Like many of my peers around campus, I find myself listening to music every day. From artists such as Carly Rae Jepsen to The XX, my taste varies with my mood. However, when my friend and local musician, Andrew Younker told me he was releasing his second record and sent it to me early, I knew that I had to discuss it as well as the process he went through to create it. Getting to listen to new music early is always a privilege, and after doing so, I was sure that it was worthy of award season buzz.

Sitting down with him, he was gracious enough to give me an insight into his processes for writing and composition on this album. He began the record by scrolling through countless different synths until that, "sparkly," one hit him in the right way. He then uses this to create an ambient noise which he follows with bass lines, drums, and guitar. He describes his process for writing as quite spontaneous, saying that he forces himself to write the lyrics as he records the other elements to his music. Furthermore, he feels most inspired in the moment, adding that if he is unable to finish a song within one or two sittings it is usually abandoned for his next venture. While this may sound lazy or scattered, I see it more as an expression of him as a person. We are always moving from one thing to the next, finding things we love and hate, always changing and evolving. This is most evident in his music.

Moving on to his most recent work which came out just this week, Microchasm. He describes it as incredibly sexually frustrating in composition, hoping that it may resonate with any of the qualms young adults his age struggle with. Having listened all the way through, I can tell you that it is a truly exhilarating album. From the intro of, "Electric Chair," to the outro of, " Pretend Therapist," I was completely focused and enthralled with every aspect of the work. I found myself unable to focus on anything besides the ethereal, sparkly synths underlying his guitar strums and vocals. I have the utmost respect for someone my age creating something so personal and well put together. I highly recommend giving it a listen, you may follow this link to hear Microchasm.

In review, Microchasm is a complex, mesmerizing, and truly magnificent work by a dedicated artist who works tirelessly to express himself in the best way is able, through music. Andrew is affiliated with Hidden Bay Records, who have released a number of his creations. He is definitely a local artist to watch, and I look forward to whatever comes next. But for now, Microchasm has a permanent place on my phone.

If you purchase his album from the bandcamp.com link above, all of the proceeds will be donated to irap.urbanjustice.com, in order to help refugees!