SERALP01: Satellite Era presents “Escapism” - a collection of archival tracks written in 2021-2023 by Evan Magoni, best known as gonima.

Out now on all major platforms: https://ffm.to/seralp01

"Inevitable State" - premiered by Inverted Audio: https://inverted-audio.com/premiere-gonima-inevitable-state

"Escapism" premiered by Rendah Mag: https://rendahmag.com/article/gonima-satellite-era

Over three years since the conception of our record label, we are proud to finally unveil our first full-length album - one that is truly held close to our hearts. It is only right that we welcome one of our biggest inspirations and dearest friends over the years for his inaugural solo release on the imprint.

Since our discovery of Montreal-based producer gonima a half-decade ago, we were certain that we wanted him to be part of what would eventually become Satellite Era. His sound felt incredibly familiar to us as connoisseurs of ambient and electronica, yet distinct enough to be easily identifiable. Fans of Telefon Tel Aviv, Lusine, Mr. Projectile, and other landmarks in this rustic realm will feel right at home. He effortlessly combines warm and emotive sounds from the early-2000s golden-age of in-home listening music with stuttering percussion frequently heard in glitch-centric subgenres. The byproduct of this, along with a splash of clever song arrangement and chord progression, is what gonima’s renowned formula consists of.

With a clear nod to yesteryear’s wave of ambient and electronica, “Escapism” captures the essence of what made that era so pivotal, while enhancing its sound with modern elements and an effort to portray a storytelling experience. The album taps into duality with a contrast between clean, high-fidelity sounds and gritty low-end that is meant to elevate the listening experience through physicality. It is unafraid to recycle some of gonima’s signature production characteristics: uplifting songs drenched in lush, nostalgic tones that are occasionally met with the chaos of digitized drums. Avid fans of his discography will surely recognize his sonic presence in tracks like “Monostable” and “Imminence,” where saturated pads add a fuzzy coating of sound upon his typically pristine production. Each song feels multilayered, with hidden artifacts existing in between; it revives the curiosity of dusty electronics met with precision. 

Although most of “Escapism” seems cohesive and builds off its centralized theme, there are a few instances that allow the listener to step away and appreciate a diverse sense of improvisation: the live guitar in “Turning,” the spaced-out vocals in “Sculpt3-spaces,” and the use of real drum breaks in “Inevitable State” all contribute to this feeling. These small moments are important in building lore, while also showcasing gonima’s newfound curiosity for stepping out of his established processes. As the album begins to decompress, we are met with a slower pace, more repetition, and the inevitable conclusion to a once expanding world. “Doors Of The Mind” utilizes an odd time signature to deliver moody melodic sequences met with shuffling drums. “Places, Things” sprinkles wholesome piano keys over a glitchy, low-tempo hip-hop beat. The outro of the album is a wind tunnel of ambiance that leaves it entirely open for interpretation.

“Escapism” can be best described as the love story between two foundational aspects of a human’s life: imagination and reality. It expresses the necessity of both sides to coincide peacefully, without relying on each other to function properly. It is unmeant to replace the challenges and ruggedness of reality; the beauty lies within its imperfections. Its immersion is amplified by a vessel of imagination only existing in this outlandish space. It leaves behind a meaningful relic of gonima’s best and most confident work to date.

What entices you to close your eyes? What healing sounds surround you in your dreams?

BUY / STREAM

gonima - Sculpt3-spaces

lckaiique flip_20231102

Thanks for listening! :)

https://nuansonar.bandcamp.com/track/numb

Nuan Sonar - Numb

Huge shout-out to @man-from-sol for collaborating to make this one possible. :)

CRISP EP OUT NOW!!
https://open.spotify.com/track/0lzLaisx5LirpWghBGBeQ1?si=6e45b53c18c944a1
https://nuansonar.bandcamp.com/track/nociceptive

Man From Sol X Nuan Sonar - Nociceptive

cover art by:
@ampersandrue

tracks by:
@vawmusic
@acantunofficial
@flatstak
@jatmoz
@oziaa
@ceder-hopson
@dontpartywithguns

vaw - not that

RELYOU

waa heh

Cascading Failure

heaven

Crow City

1011
10111111
100000111111111
1000001111111111111111
1111111000000000011111111111111111

Chorus As Sung By A Colony Of Trees

SATELLITE ERA - EST. 2020
|
-> SATELLITE TRAX - EST. 2023

Satellite Era [SERA] is a Chicago-based record label and art collective that pairs forward-thinking audio with innovative visual design. Our intention is to aid in the progression of experimental electronic music by pushing boundaries in multiple mediums. We aim to provide an inclusive online shrine for artists to reach their fullest potential, and enthusiasts to tap into a more exploratory side of art consumption.

Satellite Trax [STRX] is an expansion of our core imprint that focuses on dance-centric music and its club roots; part of the foundation within our sonic heritage.

We Are Satellite Era. We Are Worldwide.

For press + release inquiries: satellite.era1@gmail.com

STRX009: Bodyman - World Leader EP
https://ffm.to/strx009

SERA027: AZ-Rotator - Dissociated Mutant Subculture EP
https://ffm.to/sera027

STRXSN01: Satellite Trax - Season 01 Sampler
https://ffm.to/strxsn01

SERA026: Undulae - Temple Of Symmetry EP
https://ffm.to/sera026

SERA025: Psykh - Self Non-Self EP
https://ffm.to/sera025

SERA024: Distant Arrays Volume 08
https://ffm.to/sera024

SERA023: Disektor - Aetherial Pulses EP
https://ffm.to/sera023

STRX008: OktoRed - Michigan & Rosa EP
https://ffm.to/strx008

SERALP01R: gonima - Escapism Remixes
https://ffm.to/seralp01r

SERALP01: gonima - Escapism
https://ffm.to/seralp01

gonima - Sculpt3-spaces

SATELLITE ERA

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