Dear friends,
I’m starting this mailing list because I’m tired of delegating community to algorithms that prioritize profit over connection. Turns out, the GAFAM don’t actually care about our underground music scene. Shocking revelation, I know. This feels more direct, more honest.
After months of insomnia, doubts, and deep breaths (and an unhealthy amount of caffeine), I’m releasing new music. Five tracks over the next few months, roughly one every 6 weeks. It all started from some jams over tunes I love listening to on repeat. Some breaks, kick, hat, snare… You know, right?
Ain’t No Sunshine
Making music is a necessity I never want to escape, but it only makes sense when shared and brought to life with others. Ignite thoughts, feelings, discussions, maybe a riot eventually—though realistically, probably just some very enthusiastic nodding on the dancefloor at 3 AM.
This is the first track. It drops on the 24th on streaming platforms, but you can preview it here on Bandcamp.
Why Bandcamp?
I chose this platform because it’s the fairest for artists. It’s a free download, but if you want, you can give what you feel.
Collective intelligence and collaboration
Like many other producers and composers, I’ve often felt confined by computer-assisted non-linear editing, struggling to declare “it’s finished.” This track has gone through at least 14 different versions. Only with self-imposed constraints and collaboration has it finally come to fruition.
I want to extend a special thanks to Timm Völkner for coming all the way down to Paris to produce the artwork and patiently respond to all my requests and second thoughts.
And a shoutout to (in no particular order): Luca, Uri, Anna, Elissa, Daniele, Irene, Flavia, Pavel, Ivan, Jerome, Nizza, Anthony, Sara, for lending their ears, their feedback, and motivational messages.
The wise mastering was done by DAVE N.A., who’s also an amazing producer.
About the future…
This newsletter will include release announcements with exclusive previews, behind-the-scenes thoughts on process, tools, and challenges, questions and reflections on building community outside platforms (before they inevitably get sold to venture capitalists), and irregular but genuine updates — no spam, no bullshit, no “10% off on merch you don’t need.”
I hope this becomes a space for exchange—not just me broadcasting into the void like every other artist with an oversized ego and undersized Spotify streams, but a conversation about how we continue to create, share, and build together autonomously.
Feel free to reply with your thoughts, feedback, or just to say hi. I read everything (unlike the algorithm that’s definitely not reading this).
Thanks for your support and thanks for being here!
Your Humble Servant of Noise
Francesco Papaleo