Artist in profile: Astronomyy
The identity of UK singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Astronomyy remains a mystery, but his surf R&B is gaining plenty of enthusiastic fans. Learn more about the self-titled "songsmith" before he drops his debut EP.
Who?
Astronomyy -- his real name is Arron -- hails from Worchestershire and is now based in London. He began introducing listeners to his urban surf pop with the release of the track "Don't Need U" a year ago, and while little is known about the man behind the music, successive singles "Things I'd Do for U" and "Driving Me Crazy" have revealed more of his mellow sound and earned him a spot on several best-of-2013 lists. Latest track "Nothin On My Mind" is to be included on debut EP "There For U," headed out next month on the musician's own label, Lunar Surf.
Why the buzz?
Astronomyy's music talks into the current preference for alternative R&B but gives it a laid-back, lo-fi feel that's likely to please an even bigger crowd.
Nialler9 praised the music's "stripped back R&B style: a sultry voice, guitar, simple percussion and lots of space make for a winning formula."
Pigeons and Planes says, "Particularly for songs of love and dreams, astronomyy's production and vocals provide the perfect vessel."
DIY Mag notes that the artist "opts for restraint when cacophony's a more tempting alternative. Keep it up, and he just might be one of the country's brightest pop prospects in years."
What to listen to?
You can listen to Astronomyy's previous tracks and download "Nothin On My Mind" on SoundCloud. The "There For U" EP is due for release July 28 on limited 12" vinyl and iTunes.
Where to follow?
Astronomyy is active on social media, with a friendly Twitter account on which he posts EP news, travel updates, and jokey tweets like, "I'm glad I didn't take up the offer to watch The Wolf Of Wall Street with my parents," "the next generation of kids gonna have a Siri accent" and "why are people obsessed with getting to Mars. it's an awful planet. pls stop." You can also follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr.
