Machinedrum has released a new visualizer for “Stone Age” the track features rapper Deniro Farrar (CultureRap). The foundation of the beat was some improvised loops by drummer Steve Lyman. The sample came from Gay Vaquer’s ‘Stonedage’. The next challenge was to find a rapper to flow harmoniously on top. “Jesse Boykins III linked me up with his good friend Deniro Farrar and I passed the beat over to him,” explains Travis. “We talked about storytelling in rap and how not enough rappers are doing it anymore, and how beats with samples tend to evoke nostalgia in a way that inspires storytelling lyricism. He sent me back his first draft and I nearly cried from how dope it was. We ended up keeping the first take he did.” “Stone Age” is off Machinedrum’s forthcoming release Psyconia

From Deniro Farrar:

“As soon as I heard the beat I fell in love with the unorthodox drums and the sample choice. After talking to Machinedrum I had a better understanding of who he was as a producer and his love for hip hop and storytelling. I know this track will be well received and appreciated by the hip hop community. Sincerely yours, Delicate flower AKA Farrar.”

The title – “Psyconia” – is a play on words, combining “psychic” and “syconia” (which is the plural form of syconium). In botany, syconium is a fleshy hollow receptacle, containing numerous flowers which develop together into a multiple fruit, as in the fig. Fig trees historically represent creation and abundance in various religions and cultures. It is the fruit from the tree of enlightenment. It represents a new understanding and a new beginning.

“We have a few fig trees growing on our property and they tend to withstand the harshest climates southern California throws at them, so I found that inspiring,” explains Travis. “There’s also an area near where I live known as Figueroa which is a Spanish translation of Figueira, aka the Portuguese name for a fig tree. I found these synchronicities intriguing and so I went with it for the theme of this EP. It’s especially relevant to this time in my life in which my daughter has become a symbol of creation and abundance in my life.”

In addition to Deniro Farrar, “Psyconia” also features NY-based vocalist Angelica Bess, electronic ace Chrome Sparks and acclaimed producer/songwriter/visual artist from the contemporary indie rock space: Jorge Elbrecht (Japanese Breakfast, No Joy). The EP artwork is by celebrated artist Kushagra Gupta (@kushlet) who took Travis’ inspirations and created a fictional musical instrument that looks both organic (fig-like) and alien.

Machinedrum’s latest album “A View of U” featured an incredible cast of collaborators including Freddie Gibbs, Sub Focus, Chrome Sparks, Father (Awful Records), Mono/Poly (Brainfeeder), Tigran Hamasyan, Jesse Boykins III, Rochelle Jordan and Tanereìlle. Machinedrum followed up the album with stunning remixes by A$AP Ferg and Shelley FKA DRAM.

Machinedrum has worked with Freddie Gibbs, Father, A$AP Ferg and Shelley FKA DRAM but let’s not forget production for Azealia Banks, Roots Manuva and Theophilus London. Psyconia is the follow-up to Machinedrum’s 2020 album A View of U.