His new single “Pulse” brings shivers and sorrow — and an unexpected dose of cinematic electronica.
At Majestic Journal, our “Fresh Sounds” feature aims to showcase not just the latest tracks from our favorite up-and-coming artists, but those doing things differently. In our latest feature, we listen to LA-based electronic artist Michl and his new single, “Pulse.”
Not many artists can get your toes tapping to a track about hitting rock bottom, but it just may be one of Michl’s hidden talents.
The Californian DJ, producer and electronic artist first surfaced in 2016 with his six-track eponymous EP. Two short years later, with his collab with Mura Masa, “Better With You,” (2018) boasting nearly two million monthly listeners on Spotify, one would expect a flurry of interviews and other promotional campaigns coming from him. Instead, Michl has maintained a mysterious and introverted presence with minimal press and activity, keeping his true identity hidden.
In the meantime, Michl has been tweaking his trademark formula, switching enigmatic slow jams for a punchier sound on his new single, “Pulse,” as he laments the sorrow of unrequited love.
Set against an opening chorus of delicate xylophone, Michl’s dreamy vocals tread tough territory through feelings of desertion and reluctant acceptance. Space-age FX, maracas, distorted vocal ad-libs, and heavy-hitting drum beats come together as the track builds to a crescendo.
“How come knots always loosen?
Guess I tie myself to the loose ends
But I push, I press
I lost my bets
and who knows if I’ll get ’em back?
Now all I got left is my pulse”
Once again standing out from the crowd with his incredible production and lyrics, Michl refuses to be pigeonholed, foraying into film alongside “Pulse” with his short debut, “Datum.”
“Datum” (2018) is a a stylish six-minute chronicle of Michl’s childhood and his brushes with escapism and young love, shot in his hometown of Riverside, California, and scored by an exquisite collage of tracks from his upcoming debut EP: “Out of Order,” “Better With You,” and “I’ll Do It All Again.”
Another window into Michl’s creativity, his newest output of both “Pulse” and “Datum” are a fitting introduction to the Californian’s growing discography — and with rumours of a new album dropping in 2019, our pulse continues to race in anticipation.
Michl’s new single “Pulse” and debut EP “Michl” are out now.
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Written by Alex Farrow-Hamblen
Edited by Jaclyn Siu