Groundislava

Electronic musician Jasper Petterson, known professionally as Groundislava and based in Venice, California, first drew attention through his self-titled debut release. A lifelong video-game enthusiast, he wove chiptune and 8-bit textures into his productions as a direct result of that upbringing. His early exposure to music also stemmed from his father Michael, a video producer and animator recognized for the animated sequences in a-ha’s 1985 single “Take on Me.” The debut itself blended ’80s nostalgia, television, and pop-culture references with hip-hop rhythms. Petterson later joined childhood friend Shlohmo along with producers Jonwayne, D33J, and RL Grime to establish the Wedidit crew, while separately crafting remixes for Slugabed and Shlohmo. His 2011 follow-up, Feel Me, extended the ethereal hip-hop aesthetic and included guest contributions from Baths on “Suicide Mission” and Shlohmo on “Big Balance.” With the arrival of the third album, Frozen Throne, the sound shifted toward a stronger ’80s synth-pop orientation, highlighted by R&B-style vocals from the duo Rare Times on multiple tracks.