Song of the Day: IG88 - Drowning in Pinwheels (feat. Bed of Stars)

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Morning Show with John Richards, is "Drowning in Pinwheels" (feat. Bed of Stars) by IG88 from the 2013 album Breathing Suit on Nueva Forma.

IG88 - Drowning in Pinwheels (feat. Bed of Stars) (MP3)

Named for partially for a character in Star Wars and partially for his birth year, Seattle-based producer Branden Clarke makes lush, atmospheric electronic music under the moniker IG88. After picking up classical guitar in his youth, Clarke eventually moved towards making electronic music under his current moniker (as well as hip-hop under the name Triceracorn.) His latest album. Breathing Suit, contains 12 tracks of emotive electronic music that deftly serves as a soundtrack to both late nights and bright afternoons. Featuring the vocals of Bed of Stars' Evan Konrad, "Drowning In Pinwheels" is a chiming, dazzling slice of downtempo electronic music. As Konrad soars over the humming beats and looming synthesizers, the track gives way to sharp keys as its tension fades to a buzzing close. As its sunny title suggests, "Drowning In Pinwheels" is filled with luminescent tones that arrive just in time for long summer nights.

IG88's next gig is at the Nectar Lounge on July 7th. You can get tickets and info about that show here and keep up with Clarke at his Facebook and Bandcamp. For now, watch the video for his 2012 track "Gateway Hug" below: