Borealis by RUMTUM
RUMTUM's new single "Borealis" plugs you right into a VHS tape memory of running your fingers through tall grass and wading shorelines of saturated memories. The recursive CS80 Arps and sanguine bassline carry a feeling that something greater is happening around you, maybe a galactic change or memories being played back on a walkman. It's clear this dreamy and colorful track channels an aleatoric vibe.
"Borealis" is the second single from RUMTUM's new album "Isles in Indigo" - dropping mid March on Bastard Jazz. The album is the landing point where the story beginnings for musician and visual artist RUMTUM. While living in Hawaii and studying the coral reef around south Kona for two months the LP was recorded on samplers and a Tascam tape deck. Returning to the mainland with only saturated rough drafts influenced this over-saturated lost island tape vibe. The recordings were finished at a mountain home in southern Colorado during the worldwide shutdown of COVID-19, it was an odd time to work on such an uplifting and mystical concept but allowed for escapism at its best.
Electronic producer and instrumental enthusiast John Hastings (aka RUMTUM) has a unique approach to crafting his melodic tunes. The Cleveland native offers a broad frequency, and whether it be his love for native spirits or sea life, the natural world plays a significant role in the dynamics of his writing. From a young age his obsession for mixers and knobs grew into a passion for recording with found objects and handmade instruments. And while learning drums provided the musical foundation to understand bass and guitar, a fascination with synthesizers and explorations into field recordings continues to inspire his craft.
RUMTUM is an electronic producer and multi-instrumentalist blending IDM, electronica, and Midtempo into immersive, melodic soundscapes. Saturated synths, hypnotic loops, and organic percussion define his style. He’s released on Lefse, Wax Thematique, Gold Robot, and Bastard Jazz, with new audio-visual work coming soon.