it grooves in an interesting way to me.
What was the first album you remember owning?
On cassette, there was also a Mamonas Assassinas, a legendary Brazilian rock band that had satirical songs and a very fun onstage attitude. The songs, however, were sophisticated musically and explored many different genres. Unfortunately, the whole band died in a plane crash at the very beginning of their meteoric rise. It was a very sad day in Brazil, but their legacy still lives on as one of the most influential Brazilian bands.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
My most-played song of all time on streaming services is "Limit to Your Love" by James Blake. While the original by Feist is also incredible, I love what James did by simplifying the original and playing with spacing between repetitions to add tension throughout the song. He also manages to use a lot of silence in between sections, which to me is the hardest instrument to master.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I have a pretty robust system for making music and reducing the anxieties that allow me to trust and compartmentalize the process. I think overall the key is to focus on different stages of the writing process at different times. Like beat making, arranging, creating lyrics/toplining, recording vocals, and engineering later on.
Who are your favorite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Björk, Antonio Vivaldi, Diogo Strausz, Kimbra, Cake.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
At the moment, probably Little Dragon.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Buying gear.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Everything else. Finishing an .mp3 is the hardest thing I’ve done in my life. It's basically 99.9% work. But to me, the creative struggle is the purpose of the exercise.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
"I don’t think you can do this."
-
Andre Unknown's new single 'Affection' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.