TheDarkTimes
RACCOON NIGHTS
Tall Juan Returns With His Most Resplendent Creation Yet!
| Down the hole we dive into a world of psychedelic-pop enveloped in buzzy synthesizers, burning backbeats, and new wave overtones. Throughout these nine songs, Juan grapples with isolation and uncertainty, bringing along an impressive troupe of collaborators to share in the healing party. Recorded at Outlier Inn in New York’s Catskill Mountains and at his home in Rockaway Beach, Juan aimed for a high-fidelity sound that reflected the difficult times he was living through. Taking on the roles of both engineer and producer, he wanted to work with as many musicians as possible, which resulted in contributions from over 30 different players. When tracking was finished, the album was mixed by Grammy award winner Hector Castillo, whose glittering resume includes projects with David Bowie and Phillip Glass. This synergetic process culminated in an uplifting sound inspired by artists like Syd Barrett, Talking Heads, and Lizzy Mercier Descloux. From the opening track “Dark Hole”, co-produced by Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT, there is a feeling of anxiety and spiraling into bleak thoughts. Juan sings of depression and being cut off from the people who bring comfort. A similar mood of loneliness echoes through the jingle jangle of “Talking To Myself”, a duet with Mac DeMarco in which the two old friends comfort each other. “The System” featuring Juan Wauters and “Fantasy” featuring Cola Boyy are both protest songs incognito–lyrically, they call out the powers working against us, but sonically lighten the load with their beautiful melodies and flourishing arrangements. Despite the inner turmoil at play, Juan’s optimism shines through–proclamations that “the good times are coming” and “I don’t wanna lose another day” suggest that there is hope ahead, a light at the end of the tunnel, a paradise on the other side of the mountain. There is an urgency to seize the day and deal with any obstacle that is in the way of this undertaking. The album’s closing track evokes a shedding of skin–“Say goodbye to him, you won’t see him back again..bring him back, back into your heart”. Through the making of this record and sharing of his pain, Juan was able to transcend the suffering into joy, and in turn, give us some powerful new music. |
TALL JUAN
‘Raccoon Nights’
Themes Of Isolation And Optimism
Immersed in Tall Juan's latest album, listeners are drawn into a profound journey of introspection and emotion. The haunting melodies of Dark Hole, co-produced by Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT, and the reflective duet Talking To Myself with Mac DeMarco, highlight a raw sense of vulnerability. Collaborations with artists like Juan Wauters and Cola Boyy add layers of intimacy and complexity to the album’s sound, blending effortlessly with Juan's deeply personal lyricism. Despite the album’s darker tones, an underlying optimism persists, offering a sense of hope amidst the melancholy. As the final notes fade, one is left with a feeling of catharsis, with Tall Juan's ability to turn personal pain into transformative artistry making this album not just a listening experience, but a profound exploration of resilience and self-discovery.
The Good Times Are Coming!
Tall Juan's Third Single Takes A Lighthearted Yet Symbolic Turn
In a creative departure from previous projects, director Andrew Gibson has taken a lighter approach in his latest video, blending humor with storytelling. The video, described as "fun and lighthearted," contrasts with his earlier, more serious works.
The central theme of the video revolves around a symbolic transformation. The protagonist, dressed in colorful attire, is caught in the rain, only to emerge from a washing machine at the end clad in black. According to the production team, this shift represents the way crises can pull individuals from bright, carefree moments into darker, more reflective periods.
However, the video also highlights the humor in life's struggles, drawing a parallel to the age-old image of clowns who find laughter even in the face of tragedy.
Gibson's fresh take on balancing lightness with depth offers viewers a unique visual and emotional experience, marking another step forward in his evolving directorial career.
Delving Into Struggle With
Second Single And Video
For
‘Talking To Myself’
The music video visually portrays the harrowing experience of sleep paralysis - a state of feeling trapped and immobilized
Tall Juan's latest release, Talking To Myself, delves deep into the isolation and inner turmoil that accompany moments of profound struggle. The song captures the essence of those times when simply getting out of bed feels like an insurmountable task, and the weight of unspoken thoughts makes reaching out for help seem impossible. In this introspective track, Tall Juan sought to create a dialogue through music, enlisting his friend Mac to join him in a vocal exchange that brings the song’s concept to life. The result is a powerful exploration of connection and support, even in the darkest of times. The music video, directed by Dana Greenleaf, visually portrays the harrowing experience of sleep paralysis—a state of feeling trapped and immobilized.
Drawing inspiration from various cultural demons associated with this phenomenon, the video introduces a unique interpretation that resonates with the song's haunting themes. Influenced by Butoh, a Japanese dance form known for its expressive and eerie qualities, the video’s choreography enhances the visual storytelling, reflecting the suffocating nature of being stuck in one's own mind.
Talking To Myself is not just a song but a poignant reminder of the importance of reaching out, breaking through the barriers of isolation, and finding solace in connection.
Photography by Michael Lavine
Michael Lavine for The Dark Times
Tall Juan Releases
New Single ‘Dark Hole’
And Unveils New Album
After four years of silence, Tall Juan sheets his skin once again bringing us his dark clothes off his closet Dark Hole is out right now and it is the first single out of his next Album 'Raccoon Nights'. This is what Tall Juan had to say about his latest release: "This song explores the juxtaposition of despair and the acceptance of darkness, dedicated to anyone who has faced profound sadness. It paints a vivid picture of my mind during those times, feeling lost and disconnected while battling a suffocating sense of loneliness." On 'Raccoon Nights', Tall Juan dives into a world of psychedelic-pop enveloped in buzzy synthesizers, burning backbeats, and new wave overtones.
Painting by Mario Cianci
‘Raccoon Nights’
Album Artwork
Painted by Mario Cianci and Designed by Jose Berrio, Two Exceptionally Talented Artists From Colombia Now Residing in New York
We dove into the creative process behind the captivating artwork of Tall Juan’s “Raccoon Nights” album cover and design. The artwork creates a visually compelling narrative that mirrors the emotional soundscape of this new album.
This process underscores the symbiotic relationship between the visual art and its music counterpart, revealing how color, texture, and composition are meticulously crafted to evoke and enhance the album’s emotional depth. From the initial concept sketches to the final brushstrokes, every stage of the artwork reflects the inspiration and techniques that drive Tall Juan’s musical vision. The elements are designed not just to complement but to amplify the auditory experience, creating an immersive journey that deepens the connection between the music and its visual representation.