Blawan’s ‘SickElixir’ Signals a Broader Shift in Electronic Music’s Album Format
The electronic music landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution. For years, the EP reigned supreme – a digestible, club-focused format. But with **Blawan**’s upcoming debut album, SickElixir, on XL Recordings, and a packed tour schedule spanning Europe and North America, we’re seeing a deliberate move towards longer-form projects from artists previously known for their concise releases. This isn’t just about one artist; it’s a signal of a maturing scene demanding more narrative depth and artistic exploration.
From EPs to Expansive Soundscapes: Why Now?
Blawan, known for his cult following and work with Karenn and Persher, built his reputation on impactful EPs like BouQ and Dismantled Into Juice. His 2018 LP, Wet Will Always Dry, hinted at this trajectory, but SickElixir, backed by a major label like XL, feels like a definitive statement. Several factors are converging to drive this change. Firstly, streaming services have altered consumption habits. Listeners are less inclined to purchase individual tracks and more likely to engage with albums as cohesive experiences. Secondly, the pandemic forced artists to reassess their creative processes, leading to more time for experimentation and conceptual development. Finally, a desire to move beyond the purely functional aspects of club music – to create something with lasting artistic value – is clearly taking hold.
The XL Factor: Major Labels and Electronic Music’s Artistic Ambitions
XL Recordings’ involvement is particularly noteworthy. While not traditionally known as an electronic music powerhouse, XL’s willingness to support a full-length album from Blawan demonstrates a growing recognition of the genre’s potential for artistic and commercial success. This could open doors for other electronic artists seeking similar opportunities, potentially leading to a wave of more ambitious album releases. This move mirrors a trend seen in other genres, where independent artists, after establishing a fanbase through shorter formats, leverage major label backing to realize larger-scale projects.
Touring as a Catalyst for Album-Focused Artists
Blawan’s extensive tour itinerary – kicking off in Tilburg, Netherlands on September 5th and culminating in Warsaw, Poland on December 13th – isn’t just about promoting SickElixir; it’s about building a live experience that complements the album’s narrative. The inclusion of U.S. dates, including appearances at Portola Festival and CRSSD Festival, highlights the growing demand for this type of immersive electronic music experience in North America. This shift towards album-focused live shows is a crucial element of the evolving landscape. Artists are no longer simply playing sets of individual tracks; they’re crafting performances that tell a story and engage the audience on a deeper level.
The Rise of Immersive Live Experiences
The success of projects like Floating Points’ live shows, which often incorporate visual elements and extended improvisations, demonstrates the appetite for more than just a DJ set. Artists are increasingly viewing live performance as an extension of the album itself, a chance to reinterpret and expand upon the themes and ideas explored in the studio. This trend is likely to continue, with artists investing in more sophisticated stage production and incorporating elements of performance art into their shows. Resident Advisor’s coverage of Floating Points provides further insight into this evolving approach to live performance.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Electronic Music Albums
The release of SickElixir isn’t an isolated event. It’s a symptom of a larger shift in the electronic music world. We can expect to see more artists embracing the album format, experimenting with longer-form compositions, and prioritizing narrative coherence. The lines between electronic music, ambient, and experimental sound art will continue to blur, as artists push the boundaries of the genre. The key will be finding a balance between artistic ambition and accessibility, creating albums that are both challenging and rewarding for listeners. The success of artists like Blawan will undoubtedly pave the way for a new generation of electronic musicians who see the album as a canvas for their most ambitious and innovative work.
What are your predictions for the future of electronic music albums? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
