Karen Gwyer

Originally hailing from the American Midwest yet now based in London, Karen Gwyer crafts experimental techno as a producer whose shapeless, flowing productions frequently incorporate traces of cosmic abstract pop. Built mainly around analog synthesizers, her sound comes across as inviting and emotive, its softly percussive rhythms supporting sustained melodic synth layers and otherworldly vocal lines. Born in Iowa and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Gwyer later made London her home. The 2012 EP I’ve Been You Twice marked her debut, appearing on Kaleidoscope, the label run by Patten. She subsequently joined No Pain in Pop—the imprint that had put out Patten’s first album in 2011—for her 2013 full-length debut Needs Continuum. That same year the label also released the Torn Hawk collaboration Cowboys (For Karen), while Opal Tapes issued the cassette Kiki the Wormhole. No Pain in Pop followed with the 2014 New Roof EP, around the time Gwyer joined several Opal Tapes roster members, including Basic House and 1991, for a European tour. Nous delivered the acid-tinged Bouloman EP in 2015. Public House Recordings gave Kiki the Wormhole its vinyl edition the next year, and Alien Jams put out Gwyer’s split 12" single with Beatrice Dillon. Don’t Be Afraid released the double-LP Rembo in 2017.