The 13-track LP is out now out on Popeska’s new imprint Pen&Paper
“If a song didn't bring me joy to make, it got scrapped from the album,” Popeska explains. “If it did bring me joy, I included it, whether or not it would be deemed "good," or even complete. Some songs are demos that never got finished, and you know what, that's okay; the song tells the story whether or not it's perfect.”
Australian-born, Atlanta-based producerPopeskahas unveiled his highly-anticipated debut albumRAMBLINGSvia his new labelPen&Paper.
The 13-track LP is a collection of heartfelt songs that meld togetherPopeska’s passions and sonic experimentations, putting a modern twist on the 2010 dance music explosion that made the artist fall in love with his craft. Brimming with galvanizing synth flourishes, ambient harmonics, playful percussion, and glitched-out vocal chops,RAMBLINGSis an authentic outpouring of the sounds that bringPopeskajoy.
RAMBLINGStells an honest narrative of wherePopeskahas been and where he’s going. The ethereal beatmaker found full creative freedom when he decided he didn’t want to rely on music to make ends meet; ironically (or maybe not at all), that’s when he started producing his favorite material.
The album followsPopeska’s previously released projectSpirit Animals, a 5-track, self-released EP that has amassed over 20 million streams globally. The EP’s far-flung acclaim speaks to the creative genius that powersPopeska- an artist who was picked up by one of the world’s largest booking agencies before he learned how to DJ, performed around the world, and signed a record deal with Wolfgang Gartner's Kindergarten Recordings before he was old enough to drink a beer legally.
Untethered to releasing music that would keep a roof over his head,Popeska’sRAMBLINGSwas created with no multi-year grand vision, no whiteboard, and no asking questions like "what do people like these days" or "is this even cool." It’s a real story that will resonate with the vast majority of people who are weaving their way through life: taking risks, trying new things, failing, growing, and finding peace.
ABOUT POPESKA
As he was just entering his twenties, Ralf Popescu — stage name Popeska — had experienced more than most people twice his age. The Austrian-born, Atlanta-raised producer was picked up by one of the world’s largest booking agencies before he learned how to DJ, performed around the world, and signed a record deal with Wolfgang Gartner's Kindergarten Recordings before he was old enough to drink a beer legally.
Ralf never planned on being a career musician. He started producing loops in Ableton as a way to enhance his high school bands' chances of winning their competitive Battle of the Bands. When he started posting ideas on Soundcloud from his dorm room at Georgia Tech he had no idea the kind of response he would receive, one that would propel him to being flown to and from LA to work and party with some of the world's most influential producers.
After surviving an insane whirlwind of success that included releasing 2 EPs — Sonder and Karmameter — on Kindergarten Recordings and touring the country, Ralf decided to take a step back and complete his degree in Computer Science. The time away from the spotlight allowed him to realize where his true passion lies — in making fun music that he loves, releasing it directly to his fans, and interacting with them.
With a different perspective the reinvigorated producer decided to release his next creative project entitled Spirit Animals independently in June of 2016, and it was announced that he’d be sharing new singles every few weeks. This will spark memories from fans who recall his #ONETRACKADAY campaign that was famously supported by Billboard in 2014. His first release from the project, "Doing Me Wrong," was premiered by This Song Is Sick and raced to the #1 spot on Hype Machine’s popular chart, effectively re-launching him into the spotlight. Then came "Don't Walk Away," which was premiered by Dancing Astronaut and reached the #3 spot on HypeM, and “I Believe” which was #2 on HypeM and was added to the “Fresh EDM” Spotify playlist with over 1.3M followers.
In the summer of 2016, Popeska released a 5 track EP titled Spirit Animals. The EP received great reviews and amassed over 20 million streams globally. With publication support among the largest blogs, Spotify Playlists “Hot Rhythmic”, “Brain Food”, “Indietronic” and “Indie Electronics”, “Weekly Buzz” and several Hype Machine #1 records, the next endeavour is looking bright.
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