Space. Physics. Theories of existence. Saxophones. You likely aren't pondering any of these things when getting your groove on. Well, maybe it's time you did. Stephon Alexander & Rioux's new collaborative project is electronically-tinged jazz, written with some real heady source material in mind: All the matter in all the universe. It sounds kinda left-field, we know, but it makes sense when you find out that Stephon Alexander is an astrophysicist.The project was inspired after a chance encounter between Rioux, a producer noted for psychedelia in dance, and Alexander, a notable saxophone player in addition to his academic inclinations. "Stephon had just given a TED talk on how the harmonic structures of John Coltrane's music are identical to the structures of our DNA and much of the matter in the known universe," Rioux tells THUMP. "The implication being: music is a mirror to the universe! Stephon also taught me that the cosmos is an improvisation in and of itself, which rejuvenated my interest in improvisational music."The dance-music influences are there on their Here Comes Now LP if you read between the lines. Alexander explains, "From my perspective, the similarities to the modern dance music in this album are that we incorporated influences from Latin House music like Little Louie Vega, New Wave, especially Depeche Mode, and 2-Step Garage."Alexander continues, "The universe is in a constant state of rhythm. From the transmutation from hydrogen gas to the formation of stars, to the destruction of a previous universe into our expanding universe, its all rhythm. Our connection to rhythm, I believe, reflects our connection to the cosmos, a return to home."For further cosmic adventuring, please reference Stephon Alexander & Rioux's brand new video for "Running from the Cosmos"Read more on the dark beyond:
Jesse Rose's New Video Will Catapult You Through Space and Time
Enter the Space Race with Proxy's Video for "10,000"
Space Jesus' "The Weed" is an Ode to Stoner Goth ClichesJemayel Khawaja is Associate Editor of THUMP in Los Angeles - @JemayelK
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Jesse Rose's New Video Will Catapult You Through Space and Time
Enter the Space Race with Proxy's Video for "10,000"
Space Jesus' "The Weed" is an Ode to Stoner Goth ClichesJemayel Khawaja is Associate Editor of THUMP in Los Angeles - @JemayelK
