Feature: The Numb Project Decodes ‘Transmissions from a Troubled Radio’
What was the creative process like for this particular 'Transmissions from a Troubled Radio?'
‘Transmissions from a Troubled Radio’ came together when I realized I had several new tracks that felt tied together thematically. They were short in length, fuzzy and moody in atmosphere, and I had started experimenting with adding layers of radio static and vinyl warmth to the songs. I speculated I could create a “beat-tape” that felt like you were turning a radio dial and hearing pieces and snippets of songs as you past by strange signal interceptions. Once I said yes to that idea in my head a family of tracks started coming together more quickly.
Was there any challenge that you encountered while making this album?
Mixing presented a challenge on a few tracks including “MPC is Fried”, “Dog Gone It” and a few others. We had to go through several iterations, finding the right sonic balance between sampled material and original material.
Which song(s) from the album do you think best represents your artistic vision?
I think the album stands together as a whole really well with this vision of a weird radio-static beat tape. The lead track “Jump Switch” sets the dark, moody and immersive tone I was going for. “7am, Forest Park Underworld”, “Ghost Lounge” and some others really extend that, adding some cinematic textures. Sometimes interludes on an album like this are throwaways but I tried to make them cohesive with the rest of the album. I also think the last track, “Sad Eyes” stands out as a lofi boom bap winner.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs or musical ideas?
I find inspiration from the all the amazing music I am able to listen to and access on a daily basis in this wild age of streaming music. There are so many incredible independent artists making so much inspiring music. I am also thankful for the creative inspiration embedded into working with a DAW like Ableton. There is no shortage of inspiration out there.
How do you continuously grow and evolve as an artist?
I continue to grow by committing to being in production every day as best I can. Even if I am working on something seemingly simple like a track’s snare sound for 15 minutes in the morning and that’s all I get to that day - the consistency is important. If you miss a day, don’t miss two!
