Named for an obscure New York City underground venue, I_o’s 444 is a three-part series of four tracks each as a nod to the number. Each segment of the project tells the story of the different areas of dance music that defines i_o (Garrett Lockhart) as an artist. The first part—ACID 444 reflecting i_o’s warehouse roots was released late 2019 with its follow up, NRG 444 — a more aggressive, uptempo collection of tracks suited to be played during a peak hour main room techno set—arriving in early 2020. Today, i_o has announced details of the third installment, AM 444.
Set for release May 29 on mau5trap, the four songs on the installment represent i_o’s production skills on the more melodic and progressive side. Joining him on AM 444 is alt-pop artist Lights. The first single “Annihilation” will be released on May 15. It’s pre-save can be found here.
View the ‘AM 444’ Introduction Video
Not only do the pair who met on deadmau5’ cubev3 tour in late 2019 come together from a sonic standpoint, but also for a conceptual one. The original premise of AM 444 was based around the period of time around 4am when night would turn into day—before dawn.
As they worked the idea changed with i_o and Lights creating a world of their own called EDEM with each artist representing a voice of a different standpoint. One making EDEM a digital paradise acting as a metaphor of escapism. The other an alternate consciousness in dire world. Both in conflict between hope and despair which aligns with what much of the world is feeling right now due to the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Experience soon the corresponding artwork and content for AM 444 which was also developed during the global lockdown.
Follow i_o at:
https://soundcloud.com/i_oofficial
https://twitter.com/i_oofficial
https://www.instagram.com/i_oofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/iunderscoreo
Watch the mau5trap presents: the story of i_o (mini doc): https://youtu.be/6FJSSkQqAmM
brian@photosbybrian.co