Brooklyn-based artist Unknown Caller uses his outside environmental settings for influence to produce atmospheric grooves like his latest release “See You Again”.
Inspired by Japanese city pop, as well as the Memphis design movement. Unknown Caller delivers smooth grooves underneath sun-faded synths and shimmering guitars. “See You Again” is an abundantly groovy mix of R&B and electro-pop encouraging you to dance and get lost in the sensation of it all.
From the artist perspective, “See You Again’" is about people and places that appear in your life - perhaps briefly, perhaps enduring - and impact your worldview in a way you don’t always realize at the moment," explains Alex Lichtenstein, the name behind Unknown Caller.
"There’s something refreshing about the spontaneity of certain interactions, especially during a period where every connection is trackable. The meaning also parallels never being able to see a person again because of change, but there’s a certain beauty in remembering them as they once were."
“See You Again” captivated me completely with its ability to fabricate a sudden emotion of contentedness and relaxation with its glistening, organic and electrifying aura. The song sparkles across the platform into our ears, adding a livelihood to the nostalgic thoughts and emotions of a significant other.
Unknown Caller has an ethereal vocal resonance with the correct production to abduct us into the realm of his music. “See You Again” undoubtedly has the potential to be a mainstream hit with the correct marketing strategies and promotion of the record.
Listen to "See You Again" and be sure to check out Unknown Caller on social media.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi! I’m Alex and I record and perform under the midnight-pop project, Unknown Caller. I’m currently based in Brooklyn, NY.
How was your upbringing in Brooklyn New York? Is there a heavy music scene you may have been inspired by?
I’ve been living in New York for the last several years, but actually grew up in McLean, Virginia, a DC suburb. I was really inspired by the raw energy of the 80s DC punk scene when I was playing in bands in my teens, but my influences became much more eclectic after moving to NYC to study music technology. I was immersed in so many different kinds of music from seeing tons of shows and meeting new people. I found myself especially drawn to the late 00s dream-pop/chillwave scene - Wild Nothing, Toro y Moi, Neon Indian, etc. I started experimenting with different recording techniques, adding synthesizers to my arrangements, and arrived at my current dreamy, funky sound.
Many of the musical legends and icons are based out of New York, do you feel like your city is the home of all the go-getters?
I think living in New York really motivates people to be on top of their game and to never become complacent. It has such a rich musical history, and I think that’s a big part of what pushes people creatively. Something I really like about the city is that you’re never the smartest or most talented person in the room, you’re constantly learning new ways to improve your art and yourself.
What is Japanese City Pop for our readers who aren’t familiar with it?
City pop is essentially Japanese pop in the 80s that mixes elements of synth-pop, funk, and jazz and is thematically associated with metropolitan life. Whenever I listen to it, I’m taken to such a specific place, and both singles I released this year are partly inspired by this genre.
Can you tell us a bit about your new single? What inspired you to create “See You Again?"
“See You Again” is about people and places that appear in your life - perhaps briefly, perhaps enduring - and impact your worldview in a way you don’t always realize at the moment. There’s something refreshing about the spontaneity of certain interactions, especially during a period where every connection is trackable. The meaning also parallels never being able to see a person again because of change, but there’s a certain beauty in remembering them as they once were. It's a companion single to "Sayonara," a song I released in August.
What can we expect to see from you in 2019?
I’m very excited to kick off the year by playing my first show with a full live band. We’re supporting Computer Magic at The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on January 12th. The following day, I'll be locking myself in my studio to finish my first full-length.