DANGERDISKO take ‘Astral’ on an astronomical journey

Malaysia has been one of the hardest spots in Asia to be hit by COVID-19 when it comes to the creative sectors. The lockdowns have proved it challenging for those in the nightlife scene with its core being torn apart with restrictions and SOPs that make it difficult for the arts of the night to strive. However, DANGERDISKO arrives in the lockdown abyss with their latest track and music video titled ‘Astral’, which was produced through the distance that has followed a continual trend in music production within the pandemic.

‘Astral’ includes the beautiful vocals of Irena Taib from The Impatient Sisters, an indie Malaysian band, and its visual concept was curated into an animated music video produced by the brainchild of all-star visual creators Metakaji and Hyfy. DANGERDISKO comprises two notable Malaysian talents Farez (Robotron 5000) and Shah (Shaheed Naz), names that are hard to not come by within the city’s vibrant beating panoramic sphere.

Both artists found it a challenge to work within the restraints of regulations that were put within the city’s continuous lockdowns and it was almost a year since both halves of the duo saw one another. During lockdown, Shah who was in a different state from Farez, shifted as other creatives did, into a life of agriculture. This was during a period of time when state borders were shut and that's when Farez pinged to the idea of writing music again. With continuous convincing, Shah brought his equipment into his humble abode in the jungle. Through struggles of shoddy internet connection, countless video calls and a track released on a UK based synth label, the duo became inspired to write again and this time with Farez on vocals.

“This is actually some of our best work, and it’s amazing to know that we did this all remotely, without actually seeing each other” explains Shah.

The music video for ‘Astral’ was released on a monumental date (in the millennial world) of 22.2.22 at 2:22 PM — twos days they call it. An animated amalgam of COVID-19’s fears, worries and misinformation created a cusp of echoing positive and negative voices that circled the need for vaccinations. A true tale that we all might find relatable within these continuous rotations of thoughts within the pandemic that sits within our minds and the toying of our mental health. The music video derived from the creative minds of Metakaji and Hyfy, as they “interpreted the original vision to the song with a visual language”, Farez tells Mixmag Asia. ‘Astral’ highlights a planetary vibe that puts us in another dimension with the main character that lands on an exoplanet with decisions that are beyond his consciousness — in turn, a confusion of choices arises which keeps him falling in a world of helplessness but hopeful for a better future.

“Electronic music doesn’t need to be mindless,” says Farez. “It’s a perfect canvas to tell a story, a struggle or a narrative. We try to be cinematic with all our songs, and most of our songs will have a tiny little story weaved into it. It just helps us with our writing process.”Check out the music video below for ‘Astral’