** Edition of 500 ** Being in opposition to the speed of our lives and, consequently, the speed in music, is the starting point of Populous's new work “Stasi” (english translation: stasis), which will be out on 11th June for La Tempesta Dischi. “Stasi” is, therefore, a record inspired by slow rhythms and by the hypnosis that repetitive sounds can induce. "Stasi” has been written and produced in a silent and static Salento, a suspended and meditative atmosphere, which has hijacked the direction of this Apulian producer, bringing him back to ambient and instrumental hip-hop atmospheres, similar to those of his early career (“Quipo” and “Queue For Love”, released by the Berlin-based Morr Music in the mid-2000s).

After this initial period, Populous began studying the groove of traditional South American rhythms that, combined with more contemporary electronics, allowed him to write and produce the acclaimed “Azulejos” and collaborate with international labels such as Enchufada, Wonderwheel, Man Recordings and Aya / ZZK. In 2020 Populous released “W”, his most intimate work, a “queer” manifesto on sensuous and energetic electronic beats. He was later asked to produce a remix of the single "La vita nuova", by Christine and the Queens and Caroline Polachek. Thus “Stasi”, due to its circular flow, represents slowdown, reflection and recovery.

Mixed and mastered in the remote rural setting of Sudestudio, using only analogue equipment like Studer tapes and an Amek board, the eight tracks on the disc ramble slowly among the names of legends who have never stopped inspiring Populous: Midori Takada, Boards Of Canada, J Dilla and William Basinski. If we imagined ourselves floating over a calm and mysterious Mediterranean sea, “Stasi” would definitely be the soundtrack.