44 Ardent could very well be the next phenom of chilled indie dance music. He has successfully made me feel like I'm inside a fluffy cloud with his track, 'onlyknow', which is off his sophomore album, 'leo'. In 'onlyknow', 44 Ardent takes me on a journey reminiscent of a dream from a beloved video game of my youth, but in HD detail. The clean production serves as the perfect backdrop for a wave of emotions, giving me a sense of warmth, softness, and sweet, melancholic nostalgia. This music feels like a big hug, seriously!
The artist's dedication to his craft is evident through consistent releases of his own brand of chill vibes over the past few years. This commitment hasn't gone unnoticed; his 2018 single 'Fading 22' has accumulated over a million plays on Spotify to date. 44 Ardent effortlessly combines melodic elements with dark, driving basslines, creating sonic landscapes that might evoke hints of Caribou, Tourist, and Odesza.
As the track unfolds, the distorted and autotuned vocals become the focal point, something that I always love in good quality production. They draw me in and wrap me in a comforting embrace. The emotional journey of "onlyknow" is sweet, so sweet it's like listening to a lolly. The sound is uplifting with a hint of melancholy coloring a wide emotional range in the qualia of the auditory experience. The melancholy is reflected in the simple, but relatable lyrics;
I only know what you said to me,
My eyes are closed, I can barely see
What have we done to the rest of us,
The night is bright, I can feel the stars
Loved you from afar,
Wish upon a star,
and you broke my heart
‘till we fell apart
This music has a magical quality that is simultaneously uplifting and dancable without losing any of the heartfelt emotion held within the lyrics. The result is to create an intimate connection with the soundscape, embraced within it. This dreamy soundscape is floaty like a cloud, projecting me into a realm where every note is a soft indulgence. All them feels...
Sharp drums with lo-fi keys add a layer of complexity to the composition, creating a dynamic contrast between beats and keys. This balance enhances the overall texture of the track, making it both engaging and great to listen to. It's immersive also, it's a nostalgic video game dream translated into a cute sharp wonderland for me.
With the album out now, 44 Ardent continues to be an absolute must watch artist in the realm of chilled indie dance/house music as we head into the new year.
Connect with 44 Ardent: Instagram| Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud |Streaming links
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About the Author
Andrei Satcau is a multitalented artist, producer, photographer/videographer soon-to-be author working with some of the biggest names in music shooting concerts. As a cameraman, Andrei has shot some of the best and continues to do so. In front of the camera, andrei does regular acting work. He is a multifaceted individual who loves to create and believes that anyone can do anything if they set their mind. His label Shutterdre launched in 2021, creating various sounds from hip hop to drum and bass, cinematic ambient soundscapes to pumping psytrance and techno under the artist name Thracos and Shutterdre.
His roots run deep in the world of entertainment, having served as a production manager for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival where he toured with comedic talents around Australia and Asia. His adventures have also taken him under the sea as an underwater photographer and dive master. Generally, he likes to do it all, give it his all, and inspire others to do the same.
His new book “Self” will be available early next year, writing is a newfound passion for him. He also has a new album which is almost finished. He views life on the wild side and inspires others to step outside of their comfort zone and find the best version of themselves through regular discomfort, focus and reflection. You can find Andrei on socials under the handle @shutterdre!