“we are here, we were always here”
Simultaneously an artifact of the past, a piece of the present, and a nod to the future, Cicada is a new compilation of experimental electronic ambient and drone by Cone Shape Top, the boundary-pushing specialty art and music center based in Oakland.
It is a look to the past because the anthology compiles 10 “experimental longform transmissions” by 10 (mostly Bay Area) artists released by CST since the heart of the pandemic in 2020, beginning with an hourlong work by Amma Ateria. It is also situated in the present because—in addition to the previously released pieces by Joel St. Julien, Jerod S. Rivera, Gabby Wen, and IDHAZ—Cicada features two new works: the droning, shape-shifting “Cicada 11” by Oakland cellist transcriptions01 and the twisted string chamber reverie “Cicada 12” by Catalina Africa.
Looking to the future, perhaps most exciting of all is the fact that this release marks the launch of the label Cone Shape Top Imprint. Since 2017, CST has been a purveyor of important though often neglected cultural works, be it rare disco vinyl, rave pamphlets from the 90s, limited release cassettes by unnamed artists, or even one-of-a-kind apparel pieces. The specialty shop and project space operates in the furthest reaches of experimental and underground art, but it’s precisely there where ideas, perspectives, and possibilities are formed; the same ideas, perspectives, and possibilities that later shape the mainstream world we live in. It’s heartening to see CST, with the support of KADIST, expanding its footprint and continuing to provide a platform for experimental artists in the Bay.
As part of this inaugural release, CST is offering a limited edition hand-poured resin cicada USB drive along with a riso insert and poster print (photos below).
Stream and purchase on Bandcamp →
