Where the Orbit Ends is a pop-electronica project serving as the final act in the independent EP trilogy from Carter James. Building on the foundation of Underwater Astronaut and Ocean Island, this recent installment seeks to walk the line between live instrumentation and digital world-building. Presenting a social message in a pretty package, Carter continues their work of intertwining art and activism. Where the Orbit Ends pulls from influences such as Owl City, Bon Iver, and The Japanese House, embracing experimental vocal processing, ambient soundscapes, and intimate lyricism.

Skateboard:

Skateboard is an energetic indie-pop tune with electronic influences. Opening the third and final installment in Carter James’s EP trilogy, Skateboard finds itself at the crossroads of live instrumentation and digital world-building. Built on a foundation of electric guitar and a skateboarding sample, this opener utilizes all elements of James’s evolving creative toolbox. In a return to form, Carter expresses their most romantic nature with a heartfelt call for connection.

Laika:

Laika explores a complex internal dialogue concerning anxiety, substance abuse, and the 1950’s space race. Framed from the viewpoint of Laika the space dog, this track is steeped in lush synths, hard hitting distortion, and an unforgettable electric guitar motif. Starting out small before developing into a powerful anthem, Carter James uses an abundance of vocal layering to achieve a sophisticated yet edgy sound that packs a punch.

Moon Shoes:

Moon Shoes is an anthem of frustration addressing the commercialization of Earth. Dressed in spacious synthesizers with an inventive use of vocal formanting, this upbeat synth-pop tune delivers a somber message in a pretty package. Inspired by the Moon Shoes fad of the 70’s following the Apollo 11 mission to space, Carter James depicts an over-industrialized planet masquerading as an oasis.

Can’t Help Myself:

Can’t Help Myself is a tale of music reflecting art, reflecting life. Moved by an art installation of the same name by Sun Yuan and Peng Yu, Carter James anthropomorphizes a robot designed to fail by giving it a voice in this heartfelt ballad. Pulling from influences like Bon Iver and Owl City, James combines ambient vocal storytelling with hard hitting pop-electronica instrumentation.

The Algorithm:

The Algorithm is an electro-pop plea for authenticity built on a foundation of synths and ambient soundscapes. In an attempt to address the side effects of social media, Carter James wrestles with the relationship between consistency, relevance, and mental health. Altering between infectious powerhouse verses and a spacious dreamlike chorus, Carter creates a listening experience that holds attention throughout.

Space Pirate:

Space Pirate is an introspective conclusion to the Where the Orbit Ends EP, serving as an “end crawl” to the project. Built on a foundation of guitar, Carter James uses ambient soundscapes and haunting electric keyboards to build an entirely new world. Decorated with various synths and bell flairs, listeners will notice something new every time they listen. Space Pirates is an anthem for everyone you’ve been and everyone you’ll become.

space pirate

the algorithm

can't help myself

moon shoes

laika

skateboard

cool (the end of the world) [DEMO]

Say You'll Stay will be available on iTunes and Spotify in the coming weeks.

Say You'll Stay

seasons

Flash Photography

anxious mind

ANXIOUS MIND (STRIPPED)

windowsill

heart (stripped)

hear my heart 

featuring the bonus track, "roam" 

<3

life letter

pink skies

surface

train

SPACE is an out of earth auditory experience. With a huge atmosphere and melodic honey dressing the chorus, the pitch shifted vocals take you to another planet. The song could be considered synth pop, dream pop, electronica, and more. Shout out to Owl City and Ellie Goulding for particularly inspiring this track. new EP "underwater astronaut" coming July 19th featuring HAZEL, SPACE, and more.

underwater astronaut

SPACE

DRIFT

The Crash

Only Hope

this song is about my mental health, meditation, and more 💥 a stream of consciousness written on the eve of my 21st birthday 🌘 i’m a cell phone tower not a sightseer

Sightseer

Carter James

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