1tbsp’s megacity1000 — Exploring modern urban challenges through music
Australian Grammy Award-nominated artist Maxwell Byrne, known as 1tbsp, has released his latest project, megacity1000, a concept dance album available now via Sumoclic.
Produced by: Maxwell Byrne
megacity1000‘s unique exploration of modern urban life blends house and dance music with thought-provoking themes. As 1tbsp, Byrne delves into the overwhelming feelings sparked by the state of the world and how these emotions can coexist with creative inspiration. The album is portrayed as an advertisement for a fictional ultra-modern city, designed to address pressing issues like climate change, gentrification, and urban growth. Byrne and his partner spent two months constructing a miniature cardboard city to create the visuals for the album, drawing inspiration from cinematic masterpieces like Playtime from Jacques Tati and Fritz Lang’s Metropolis.
The sound throughout the album is shaped by Byrne’s signature style, which blends elements reminiscent of artists like Mura Masa, Four Tet, Jamie xx, and Rosalía. The tracks on megacity1000 fuse danceable beats with a deeper narrative, offering listeners both an escape and a space to reflect on contemporary urban challenges.
Reflecting on the album’s creation, Byrne shared:
“Over the last year, whilst I’ve been feeling creatively inspired, I’ve also often been feeling quite overwhelmed by the state of the world. Sometimes those two feelings feel very at odds with each other. Also, as I’ve been touring in different cities, I’ve become fascinated with their different approaches to handle growth, climate change & gentrification.
“megacity1000 is a concept dance album that acts as an advertisement for a fictional ultra-modern city that could miraculously solve all these problems.”
megacity1000 stands as a testament to 1tbsp’s ability to blend creativity with social commentary, offering a sonic experience particularly as intellectually engaging as it is rhythmically compelling. The album is available now.
Standout Songs: Standout Tracks: ‘Neurasync,’ ‘Limosina,’ ‘The City Never Felt So Good,’ and ‘Oh No.’
Release Date: August 29
7.4
Connect with 1tbsp:
Wait! Before you leave, we’d like to share something important with you. Our site is an independent, small platform that is committed to providing valuable content without any pesky ads. However, to keep the site running smoothly and continue delivering quality content, we rely on the generous support of users like you.
By contributing a small donation, you can help us maintain our ad-free environment and ensure that our site remains a reliable resource for everyone. Your support matters and makes a significant difference in our ability to thrive and grow.
Thank you for being a part of our community, and we truly value your support!
To make a donation, please click here: Buy us a beer!
More music reviews from the team at The Daily Music Report can be found here.