ako (6)

ako infuses diverse influences from more obscure elements of electronic and dance music, including synthwave, witchhouse and vaporwave, with experimental IDM sensibilities to create soundscapes that are both deeply atmospheric and at times viscerally raw. Avoiding clichés of dance music and creating something thought provoking. He uses VHS footage, modified games consoles and computer animation to create arresting audio-visual performances and experimental video. His music as ako has received national airplay on Amazing Radio and has been play listed by 'Fresh on the Net' amongst others. Key influences include Com Truise, Salem, Clams Casino, Boards of Canada, Aphex Twin as well as vintage and analogue hardware. He is also involved in various other projects, including founding Kaneda Records, an independent record label committed to championing underground electronic music. As well as various bands, including garnering radio play on BBC 6 Music and BBC introducing as well as supporting touring artists such as Blanck Mass, Kite Base and others. Simeon Soden studied Music Technology at Birmingham Conservatoire and has a Masters in Music (Newcastle University). He is currently a PhD student, awarded an NPIF/AHRC research grant to explore new, fairer forms of music distribution using Blockchain technology at SAGE, Gateshead and Sunderland University.