The very first demo that Talking with Hands – aka Matthew Smith – sent over from Organic Machine was an early version of “Unprofessional Artist.” The song was an immersive atmospheric endeavor with Smith musing on his self-doubts and questioning his drive into the creative process. Even as a non-musician, it was immediately grabbing – as we’ve all had the same doubts.
The final album version isn’t much different from that demo. Smith’s vocals are still buried in the mix, the atmospheres are still immersive but the truly negative thoughts manifest themselves directly through the computer; in this case both figuratively and literally. It’s the mid-point of the album, ending Side A of the vinyl – a perfect place to pause and contemplate your own creativity.
Fittingly, the video is its own creative journey. A tale told through terminal prompts, ANSI text and interloping antagonists. If “ANSI” is a term that is even remotely familiar to you, I can all but guarantee you’ll love what’s on the other end of that link.
The process of making it was much like much an album; pulling influences from life, from other art and from the rudimentary tools available. I believe it does the song justice and, hopefully, gives you some resonance with your own internal monologue.
Organic Machine is a layered, introspective and thoughtful record. If you haven’t heard anything from it before now, I hope this video can be your introduction to the work, as the song was for me.
Organic Machine is streaming everywhere. We have a handful of copies remaining of the vinyl and you buy the digital on Bandcamp or Ampwall.
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