EMS

Stephen Machnowski first cultivated his passion for constructing custom electronics, above all synthesizers, while coding games on the Commodore 64 as a child. For the E.M.S. project—short for Electro Music Specialist—he relies exclusively on the synthesizers and drum machines he assembles himself. Drawing from the electronic rhythms of new wave as well as the electro and rap tracks embraced by breakdancers, Machnowski crafts a stiff, mechanical brand of neo-electro that attracted the Satamile label. Following several singles, E.M.S. issued its self-titled debut album on that imprint in 2004. Listeners in New York City can regularly hear Machnowski spin records at the electro club nights known collectively as Static NYC.