Dance Through the Maximalist Apocalypse of TypeDeath’s Debut Album

Jul 12

Words & Photos by Shunya Carroll

It needs to be loud. This album is meant to be felt in your body. Storytelling and symphonic music aren't typically associated with electronic music, but producer TypeDeath seamlessly blends orchestral sounds with heavy techno as if they always belonged together. Their self-titled debut album, TypeDeath vol. I is born from underground raves and pushes what dance music can be. We had a conversation surrounding their project leading up to the album release party.

“Ever since college, I would go to underground raves,” Typedeath said. “That’s where I get a lot of my inspiration from. The music is more experimental and less crowd pleasing. It’s more about creating an experience through music. Everyone is so kind and friendly and looking for something new” which gives space to bend rules.

TypeDeath is part of Bitches Play Music, BPM, a queer, POC, collective of DJ’s and producers who invite innovative electronic artists and curate events including this album release party. Few spaces foster a community that takes risks and have fun with “off the wall” sounds like those showcased in Racer, the opening track.

When creating the album “I had a composer’s mindset because of my classical music background. It informs how I think about music and how different instruments interact with each other. I want there to be a narrative, to be a journey. Not so much repetition” that is associated with dance music. Eb and flow is an essential mode to the music’s structure. Even playing with different time signatures and beats.

Dance music typically has natural feeling beats of 4, but Septenary takes it to 7. “It’s not the most natural to make music in 7. I want it to feel natural. I want this to sound more organic and mess around with rhythms to really make it flow. You don’t even notice it’s in 7.”

Parts of the album feel like they could belong in a video game soundtrack. “I’m very inspired by the Final Fantasy 13 soundtrack. All of the songs are packed with emotion and I like that they mix electronic and orchestral sounds” that are embodied in Metamorph. It grounds the album in its “maximalism, intense and experimental” sound.

TypeDeath looks forward to completing more volumes that pushes electronic dance music. Check out their debut self titled album, TypeDeath vol. I.