Latest Posts

Brat’ya –Desire

2017 is almost history (thankfully) but former Buffalo-based electronica artist/producer Aleksander Ogadzhanov (aka Brat’ya) isn’t done with us yet, with a sophomore album Desire that’s beguilingly one of the most outstanding albums from an expat this year. A luminescent expression of synthwave and 90’s R&B, Desire is a bold and soulful work that showcases a confident artist fearlessly out there vulnerably searching for love/beauty/truth/freedom/sumptuous sonic bliss with 80’s synthesizers and an expressive, honest falsetto that definitely gets the job done. Achingly minimalist, “Fog” provides Desire with a yearning, confessional start that finds a seductive groove that gives Ogadzhanov a chance to channel his inner Passion Pit and showcase his assured falsetto early to achieve early lift off before diving into the seedy and darkish underworld of title track “Desire” about the tyranny of our never-ending quest for satisfaction. “Girl” is straight up one-man band boy band R&B, with irresistible breakbeats, sly lyrics, and treated[...]

brat’ya – Nightwalker

Buffalo synth-pop producer brat’ya (aka Alek Ogadzhanov) debut full-length Nightwalker is driven by layered, melodic instrumentation and inventive sound design to make for a lush, hook-laden release. The release is brat’ya’s first collaboration with internet savvy / futuristic chillwave label Business Casual. Opening track “Glow” kicks things off with an introspective pop jam with bright synth leads and engaging vocals. Using Daft Punk-esque vocoded vocals on “Goodbye,” brat’ya creates a nostalgic feel with its’ benevolent duet and pensive tone. Whether going for a more downtempo, melancholic sound on tracks like the ballad “Relief” and “Pretend” or more buoyant tracks like the sprightly title track “Nightwalker” and “Radio,” brat’ya’s ability to craft memorable hooks from a wide range of textures makes Nightwalker an immersive listen that reveals a focused collection of compelling pop. While the direct, synth-led leanings are reminiscent of artists like Passion Pit and M83, the dense bass and vibrant drums bring to mind Toro y[...]

brat’ya Releases First Music Video

Just in time for Halloween, brat’ya has released an appropriately eerie video for their latest single, “Woods”. The video features brat’ya mastermind, Alek Ogadzhanov, mindlessly walking through the forest toward something we’re never shown. With it’s retro handheld aesthetic and setting, the video at times almost seems to recall films like The Blair Witch Project. Perfectly complimenting this is the chilly calm of brat’ya’s music; at once beautiful and dreamy but seemingly removed from an emotional state. It’s an impressive work from both brat’ya and local filmmaker Luis A. Ramos. If you’re looking for something to get you into the Fall spirit, you could hardly do better.

Brat’ya – Call Me

Lovers of layered vintage synths, naked emotion, and neon soundscapes will find much joy on our Album Of The Week, Brat’ya’s debut five song EP Call Me. The brainchild of Buffalo by way of  Azerbaijani electronica artist Alek Ogadzhanov, Brat’ya combines the electronic majesty of M83 and Miami Horror with the plaintive indie rock vocals of Death Cab For Cutie (but not The Postal Service) to tremendous effect, creating music that sounds sweet in the ear and resonates in your soul, making Call Me the complete package. “Be Someone” gets Call Me off to a strong start, stripping the electronic layers back to a slow burning, throbbing heartbeat under prayerful lyrics that speak to these… interesting times. Sure, sentiments like “let go of fear, give into love” and “I just want to say free your heart” never go out of fashion, but during this summer, after those two political conventions, they feel[...]

Brat’ya – “Call Me”

Lovers of old school synths and unrestrained keyboard lines will get a huge kick out Brat’ya’s  new single “Call Me.” Brat’ya, a solo project from Alek Ogadzhanov (of Smart House), goes all out with lush electronic textures,  vintage 80’s drum sounds, and almost baroque flourishes that play perfectly off the naked yearning of his lyrics and vocals. This is the definition of modern synth pop, and it can be yours via Brat’ya’s Bandcamp page. Enjoy. Maybe get some rollerskating in under disco lights with this in your earbuds. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/258609054″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]