Koan Sound

Koan Sound

Koan Sound is an electronic music production duo from Bristol, United Kingdom. The group forms in 2008 and is made up of James Felix Bastow and William Jose Weeks. It works within electronic music, with styles including drum and bass, dubstep, glitch hop, halftime and neurofunk, and it is associated with the Shoshin label.

Background and influences

The duo develops its sound from early electronic influences, including Amon Tobin, The Prodigy and Noisia. It also cites Rage Against the Machine and Incubus among its early influences. The project begins after the dissolution of several other musical projects, and by 2005 the pair is already exploring electronic music through artists such as The Prodigy and Noisia. Their approach favours darkness, wide use of space and bass-heavy composition.

Early releases and style

Koan Sound first gains recognition as a dubstep act. Early tracks include "Akira". Their productions sometimes include jazz influence; "Funk Blaster" and "Sly Fox" are examples, with "Sly Fox" opening with a drumline and synths. The early material is more directly dubstep-oriented, while the Free EP, self-released in 2011, stays closer to that sound.

2011 EPs and later direction

Later in 2011, the Max Out EP appears on Inspected Records and the Funk Blaster EP appears on Skrillex's OWSLA label. These releases move the duo away from straightforward dubstep toward glitchy rhythms and funkier electronica.

Name

The name Koan Sound comes from the word kōan, referring to a story, dialogue, question or statement from Chinese Chan Buddhist tradition.