Tourist, Matthew Dear
Recommended
Don't Miss
This bill features a fine, non-ravey electronic alternative to the head-fueled house beats happening a few miles away. In a roundabout way, you’ve heard Tourist; the artist otherwise known as William Phillips cowrote Sam Smith's “Stay with Me” and won a Grammy for it. But his own solo work is subtly expressive, atmospheric, beat-light electro with the odd vocal splices and found sounds. He dropped two LPs in 2019, Everyday in February and Wild in October. Matthew Dear has a heavier, electro-synthy avant pop style that sometimes feels dark or melancholic, which has much to do with his deep, dour vocal timbre. His latest release, 2018’s Bunny, is decidedly weird and fun, with a few key guest spots by Tegan and Sara.
by Leilani Polk