Simon Littauer's latest release, Phicet, offers a glimpse into the groundbreaking world of his upcoming debut album, Modular. The Danish producer’s innovative approach, built around a 208 hp eurorack modular synthesizer, highlights a deep dedication to craftsmanship and spontaneity. The album, set to release via katharsis—a label known for spotlighting cutting-edge artists like Abadir and Lyra Valenza—is a culmination of Littauer's nine-year journey in modular synthesis, with each track of the album recorded live in one take, no editing.
With years of live performances at prestigious festivals like Roskilde and By:Larm under his belt, Littauer’s expertise extends far beyond the studio. His modular system, honed through countless hours of experimentation and even custom module development, mirrors his unique musical vision. The single Phicet gives listeners a glimpse of Littauer’s skillful balance of playfulness and precision. Rooted in breakbeat rhythms and experimental soundscapes, the track exemplifies his ability to bridge club-ready energy with deeply emotional tones. “My aim was to create a portable modular system that allowed improvisation and reliability during live shows without repatching between tracks,” he says, a goal reached with flying colors as proven in this release.
Complementing the music is the mesmerizing video directed by Phicet Shaemsaithong from the 3D animation collective Orbit Valley. The visuals blend traditional 3D animation using Blender with AI-powered tools like ControlNets and ComfyUI. Each of the video’s ten scenes showcases a unique aesthetic, enhanced by imagery generated through MidJourney. These AI-driven visual elements work harmoniously, creating a dynamic interplay of texture, narrative, and sound. The result is a cinematic experience that captures Littauer’s intricate soundscapes in a striking visual form, marking a bold fusion of music and digital art. As we await the full release of Modular, Phicet stands as a testament to Littauer’s innovative artistry—melding technical precision, emotional resonance, and visual storytelling into an immersive experience.