ABSYNTHESIS
Los Angeles based Absynthesis is on fire in the alternative electronic scene with confirmed club spins in 12 countries, appearances on recent Xbox games, a highly technical live set, and a signature sound that bridges the gap between nostalgia and cutting edge. People from all walks of life are connecting with Absynthesis’ meaningful words, masterful beats, and mind-altering melodies.
THE ARTIST
Levon Louis a.k.a. Absynthesis
Rarely does an artist bio start with something epic like, “he slept in an open guitar case as an infant…”, but Absynthesis creator Levon Louis grew up in a humble Texas home driven by the arts, and sometimes he really did. Perhaps the ultimate child of the 80’s, he appeared in Newsweek Magazine break-dancing with his crew and watched his father’s new-wave band open for Duran Duran on their first stadium tour while his mother designed costumes for exotic cabaret dancers and other interesting people including Bette Midler. Surrounded by instruments and recording gear at home, Levon began experimenting with his own music and productions very early on. His mentors and guides along the way have included many prominent musicians and engineers, including Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar winners. He is the Los Angeles based sound artist and producer behind “Absynthesis”, the Audio Director for Midway Games, and one of the most interesting artists to emerge from the alternative electronic scene.
THE HISTORY
Hailed “a driving force…” by The Austin Chronicle and up for “Best DJ”, “Best Electronica”, and “Keyboardist of the Year” in Houston, Levon Louis was an early adopter of both technical DJ mixing and the “live p.a.” format. He regularly performed at large-scale raves in the region during the mid-late 90’s with his former project, Lunatex, billed with Paul Oakenfold, The Crystal Method, Juan Atkins, Freaky Chakra, Felix Da Housecat, Keoki, Rabbit in the Moon, Apoptygma Bersek, and a slew of other electronic superstars. Lunatex frequently charted in the Top-10 of early digital music giant Mp3.com and released a single full-length album, “Abducted” before disbanding in 2003. Absynthesis is somewhat a continuation of that project but with changes to the lineup and format.
THE MOMENTUM
Appearing alongside Aphex Twin, Skinny Puppy, William Orbit, and The Chemical Brothers goes a long way toward establishing credibility and that is exactly what Absynthesis has done this year with music featured on two new Xbox-360 games. Add to that confirmed club spins in 12 countries and a growing base of fans from all walks and there is little room for doubt... Absynthesis is on fire. Response to the first wave of material has been pandemic, spreading like a virus through the internet and catching on pretty much everywhere. Absynthesis fuses elements of techno, electro, punk, rave, rock, synth-pop, and industrial music to deliver a sound that bridges the gap between nostalgia and cutting edge, with songs about “everyday life” in the chaotic digital age.
THE WORD ON THE STREET
“One of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces I have heard in a long, long time. The lyrics sum up the disillusioned post generation X mind-set. Hearing songs with that sort of content and depth give me hope that good music is still out there somewhere. The whole song comes across as a transmission of truth…”
THE LIVE SHOW
Levon Louis blurs the line between a DJ and a live act, viciously manipulates an array of small blinking machines set up around the decks to twist up techno, trance, electro, and industrial beats with furious energy and unrestricted creativity. He pumps out high-octane fuel for the dance floor complete with deep bass, cosmic melodies, songs with substance, and technical savvy.
