3Hands4milo is the professional name of songwriter, composer and producer Alex Parker. Over the past decade, as 3Hands4milo the Canadian musician has produced a series of experimental electronic music. Often but not always instrumental, Parker’s music is heavily inspired by 80’s New Wave but has an equal stake in more modern ambient electronic sounds. When we first heard from Alex he described his new project as, “Two interesting people making spectacular music.”
On this new project 3Hands4milo has teamed up with a fellow interesting Ottawa musician, songwriter and vocalist Mindy Amelotte. “Chrysalis” is the product of their collaboration. Released to 3hands4milo’s YouTube channel on June 10, 2021. The song takes a deep dive into those synthwave and chillout roots. There it finds a Trip-hop groove starring the mesmerizing vocals of Mindy Amelotte. “Chrysalis” opens with ambient, Pink Floyd-style synths. In short order a deep vintage analog synth joins in. As that sawtooth bass beats out a percussive melody, the peripheral keys gradually grow more dreamy.
The track remains instrumental through the first two minutes. Then Amelotte enters the mix on a slow and funky drum machine beat. The singer’s hypnotic vocals transport the song to another plane. Mindy’s voice and technique bring to mind Dream Pop pioneers like Elizabeth Fraser and Kate Bush with her esoteric lyrics, ethereal presence and vulnerable beauty. That, matched with 3Hands4milo’s gorgeous backing track makes for a really beautiful song.
We had the chance to chat with Alex (3Hands4milo) Parker and Mindy Amelotte about their song “Chrysalis.” Check out their answers to our 8 questions. And listen to the song below. Follow the links at the end of this article to connect with the artists. Get on their socials and get in the loop on all of the current and future projects from these two interesting people making spectacular music.
8 Questions with 3Hands4Milo & Mindy Amelotte
Where are you from?
Alex (3Hands4Milo) – I am from Ottawa!
Mindy – I’m from Ottawa
How long have you been making music?
A – I started making music seriously at around the age of 10 with my first synthesizer! I still remember some of the songs I wrote.
M – I’ve been making music and performing seriously for the past 10 years. I rebranded under my real name a couple years ago. By then I had acquired enough gear and instruments to be able to make the music that I felt was truer my aesthetic.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
A – Myself, and Mindy Amelotte.
M – Alex made all the beautiful music and I did all the lyrics and vocals
Who are your biggest musical influences?
A – I have a few. Pet Shop Boys were a huge influence for me and really opened my eyes to electronic music. Depeche Mode are another one. Skinny Puppy for their harshness and amazing ability to capture moods. I am also very influenced by the late 80s to early 2000s house/techno music scene, and a lot of downtempo stuff, such as Boards Of Canada. Also a lot of bands like Memory Tapes, Com Truise, Purity Ring, Bjork, and The Knife. Non electronic, I love bands like Sigur Ros, The Smiths, Death Cab for Cutie, and other melancholic music!
M – It’s tough to pin point. Erykah Badu is a big one. I grew up loving lots of 90’s trip hop like Zero 7, Olive, Mono and Morcheeba because of the quick beats with slow vocals. I also loved Ray Charles, Billie Holiday and Joplin when I want a deep hit of soul. And last but not least Harry Nilsson and Ween have been huge influences maybe the biggest because they have no specific style, they just serve the song and that’s exactly how I approach music.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
A – Nature! We’re fortunate to live in a city where you can walk 10 minutes and be in the middle of a protected wetland, and so I tend to use my hikes as inspiration for what I do in the studio. I tend to think some of the vibes come through in the music.
M – My wife, my dog and my acrylic paints. These are all I need to keep me functioning as a somewhat normal women haha. The painting waves hit me in between the music. I just love creating art in general. Making the art and video for ‘Chrysalis’ was lots of fun.
What inspired you to create this project?
A – I’m not sure what Mindy would say, but for me, I love the fact that we randomly met at a pub, and just started talking music. We would send each other our releases and I loved the feedback I would get from her in regards to nuances within a song. At some point, I had finished a song and I thought her voice would lend itself perfectly to the music. Hence how Chrysalis came about!
M – Alex and I met at a pub and just hit it off, we just loved talking music. Although we didn’t get many chances to meet in person, we just kept sharing what we were doing with each other. One day he just sent me this beautiful track and I immediately heard what I would do in my head. I recorded it and sent it a couple days later. There is nothing more fun the collaborating with someone that makes stuff that you can’t make yourself. I was inspired by all his unique gear.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
A – I would love to do some more collaborative work with Mindy, and I hope it happens soon! Life gets in the way a lot, and with both of us dedicated to our individual projects (I have a full length coming shortly), it’s about finding time. I’m totally open to it though!
M – Alex and I will definitely be making another music baby whenever the mood strikes. As far as other projects, I plan to start working on another EP or album. I also have another duo music project that has been started as well as more single collabs with other musician friends.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
A – Thank you to everyone who’s supported me throughout everything, and thanks to Mindy for agreeing to do this!! Music is such a great escape, and the more music you make, the better you get!
M – You never know who or what’s around the corner, always keep your mind open because cool shit can happen.
Connect with 3Hands4Milo & Mindy Amelotte:
Mindy Amelotte
3Hands4Milo