California electronic-synthpop artist Matthew Nowhere presents his debut album 'Crystal Heights' - a sonic love letter to the 1980s. Throughout its 13 hook laden tracks, this record celebrates and pays homage to new wave classics with memorable songs and a lush, synth and tape-laden production style.
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer Matthew Nowhere explores sounds of the 1980s with inspired reverence, his unique music bringing good vibes, poetic lyrics and gritty new wave beats. Currently residing in California's Nevada County in the forests of the Sierra Mountains, Matthew Nowhere uses analog production styles in creating deeply authentic and soulful music that speaks to the power of love to overcome all obstacles.
A self-described "lover and mystic", Matthew Nowhere's lyrics on 'Crystal Heights' deliver on that promise. Themes of wonder, transcendence and mystery weave through the album, along with a constant emphasis on the importance of love. Though some songs are introspective and melancholy, overall, 'Crystal Heights' is an uplifting album, following a palpable arc of love, growth, and redemption.
“This album takes another look at something beautiful once rejected. I decided to return to the music that was all around during my childhood, and to explore the entire emotional landscape of those incredibly formative years. 'Crystal Heights' represents an embracing of a forgotten part of early childhood, and a celebration of all the incredible creativity that was everywhere at the time," says Matthew Nowhere.
With gritty drum machines and analog synths, 'Echoes Still Remain', ‘Crystal Heights’ and 'Love Is Only What We Are' recall synthpop greats such as OMD, Depeche Mode and New Order. Elsewhere, on ‘Ruby Shards’ and ‘Everything’s True’, Matthew Nowhere delivers a more band-driven sound with echoes of The Church or Psychedelic Furs.
Standout tracks 'Transforming' and 'Persist3nce' feature Lunar Twin, made of up vocalist Bryce Boudreau and multi-instrumentalist Christopher Murphy. Mainstays on the dreamgaze scene for many years, their contributions weave a fine layer of silk into the fabric of this sublime retro-futuristic music. On ‘Transforming’, Nowhere spins neon-lit electronica, mixing beautifully with Boudreau’s emotive, broody vocal style. On ‘Persist3nce’, Nowhere and Boudreau are joined by the darkwave synth stylings of Lunar Twin's Chris Murphy and angelic choir tones by the Antonio Family Singers.
"Music to me is literally magic. I am transforming feelings into sounds. And if I’m going to do that kind of alchemy, the feelings I want to share are ones that are meaningful and transformative. Life is wild and mysterious, and it doesn’t always make sense. But the important things - connection, love - are always grounding and I can’t think of anything else I want to focus my life on," says Matthew Nowhere.
As of May 23, 'Crystal Heights' is available from fine music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. Now available for pre-order, this record will be released digitally and on Limited Edition transparent blue vinyl.
CREDITS
Music composed by Matthew Nowhere (Matthew Lin Packard)
Lyrics by Matthew Nowhere
except ‘Transforming’ and ‘Persist3nce’ - lyrics by Bryce Boudreau
Matthew Nowhere - vocals, synths, bass, guitar, drums, drum machines, programing & sequencing
Bryce Boudreau – lead vocals on ‘Transforming’ and ‘Persist3nce’
Chris Murphy – additional synths on ‘Persist3nce’
Antonio Family Singers – choir on ‘Persist3nce’
Produced by Matthew Nowhere. Co-produced by Bryce Boudreau
Mixed & mastered at Nowhere Sound Studios
Recorded at Nowhere Sound (Grass Valley, CA), Tiny Flame Studios (Petaluma, CA), Ohia Forest Recordings (Kealekua, Hawaii), Desert Heat Studio (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Cover artwork by Violet Flame Design
'Transforming' video directed by Zoey Nguyen
Additional stills directed by Simona Lonardo Cinematography (Beneveto, Italy)
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
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