Vasio Dunn is a composer, music producer and songwriter with a clear vision and a broad palette. Through most of his musical career, Vasio has composed music primarily for film and television. However, last year he made his solo recording debut with the release of his album, “Straight Gate, Narrow Road.” With that record he introduced an adventurous instrumental style that refused to be bound by category or genre. Rather, as a producer he wields such labels like tools, utilizing and discarding them as he sees fit. The result is a wildly creative and unique sound.
The prolific producer followed that album with another in 2020, “Anthology of Flowers’ ‘ and “Gravity of Love” in early 2021. By now he had established a pattern of sorts. He creates conceptual records that, despite being almost entirely instrumental, convey a unified message and theme. His music reflects his love of science, nature and his devout Christian faith.
“Handmade” is the fourth and most recent album from Vasio Dunn, released worldwide to all major streaming services on June 22, 2021. The 18 track collection is a beautifully nuanced record that delves deeply into the many shades of downtempo instrumental music. However, through all of the experimentation on the album, there is a cohesion in both sound and concept.
From the opening track “It’s Alright,” with its Lo-fi beat, analog synths and chorus of children reciting Christian prayers, the album’s themes of musical exploration and religious devotion are set in motion. From there we delve into Trip-hop grooves (“Lost and Found”) and lush 70’s Contemporary Pop arrangements (“Walking”). Tracks like “The Beauty of Medusa” introduce a cool 80’s synthwave vibe, while “A Man of Respect” and “A Cuban and Me” take on a groovy Ennio Morricone, Spaghetti Western feel.
Throughout the album he uses found sounds like; record scratches, dogs barking and old movie dialog to color the edges of the mix. Tubular bells meet harps and harpsichords and biblical passages are recited over gorgeous melodic soundscapes (“John 14:27”). Vasio Dunn has no use for musical boundaries and we as listeners are the better for it. From horror movie scenes (“The Nightmare Committee”) to chill summertime grooves (“Dirty Sunset”), “Handmade” is a fantastic listen.
Check out “Handmade” in its entirety below. You can also hear the track “Pressed” on the Deep Indie Chill playlist. Follow the links below the video to connect with Vasio Dunn. Get on his profiles and get in the loop on all of the current and future projects from this talented and prolific composer.