Dan Deacon

Dan Deacon makes electronic music that feels both intricate and immediate. He grew up in Baltimore and started working with keyboards and samplers early on, drawing from experimental acts like Aphex Twin. His first album, 'Spiderman of the Rings,' came out in 2007 and established his approach, which often layers glitchy textures with melodic hooks.

His 2009 album 'Bromst' continued in that vein, but it was the song 'When I Was Done Dying' that reached a wider audience. That track, with its soaring synths and catchy structure, ended up in films and TV shows. Other songs like 'Become a Mountain' and 'Crystal Cat' show his range, from dense electronic arrangements to more relaxed, ambient moments.

Deacon's live shows are known for their high energy, sometimes incorporating lights and visuals. He works alone in the studio but has played with musicians like Greg Saunier and members of Animal Collective. Albums like 'America' in 2012 and 'Mystic Familiar' in 2020 have kept his sound evolving without losing that core blend of electronic experimentation and pop sensibility.