TheDarkTimes
RACCOON
NIGHTS
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.
Inside The Studio
Dark Hole was recorded by Max Scenna and Tall Juan at Outlierinn Studio and Atlantico Studio. It was mixed by Hector Castillo and mastered by Dave McNair. Produced by Tall Juan with additional production by Andrew VanWyngarden. The album features Fernando Samalea on drums, Martin Delahaye on bass, and Sebastian Volco on synths. Tall Juan contributes guitars, Crumar, and vocals. Kyle Foster plays saxophone, and Andrew VanWyngarden adds synths, drum machine, and backing vocals. The result is a raw and immersive experience that captures the essence of Tall Juan's emotional journey.
Unveiling
The Artistry
We dove into the creative process behind the captivating artwork of Tall Juan’s “Raccoon Nights” album cover. Painted by Mario Cianci and designed by Jose Berrio, two exceptionally talented artists from Colombia now residing in Miami and NYC. The artwork creates a visually compelling narrative that mirrors the emotional soundscape of ‘Raccoon Nights.’
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.