Myths and Monsters : Cecaelia

UK-based musician Steven Whiley makes “Cthulu-wave” as Myths and Monsters. What is “Cthulu-wave” you ask? Well if you know who Cthulu is then you wouldn’t be asking that question. HP Lovecraft’s most famous creation, Cthulu is a cosmic entity that is part octopus, dragon, and in a somewhat human form. He’s worshiped by cultists and […]

Joel Ross : The Parable Of The Poet

Joel Ross is part of the new wave of artists continuing a decades-long journey in creating evocative and forward-thinking music in the realm of jazz. The Chicago-born, New York City-based vibraphonist released his debut in 2019 titled Kingmaker with Blue Note Records and established himself as a musician and composer to watch. His music is […]

Kurt Vile : (watch my moves)

Kurt Vile runs on his own frequency. He blends rock, folk, and country into something quite unique and very much his own. Jangle one minute and rocking and psychedelic the next, Vile takes Prine, Petty, and Young and blends them all together with a touch of early 90s Dinosaur Jr and Pavement. Over nine albums […]

Sankofa : Legacy Materials

Midwest MC Sankofa is not one to let much time lag between projects. Whether it’s constantly writing verses for new tracks, collaborating with friends, fellow MCs, producers, or coming up with ingenious new merch to help promote his work, Sankofa does not waste a drop of creative juice. Stephen Bryden, aka Sankofa, doesn’t let a […]

“Temporary Label” : A Conversation With El Paraiso Records’ Jonas Munk and Jakob Skøtt

Last week we had a hell of a time over hear at Complex Distractions celebrating a decade(plus a year) of releases with El Paraiso Records. So many amazing albums, artists, and vibes that have hit our ears and burned out psyches that it was impossible for me to cover all of them. I did cover […]

“Cheer Up, Honey, I Hope You Can” : Yankee Hotel Foxtrot At 20

We arrived in Chicago just in time for the Palestinian protests and roving motorcycle gangs speeding through traffic on Michigan Avenue on Motorcross-style dirt bikes. Chicago cops in the median standing next to their mountain bikes flummoxed and indignant. The entrance to our underground parking a mere 50 feet away, though it might as well […]

Odense Vibes : 11 Years Of El Paraiso Records Part V(Solo And Beyond)

It’s been a heady week-long journey into the heart of the mighty El Paraiso Records. So many amazing releases and artists have passed through the hallowed halls of El Paraiso, and I think we’re all the better for it. These last 11 years have seem some amazing records drop, and I’m hoping there’s at least […]

Odense Vibes : 11 Years Of El Paraiso Records Part IV(Collaborations)

Over the years there have been some truly great collaborative albums between members of Causa Sui and other amazing, like-minded artists. Albums that El Paraiso Records offered up to the universe so we could partake in those magical vibes as well. These albums stand for what El Paraiso was created for in the first place, […]

Odense Vibes : 11 Years Of El Paraiso Records Part III(Causa Sui Edition)

At the heart of El Paraiso Records is the band Causa Sui. The four-piece rock band from Denmark made up of Jonas Munk(guitar), Rasmus Rasmussen(keys), Jess Kahr(bass), and Jakob Skøtt(drums). The label was the band’s home base, where they could release albums whenever they wanted and could explore any sonic avenues they wanted to. From […]

Odense Vibes : 11 Years Of El Paraiso Records Part II

I might have had an infatuation with record labels before, but not to the degree that I found a sonic home away from home that I found with El Paraiso Records. Growing up as a Midwest teen/wannabe guitar slinger I was obsessed with looking at the back of guitar magazines and eyeing over the Shrapnel […]