Autograf

Autograf function less as a typical ensemble and more as an expansive multimedia endeavor based in Chicago. Their output fuses luminous, forward-looking electronica with a self-sufficient creative method rooted in prior involvement in the visual arts sphere. Initial traction arrived through pieces such as the blues-tinged, mid-tempo cut “Nobody Knows” in 2017, after which the group issued their colorful first album, The Ace of You, in 2020. Refinement of their glossy, feeling-driven dance-pop sound continued on the 2023 follow-up Affirmations.

The project began when Jake Carpenter, Louis Kha, and Mikul Wing pooled their abilities during a gallery exhibition. Carpenter, who sculpts and paints while having worked as a welder in a fabrication facility, joined street artist Wing to build an installation that incorporated a self-constructed robot. As the electronic scene reached a plateau around 2015, the members aimed to restore sensuality to the form. They supplied remixes for established acts including Fatboy Slim and ODESZA, then unveiled their own first track, “Dream,” a languidly seductive number that echoed the brighter side of Avicii. September brought the electronic-disco release “Running,” another shimmering recording issued with original accompanying artwork. The third offering in three months, “Metaphysical,” again paired Autograf-created cover imagery with vocals from sultry alt-R&B singer Janelle Kroll. Their emphasis on forward vision and artistic skill led them to design custom instruments and stage environments intended to reshape the electronic landscape.

In early 2016 they released the debut EP Future Soup. Remixes filled the balance of that year before Autograf returned in early 2017 with several singles, beginning with the WYNNE-assisted “Nobody Knows,” then “You Might Be” featuring Lils and “Sleepless in NYC.” “Hope for Tomorrow,” a collaboration with Klingande and Dragonette, surfaced in 2018. Further tracks included “Dead Soon” with Lils and Bonsai Mammal plus “Gravity” featuring French Horn Rebellion. The EP Love & Retrograde appeared in 2019, followed by the anthemic “Ain’t Deep Enough” with Jared Lee. Additional singles preceded the 2020 debut album The Ace of You, which contained widely streamed selections such as “Walk with You” (with Janelle Kroll) and “Easy” (featuring Papa Ya).

Singles continued with 2021’s “Drifting Away” (with Kyle Reynolds) and 2022’s “Move Up.” “Love Runs Deep” (with Tiina) and “Vertigo” (with Malou and Burko) performed strongly and both appeared on the 2023 album Affirmations. After its release, Autograf worked with Stellar on “Death Note” and with Switch Disco on “Ease My Mind.”