In the prism of contemporary music, where genres blend and boundaries blur, Eartheater emerges as a captivating figure reshaping the sonic landscape. Born Alexandra Drewchin, known professionally as Eartheater, is a groundbreaking multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer and vocalist. From her upbringing on a farm in Pennsylvania by a Russian father and an English mother, she skipped college and moved straight to Queens, where her artistic career took off. She has taken the dance scene captive with her alien-like appearance and sound that falls somewhere between dream pop, psychedelic folk, and electro.
Photo: Hannah Khymych
Eartheater transcends conventional categorizations, effortlessly traversing through experimental, electronic, and avant-garde realms. Her music, characterized by ethereal vocals, intricate production, and innovative compositions, not only captivates the listener’s ear but also challenges perceptions, pushing the boundaries of what music can be. Eartheater’s sonic palette is expansive and eclectic, drawing from a diverse array of influences spanning classical, folk, and electronic music. With a background in classical music and a passion for experimental sound, Eartheater embarked on her musical journey with the release of her debut album, “Metalepsis,” in 2015. Tracks like “Homonyms” and “Rip Chrysalis” exemplify Eartheater’s appetite for juxtaposing delicate melodies with abrasive textures, creating an otherworldly listening experience that defies easy categorization. This album showcased her unique blend of ethereal vocals, intricate production, and innovative compositions, garnering critical acclaim and establishing her as an unstoppable force in the music scene.
Since then, Eartheater has continued to push the boundaries of her music exploration with subsequent releases, including “IRISIRI” (2018) and “Trinity” (2020). Her music defies any and all boundaries, as her journey remains boundless and unapologetic. With each release, Eartheater’s artistry has evolved, revealing new depths of emotion, complexity, and creativity. With her fluid music evolution her footprint has spread from more underground scenes into the forefront. Her newest album “Powders” (2023) is leading her to some of the biggest musical stages during this Spring/ Summer 2024 festival run. This will Include,
Apr 12&19: Coachella Music Festival ,Indio Valley, California
May 25: Wide Awake Festival, Brockwell Park, London
May 30: Circolo Magnolia, Milan, Italy
Jun 1: Primavera Sound Barcelona, Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona
Jun 6: Primavera Sound Porto, Parque da Cidade, Porto
Jul 3: Kolorádó Fesztivál, Nagykovácsi, Hungary
Jul 6: Roskilde Festival, Roskilde, Denmark
Jul 13: Melt Festival, Gräfenhainichen, Germany
Photo: Cameron Postforoosh
One of Eartheater’s most distinctive qualities is her mesmerizing vocal delivery. With a voice that effortlessly glides between haunting whispers and soaring opera screams, she saturates her music with a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. In tracks like “High Tide,” her vocals cascade over pulsating beats and atmospheric synths, evoking a sense of transcendence that resonates deeply with listeners.
There is no doubt that streaming services help alternative and underground genres expand and evolve in a way they never previously have. Her Spotify radio pairs her music with artists like FKA Twigs, Yves Tumor, TWEAKS, Vegn, and others that borderline mainstream music with their alternative yet captivating sound.
Beyond her musical prowess, Eartheater’s lyrical themes are equally compelling, exploring themes of identity, spirituality, and the human experience. Her lyrics are often enigmatic and poetic, inviting listeners to decipher their own meanings and interpretations. In songs like “Peripheral” and “Inclined,” she delves into existential questions with a sense of introspection and curiosity, inviting listeners to contemplate the mysteries of existence alongside her.
Photo: Michelle Helena Janssen
Eartheater’s impact extends beyond the confines of the studio as she is also a visual artist, further expanding her creative vision through multimedia installations and captivating performances. She creates immersive experiences that blur the lines between performance art and musical expression. Her stage presence is magnetic, commanding the audience’s attention with an effortless grace and intensity. Her multimedia approach to creativity underscores her commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new avenues of expression. Whether through her music, visuals, or live performances, Eartheater invites listeners into a world where the limits of artistic expression are constantly being challenged and redefined.
She masterfully weds her sound with compelling visual stories in her music videos. In “Pure Smile Snake Venom ” She opens the song in bondage attire, serving alien dominatrix. Then she emerges from a yellow venomous liquid fully naked and curled into herself. The finale consists of an oversaturated, and seemingly graphic close up of her bloody and venomous mouth. This performance only leads viewers to question and create individual interpretations of the intended meaning of it all. In other music videos such as “Mitosis” and “Faith Consuming Hope”, her innovative and engaging performances continuously draw us in. There is something truly magical about the combination of her godly self meshed with distorted movements, eerie undertones, and her ghostly yet ethereal sound. Time after time we are left on our knees, bowing down and begging for more.
Photo: Hannah Khymych
I pulled together some quotes that are going to make you love Eartheater as much as I do:
When asked about previous comments she made about the patriarchy she jokingly stated: “I light sugar daddies on fire like Notre Dame and then eat them like crème brûlée” (Metal Magazine)
“I like feeling discomfort. A lot of it, like deliberate discomfort.” (Puss Puss Magazine)
When asked about her Song C.L.I.T.: “C.L.I.T.’ stands for ‘curiosity liberates infinite truth.” (Fader Magazine)
“I’m a chronically over-inspired person,I want to see beauty in everything, then boil it down into my own thing.” (Crack Magazine)
There’s no doubt about it, Eartheater is an icon and the world is finally catching on. In an era where conformity often reigns supreme, Eartheater stands out as a beacon of creativity and individuality. Her music transcends genre classifications, offering listeners a glimpse into a world where sonic boundaries dissolve, and imagination reigns supreme. Eartheater remains a fearless innovator, pushing the envelope of what is possible with each new release. She continually inspires her audiences to embrace the beauty of experimentation and freedom of expression. Because isn’t this what icons do? They remind us that boundaries are built to be broken, and our creativity is born to run wild.
By Ferg
Insta @_ferggg_
Photography:
Hannah Khymych
Cameron Postforoosh
Michelle Helena Janssen