Since first debuting on the label back in 2013 with his Vapor City LP, American musician Travis Stewart, better known as Machinedrum, has released three other albums on Ninja Tune, with the most recent being this months release of A View Of U. The record includes a list of features that would rival even the most star-studded back sleeves, with contributions coming from Sub Focus, Chrome Sparks, Freddie Gibbs, Rochelle Jordan, Father, Jesse Boykins III, Tigran Hamasyan, Tanerelle and Mono/Poly. As
you might imagine from such an eclectic list of contributors, the albums soundscape covers a wide spectrum of genres and styles, with neurofunk textures, hiphop beats, drum ’n bass rhythms, ambient harmonies and glitch hop transients all making their way through our speakers. Stewart, who frequently participates in meditation, has said that the album serves as an extensive of his experience with mindfulness “The feeling of being out of your body feels infinite. It feels like time has stopped. It feels like the birth of creation. It feels like the impossible becomes possible. It feels unfamiliar and familiar at the same time. It feels scary at first but once you let go of that fear and surrender to the experience it feels incredibly beautiful and life changing.”
Where to start:
Star – Crisp drum transients and beautiful, soul-heavy vocals
Kane Train – Rich hiphop with lyrics from Freddie Gibbs
1000 Miles – Emotive drum ’n bass rhythms and thick reese basslines
Previous from Machinedrum:
Human Energy LP (2016, Ninja Tune)
Vapor City LP (2013, Ninja Tune)
If you like this then check out:
Hudson Mohawke – Airborne Lard (2020, Warp Records)
Lapalux – Amnioverse (2019, Brainfeeder)
Machinedrum – A View Of U is out now on Ninja Tune.