What's Happening?
Jan St. Werner, known as one half of the German electronic duo Mouse on Mars, is set to release a new solo album titled 'Squares Will Fall' on November 13 via Thrill Jockey. The album will feature collaborations with several prominent artists, including
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, Zach Condon of Beirut, and Ben Lanz of The National. An excerpt of the title track, which includes lyrics and vocals by Justin Vernon, has been made available. The album's tracklist also includes 'Swamp Brains' featuring singer Rosanne Rubino, and 'Flötotto,' where Sufjan Stevens contributes on drum machine and Ben Lanz plays trombone and bass. This new release follows Werner's most recent solo effort, 'Space Synthesis,' which came out in 2023.
Why It's Important?
The release of 'Squares Will Fall' is significant for fans of electronic music and indie artists, as it brings together a diverse group of acclaimed musicians under Jan St. Werner's direction. The involvement of artists like Justin Vernon and Sufjan Stevens, who have considerable followings, is likely to draw broader attention to Werner's solo work and the electronic music genre. This collaboration could lead to innovative soundscapes, blending Werner's electronic expertise with the unique styles of his collaborators. For the music industry, such cross-genre projects often spark new trends and demonstrate the evolving nature of musical partnerships. The album's success could influence future collaborations and production approaches within the independent music scene, potentially expanding the audience for experimental electronic music.
What's Next?
Following the announcement, anticipation for 'Squares Will Fall' will build leading up to its November 13 release. Music publications and critics will likely provide reviews and analyses of the album, focusing on the collaborative aspects and Werner's artistic direction. Fans will have the opportunity to listen to the full album and engage with the new material. There may be further promotional activities, such as interviews with Jan St. Werner and his collaborators, or potentially live performances showcasing tracks from the album. The album's reception will influence Werner's future projects and potentially lead to further collaborations with the featured artists. The success of the album will also be a key indicator for Thrill Jockey, the record label, in terms of its strategy for supporting experimental and collaborative music.
Beyond the Headlines
The collaboration on 'Squares Will Fall' highlights a growing trend in contemporary music where artists from different genres and backgrounds come together to create new sounds. This approach challenges traditional genre boundaries and fosters artistic innovation. The album's genesis, with the title track evolving from a 2012 piece and later becoming an improvisation during Mouse on Mars's 'Dimensional People' sessions, illustrates the organic and evolving nature of creative processes in music. It also underscores the importance of artistic relationships and shared creative spaces, such as Justin Vernon's studio in Wisconsin, in facilitating such projects. This collaborative spirit can lead to a richer and more diverse musical landscape, pushing the boundaries of what is considered popular or conventional.
