I, Absentee

I, Absentee is a IDM/Synth-Pop/Ambient/techno label that releases high quality electronic music.

d.d. newmole - The Earth Trembled $13.00

D.D. NewMole is Dan Petrarca of Akron-area Ohio. He began making music nearly on his electric guitar, with a focus to write original compositions without mimicking his influences. He went on to learn drums and organ, before eventually being introduced to the world of jungle / drum’n'bass. From there, the initial stages of D.D. NewMole began. Dan taught himself how to use various hardware sequencers, samplers and synths, before eventually taking on computers. After years of recording and programming entirely self-taught (none of his peers were listening to or playing electronic), Dan went to a recording workshop and learned “the correct ways” to record, long after the fact… He then took on a circuit bending apprenticeship with Mr. Reed Ghazala (the creator of circuit bending). Presently, Dan is mixing acoustic and electronic instruments, and the results are emerging as some of the strongest sounds to come.

Hvoya - Flower $13.00

For those who want rich, sensuous vocals on their electronic beats and glitches, similar in the vein of Massive Attack member, Nicolette–give this disc a shot. Hvoya is Ukrainian singer, songwriter and producer Irina Kustovska. She began making music in 2006, guesting on various producers’ tracks and playing some elaborate live performance on some notable electronic festivals. In 2007, she set her main musical focus into Hvoya. Her songs are a harmony of sleek production and soothing, distinct vocals. She completed her debut album, ‘Flower’, in 2008. A handful of these songs fell into the hands of I, Absentee and Hvoya became the first international signing with the label.

Mall Security - Simple Circuits $13.00

A remarkable IDM/synth album with inspired melodies, skilled programming and virtuouso playing as the audio sample will attest. Mall Security is Steve Lutes, of South Bend, Indiana. Steve has a style of highly complex digital programming over synth melodies, ranging from downtempo IDM, to songs approaching full-blown synth-pop. His sounds are continually fascinating and ever-evolving. He is a very prolific artist, also recording under the name Kontyx and forming one half of The Red Falcon Projects with Dorosoto. He has years of material already under his belt, with much more in the works.

Mall Security - Things I Thought of and Made $13.00

Another excellent IDM release by Mall Security featuring deeply intricate melodies and beat constructions with inspired arrangements.

Maps and Diagrams - Toopudus $8.00

Breathtakingly beautiful ambient 3 track Ep very much in the realm of music on the Leaf label, but with more singular stylings. Maps And Diagrams is Tim Martin, a native of the UK. Tim launched the Cactus Island imprint in 2002 with a 7″ split alongside label co-founder Steve Davis (a.k.a. Broca). Both the label and his music would become very esteemed and influential throughout the electronic scene over the decade that followed. Releasing a variety of CDs and vinyl through labels such as Static Caravan, Ak Duck, Unlabel, Smallfish and Moamoo, his work has spanned across the globe to wide acclaim. After a guest remix with us on’ The Twilight Fires: Volume Three’, Maps And Diagrams began preparing an EP for the I, Absentee as one of the acts at the forefront of the current ambient/minimal scene

Phasen - Listening to Old West Coast Rap $13.00

IDM covers of old West Coast Hip-Hop/Rap music, superb and well-crafted, ultra-melodic tunes. Phasen released through I, Absentee what he considers his most accomplished material to date, Listening To Old West Coast Rap. It presents a maturity in sound, while thematically exploring some of his influences of the 90s hip hop scene of West Coast America.

RFP - Ice Warz 85 $8.00

IDM/Electro with a retro flair; RFP (Red Falcon Projects) is the duo of Warren Kroll (Dorosoto, Forrest) and Steve Lutes (Mall Security, Kontyx). Their first sighting came in 2008, via our ‘Birth Certificate’ compilation. After recording a handful of tracks, they set out on tour opening for Power Pill Fist later that summer. They’ve since gone on to remix Alpha Aesar, Lunar Testing Lab and Micko Westmoreland (aka The Bowling Green), and both members have taken on individual ‘Vs’ sessions with Power Pill, as part of his 3″ EP series. In 2009, RFP released their debut mini-album at I, Absentee, entitled ‘Ice Warz ‘85′.

Ten and Tracer - April Kids $13.00

You are jonesing for the new Boards of Canada album, but it is going to be a long wait until that happens. Meanwhile, you need to listen to vaguely nostalgic and haunting melodies, eerie samples with atmospheric washes and sustained organ tones. We know Music has the Right to Children was a great album, why can’t we get more of that goodness? Look no further, this will help you hold-out. Ten And Tracer is Jonathan Canupp of Denver, Colorado. Jonathan initially surfaced around 2000 with digital releases at labels such as 8bitpeoples and Rope Swing Cities. He soon shifted into physical output, doing numerous vinyl and CD releases at U-Cover, Inc.us, Duotone and many more. His album ‘An Hour Brighter’ brought waves of new Ten And Tracer fans and Jonathan went on to tour Europe with U-Cover.

Trills - Modular Puzzle $13.00

Trills is Jonathan Jindra of Houston, Texas–an incredible visual designer and musician. Trills began with several digital releases, including appearances at Archaic Horizon, where he caught the attention of Ian Hawgood. Ian invited Trills to remix his work as Koen Park, which went on to appear on the ‘Remixes, Reworkings And Reimaginings’ 2xCD for I, Absentee. He also went on to become one of the first signings with Ian’s Nomadic Kids Republic label. Modular Puzzle is a staggering cross-genre revelation, ranging from crunching acid to downtempo harmonies and all things in between. It seemed a perfect fit to the non-genre disposition of our label. While not his debut release, it’s certainly one of the more exciting breakthrough albums we’re received since our inception.

21 Jumpsuit - I Heard You Were Away $13.00

For listeners who want chocolate in their peanut butter, I Heard You Were Away brings together the worlds of indie rock and electronic-IDM in one comprehensive release. 21 Jumpsuit is the musical explorations of Carl States – a post-rock / electronic fusion into very unique and original results. Carl States is a multi-instrumentalist from Canton, Ohio; a guitarist, live drummer, accomplished DJ, programmer, etc. One of the original signings with I, Absentee, he represents some of the most stunning sounds to come forth from the label.

Various Artists - Birth Certificate $13.00

You are new to the I, Absentee label, you like the samples above but are not exactly sure what to get. Why not snap up this most excellent compilation filled with techno/ambient/electro/IDM/synth-pop goodies bound to get your booty shaking from first to last track. What Vital Weekly’s Frans de Waard calls “All in all, a very fine collection…” Click on the samples above and find out for yourself.