ako

Ako (aka Simeon Soden) infuses diverse influences from more obscure elements of electronic and dance music, including vaporwave and witchhouse, with experimental IDM sensibilities to create thought provoking listening experiences. His music is a must for fans of Com Truise, Windows 96, Clams Casino, Cylob and Boards of Canada.

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When performing live ako creates arresting audio-visual experiences (including VHS footage, computer animation, generative algorithms and modified games console) and employs similar techniques to create experimental music videos to accompany his releases.

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He has had international record label releases in various formats (including VHS cassette) on Sunset grid (Australia), HOT-Q, SPRIX (USA), Northern Exposure and on his own label, Kaneda Records.

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His music has received airplay on BBC6 Music and has been play listed by 'Fresh on the Net' amongst others. He tours and performs nationally and makes regular appearances in his native North East of England (including headline festival appearances).

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Simeon Soden studied Music Technology at Birmingham Conservatoire and has a Masters in Music (Newcastle University). He is currently a PhD student exploring new, fairer forms of music distribution using Blockchain technology.

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Press:

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"this is an addictively uncomfortable track, squelching its dastardly tentacles under your skin and into your mind, and squatting there, just waiting for you to go back and press play again. It calls to mind [the most abrasive music of] Aphex Twin or Clams Casino, and would be a good accompaniment to Powell’s album on XL Recordings. " Max Pilley, reviewing 'NIGHTFOREST' for freshonthenet.co.uk

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"...a talent already attracting significant attention across the region and beyond. His dark and immersive take on house and IDM is foreboding but also curiously beautiful – think a cleaned up version of Salem, or Boards of Canada if they went over to the dark side." NARC.  Magazine