Song of the Day: Vox Mod - Iridescent Asteroid Mists

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song comes from Seattle producer Vox Mod. "Iridescent Asteroid Mists" is the excellent first taste from new record SYN-AESTHETIC, featuring Palaceer Lazaro of Shabazz Palaces on vocals.

Vox Mod - Iridescent Asteroid Mists (MP3)

Scot Porter's world is one that few of us can completely comprehend. His mixture of hip hop and spacey synth textures makes him a pretty unique figure on the Seattle scene. He's been making ground-breaking tracks for more than a couple years now, but with SYN-AESTHETIC, his firth full-length record, he's taking a big step forward and inviting friends along for the ride. Palaceer isn't the only local to make an appearance. Erik Blood (who has also been seen with Shabazz and THEESatisfaction in the past) works with Porter on the record's closer, "Ecophony Infinitum", along with Irene Barbaric on "Life Forms" and Jahcoozi on "Holocene Halocline". Altogether, SYN-AESTHETIC will not be a record to miss this year.

"Iridescent Asteroid Mists" is about as jarring as its title, but it's a great introduction to Vox Mod's new record and direction. The spacey hip hop groove soon dives deeper into space with a strong synth lead and piles upon piles of layering. It's a total jam and doesn't need vocals, but around the 1:35 mark, when Palaceer comes in on the verse, Vox Mod's track really comes to life. The levity of artistic collaboration is powerful tool for artists like Porter. Just this last year, hip hop and pop start to pull heavily from the indie electronic producer pool, including Blood Diamonds and Gold Panda. Really, Vox Mod is only in need of a little attention, because honestly, his material is on par with the rest of those in his class. This year, Vox Mod is going places.

While you wait for SYN-AESTHETICA to come out in April, check out his website to find an opportunity to catch Vox Mod live around Seattle. You can also watch videos from his recent in-studio at KEXP here and check out this video album teaser now: