GhostfaceK45 ventures into some intriguing new musical terrain in his album Ogden, Utah (Vernon, British Columbia) — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The latest release from the B.C. electronica artist blends cinematic tech-house with Western Americana and introspective moods, reflecting his personal journey and love for long drives through the American and Canadian West. Featuring epic-length works with hypnotic rhythms and stark synth melodies that slowly ebb, flow and evolve, these meditative tracks — and their alternate — are the perfect soundtrack to a nighttime drive through the desert (or perhaps a horror movie set there).
With the LP out today, the Ghost offered some insights into the album’s inspirations and themes:
What does the title mean to you?
“I think it reflects on my youth. A lot of long drives through the American and Canadian West Coast. I’m a local West Coast kid, at beaches and skateboarding, I want to reflect the beauty of what you might see on a drive to Utah in an album.”
How would you describe the sound and vibe?
“I think the best you can do is listen to it. Give it a chance.”
What inspired the album’s atmosphere?
“A lot of classic western movies. Movies like There Will Be Blood. I’m hoping that maybe Daniel-Day Lewis gets inspired and makes another movie, I’m a big fan. John Carpenter influences my work — I think to myself, could this sound make it in a film? The comparison to Carpenter makes me feel like some of my tracks can run long and my audience will understand it.”
How does John Carpenter’s style intersect with your music?
“Halloween and Michael Myers. Classic slashers — again, west coast kid, I love me a night watching Hollywood blockbusters.”
What themes or stories are you exploring?
“The theme would be what you make of it. Pony Express is a mail service from the 1800s. I thought to myself, how would I feel in 100 years to find out I had a song called Pony Express? I’d be very happy with that. Horses, I don’t know enough about them, but they can be seen in every culture.”
What’s next for GhostfaceK45?
“Another album later this year. More shows in the future.”
GhostfaceK45 is the musical alter ego of Adam Gill, an artist hailing from Mission, B.C. Influenced by the timeless sounds of classic-rock legends like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, Gill seamlessly blends his love for the classics with a modern flair inspired by contemporary artists such as The Wu-Tang Clan and Diplo. GhostfaceK45’s unique sound has been compared to the cinematic and atmospheric compositions of John Carpenter.
Listen to Ogden, Utah (Vernon, British Columbia) below, and follow GhostfaceK45 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
