A View of U is the ninth solo album from the North Carolina-born producer transplanted to Los Angeles. Sub Focus, Chrome Sparks, Father (Awful Records), Freddie Gibbs, Mono/Poly (Brainfeeder), Tigran Hamasyan, Jesse Boykins III, Rochelle Jordan, and Tanerélle participate in this offering by beatmaker, producer and composer Machinedrum, who remains clearly one of the most interesting in the electro universe. Recognizable are the open-mindedness and eclecticism of Machinedrum, alias Travis Stewart, proud American representative of an IDM culture that is rather Brit at first glance (bass music, jungle, drum & bass, dubstep, etc.), but also inclined towards North American styles (hip-hop, soul/R&B, jazz, etc.). Machinedrum has wowed the gallery many times over the last decade, notably with the 2013 album Vapor City, and a memorable tour that followed with the excellent drummer Lane Barrington. His fame and talent have given him the power to unite musical communities and attract such luminaries as rapper Freddie Gibbs and Armenian pianist/keyboardist Tigran Hamasyan, a fan of metal, hip-hop and electro and one of the most prominent jazzmen of his generation. This high-quality album doesn’t break with his previous productions, and is part of a continuity… without making a mark. Notice to those interested, A View Of U symbolically defines an unobstructed view of the universe (hence the U), upon achieving the out-of-body experience. Travis Stewart is an adept of meditation… rising high, it seems!
