moon:and:6‘s latest single “Apollo 7ven” is an enthralling journey through time and space that blends experimental electronic sounds with samples from NASA’s 1968 Apollo 7 mission. Drawing on a range of influences from early/mid 2000s alternative dance, indietronica, disco and electro sounds, the Canadian recording artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist creates a sound that is both retro and futuristic.
From the outset, “Apollo 7ven” captivates with its otherworldly sonic palette. The track’s instrumentation is expertly crafted, featuring a mix of live bass, Fender Rhodes piano, modular synth and vintage Roland 707 drum machine sounds. Layers of synthesizers and intricate beats merge to create a sonic landscape that feels both familiar and groundbreaking. As the track progresses, it’s the clever use of NASA’s audio speech samples that truly sets this song apart. The soundbites from the Apollo 7 mission add an element of authenticity and gravity to the song, elevating it to a higher level of artistic expression.
As the chorus kicks in, moon:and:6 hits the listener with a powerful and infectious 7/4 groove that will undoubtedly have you nodding your head in time. It’s a testament to the artist’s skill that this odd time signature doesn’t feel out of place but rather perfectly complements the overall sound and theme of the track. The use of the mission number in the rhythm is a clever nod to the historical significance of the Apollo program.
Overall, “Apollo 7ven” is a stunning example of experimental electronic music that manages to be both accessible and intellectually engaging. With its optimistic and forward-looking mood, this track is the perfect soundtrack for anyone looking to explore the unknown and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
“Apollo 7ven” started with a trippy sequence created on a modular synth – the exact sequence that starts the final versions. With that phrase looping I started playing simple melodic line on my Fender Rhodes piano. Perhaps it was by chance, but it was in 7/4 time. At that point, I thought, hey this is the perfect tribute to Apollo 7 – the first successful mission to launch humans into space in an Apollo spacecraft.
Although unusual, there have been some popular songs in that time signature: “Money” by Pink Floyd and “Salisbury Hill” by Peter Gabriel being among the most well known. However, it was the middle section of Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” that was the biggest inspiration here – who else could get away with odd time signature disco? Well, I thought I would give it try.
I was really inspired by the sounds of the early 2000s putting this track together. Acts like The Knife, Ladytron, Daft Punk, and Hot Chip were on repeat.
I hope you enjoy the journey. –Michael aka moon:and:6
