The beginnings of techno was birthed from the fusion of various African American styles, ranging from Chicago house, funk and electro, to the subsequent melding with electric jazz. Additionally, Audials shares that "added to this, was an interest in futuristic and fictional themes that were relevant to life in American late capitalist society: most particularly the novel Future Shock by Alvin Toffler." Undoubtedly, techno is the result of self-expression—a symbol of freedom that prevails as capitalism continues to cement its influence onto the world. Zachary Allan Starkey is mindful of this, and in his newest sex-positive track "XXX", speaks on this freedom of expression and the oppression upheld by the government and media with sophisticated fluidity.
Starkey's previous single, "NO SECURITY", is about the political and economic chaos and fear that is consuming the world in 2020. With "XXX", he shows marginalized, disadvantaged, depressed, overworked, and economically struggling people escaping the present dystopian nightmare to find freedom, expression, and pleasure on the dance floor. The "XXX" of the title is not only a reference to sex and recreational drugs, it is also signifying the excitement of the unknown.
""XXX" is my musical synthesis of a journey I have made literally hundreds of times, finding escape and release from the struggles of daily life on the dance floor," Starkey shares. "It's a song for both my journey and the journey I've seen many others make in the safety offered by nightlife spaces. "XXX" is about celebrating sex, pleasure, and freedom. Musically, "XXX" is my attempt to marry my love of both Techno and symphonic music."
A marriage it is, as "XXX" symphonically sweeps the sonic landscape with pure hedonistic ecstasy, delving deep into a sensual narrative painted neon by its New York influences. Composed, performed and produced by Starkey, the intricate number offers a throbbing soundscape befitting of its namesake, analogue synthesizers and unabashed arrangements flowing through for an addictive, fiery bassline. Inspired by the New York subway system, the producer also injects soaring melodies and pounding drums and percussion for a sublime dynamism that's unforgettable.
"XXX" will be released as part of Starkey's forthcoming album, FEAR CITY. Set to be released in early 2020, and will touch on the decadence of New York City nightlife drugs, sex, darkness, class inequality and the opiate epidemic—while culling influences from New York's deep well of dance music history.
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