Automata

Artist Information

Biography

Automata’s sound is like a lucid dream: there’s a subtle familiarity in it that lures you into something altogether otherworldly. Blending dub, soul, pop, blues and rock with break beat, electronic, ambient and classical music, the Chicago-formed quartet seamlessly shifts through an endless spectrum of organic and mechanical textures. One is likely to find themselves meandering through a spaghetti western one moment, a Kingston dance hall the next. Truly an act to be seen as well as heard, Automata pairs their tracks with psychedelic video work for their live performances.

In July of 2009, only two months after solidifying their lineup, Automata made their way into I.V. Lab Studio to record Microcosm with engineer Jay Marino. In five tracks, their self-produced debut EP shows off the group’s ability to incorporate a myriad of styles in their music while still having a defined, cohesive sound. As the title suggest, Microcosm is a complete representation alluding to something much larger and extensive. With a rapidly expanding catalogue of songs, Automata plans to record their first LP in 2010.

Instrumentation

Rachel Thomas: Lead Vocals, Keys
Justin McClain: Bass, Backup Vocals
J.D. Plotnick: Drums, Percussion, Samples
Justin Samuel Martin: Guitar, Samples

Discography

Microcosm EP

Audio

• Give And Take
  Listen  
• The Plea
  Listen  

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Artist Spotlight: Automata [+ Show ]
  

  Automata are a new name out of Chicago that I was recently put onto. Upon first listen, I was instan...Automata are a new name out of Chicago that I was recently put onto. Upon first listen, I was instantly hooked on what I heard. The sultry, soaring vocals of lead singer Rachel Thomas are an instant standout for the band. That’s not to say that the music isn’t equally as impressive and captivating. The band create a musical landscape that can have you feeling like you’re in the gospel tent at a jazz festival in New Orleans one moment, or sitting in on a scene from Portishead’s Roseland NYC live dvd the next. I really can’t imagine listening to their debut EP, Microcosm, and NOT finding something that blows you away. The band cover soul, blues, indie, electronic, dub, and more in just 5 tracks. There’s a cinematic feel to their music, a visual aspect that also carries over to the band’s live show.

Setlist

Siamese
The Traitor
The Plea
Throwback
The Apple Tree
Give And Take
Bad Dreams
The Home Beneath Our Feet
Magnets
The Ghost

Set is about an hour in length.

Basic Requirements

Calendar