R&B's Kaleidoscope: ASTU's Harmonic Merge of Eras and Identity Narratives
Image from Variant Magazine
Stumbling on ASTU, a musical artist based in the Bay Area of California, is an accidental surprise – this transcendent musical entity steps into the limelight with a sonic canvas that seamlessly blends elements of retro soul, a splash of nineties R&B nostalgia.
Embarking on ASTU's musical odyssey is akin to embarking on a journey through a kaleidoscope, one that unfurls from the deconstruction of outdated thought patterns to the sacred realm of introspection. With each lyric and every note, ASTU becomes our guide, leading us through a labyrinth of contemplation where we challenge the limitations of conventional thinking and venture into the uncharted territories of our minds. ASTU's musical journey is an intricate tapestry that intertwines diverse threads, creating an expansive soundscape that resonates far beyond the ordinary. Anchored in their rich heritage of R&B's generational rhythms, this sonic voyage is a testament to their boundless creativity. But it doesn't stop there – ASTU boldly weaves the vivacious colors of pop, the cosmic echoes of synth-wave, and the kaleidoscopic harmonies of psychedelia into a symphony that opens portals to the depths of the mind and soul.
ASTU possesses a magical ability to summon the spirit of 90s club songs, resurrecting the infectious rhythms that once ruled the dance floors. With every pulsating beat and groovy bassline, listeners are transported back to dimly lit dance halls, where neon lights and rhythmic movements created a symphony of youthful exuberance. The playful energy that characterized the 90s club scene is palpable in ASTU's music, infusing each track with an irresistible allure that makes it impossible to resist moving to the rhythm (just take a crack at their piece, Suit Up, and tell us otherwise!)
An integral part of ASTU's identity shines through their music – their unapologetic queerness. Their artistry transcends the conventional, offering a safe haven where listeners are free to explore their own identities. In each note, a celebration of diversity; in each melody, an embrace of individuality but also a counter-movement that invites celebration of a unique and fresh narrative of queer love as a physical manifestation within the music. ASTU's music becomes a bridge that connects hearts, minds, and souls, inviting us all to partake in a shared journey of self-discovery and acceptance, while simultaneously experiencing a narrative of love that may not be one it would otherwise conjure up on its own without invitation.
In between the intricate mix of pop, psychedelic and rhythm and bass lies the cadence of those hymns finds new life in the rhythmic heartbeats of their music, while the soul-stirring melodies weave threads of nostalgia that tug at the heartstrings while also creating a new array of sound that is experienced for the first time.
But perhaps most intriguing of all is the infusion of psychedelic soundwaves and harmonies. These auditory kaleidoscopes paint the mind's canvas with hues and patterns that defy logic, inviting us to transcend the mundane and explore the extraordinary.
ASTU – Motion via YouTube
Here’s our suggestion on how to dive in:
sunsetmedown
Motion
Roots
Satellites
The Hunt
Suit Up
Staycation / Runaway
