Chad VanGaalen’s latest track, “Earth People,” is a sonic venture into the indie DIY ethos. The song is an intriguing blend of discordant sounds, lazy vocals, and layered harmonies, all set against a backdrop of basic guitar and drums. The texture builds with fuzzed guitar, chaotic synth arpeggios, and harmonious vocals, creating a captivating whirlwind of sound.
The track is part of a Split EP, a collaborative effort between VanGaalen and Calgarian indie experimentalist Astral Swans. The EP, set to release on October 23, offers a glimpse into their shared roots as DIY outsider artists. Born from a residency in downtown Calgary, the experimental pop songs on the EP are intertwined with a moody techno sound-space, showcasing a departure from Astral Swans’ usual sound.
VanGaalen and Matthew Swann’s (Astral Swans) connection dates back to the 00’s when they were mutual fans of each other’s music. This collaboration reflects their scrappy, improvisational origins, with VanGaalen having produced Swann’s first album. The selection of self-recorded songs for the split includes the mysterious ‘Frogman,’ featuring Alex Edkins on broken electronics.
While Astral Swans has an extensive touring history, the EP is the first in a series of sonically adventurous releases from Swann, extending into 2024. The collaborative orbit attracts Canadian artists, building on a musical journey that includes collaborations with notable figures like Dan Mangan and Scott Munro of Preoccupations.
The track’s organic and unrefined quality aligns with VanGaalen’s musical philosophy of embracing the raw essence of creativity. From the funky energetic arrangement to the soulful vocal delivery, “Earth People” is a celebration of sonic exploration, offering listeners a glimpse into VanGaalen’s innovative and unapologetically experimental musical universe.