Sleepy Gaucho follows in the great American artistic tradition that is the rambler’s drawl. His Panamerican influenced folk music offers up a cocktail of wry existentialism and mellow introspection that floats somewhat aimlessly in a realm of its own. Born in Wisconsin while also growing up some time in Argentina, the young multi-instrumentalist’s music can at times be melancholic, at others ethereal, but always agreeable.
Since returning to his hometown of Milwaukee, he began the creative process for the two latest recording projects. For his sophomore record “Morning Light” he strayed away from the first record’s approach, recruiting the likes of veterans such as Patrick Sansone of Wilco and fellow talent ranging from local friends and Nashville session musicians, which releaed via Milwaukee based Hear Here Records in the middle of 2020.
“Sueños que Sobran” (“Leftover dreams” in English), is the latest release, and finds itself being a smooth fusion of sound and language, both English and Spanish, and is to be enjoyed by both languages and their cultures. The EP is out now via French label Nice Guys.
Blacktop is a Milwaukee-based writing and recording project helmed by multi-instrumentalist and producer, Austin Wood. The project incorporates a DIY- and analog-based approach to music creation, embracing the creative limitations and hands-on experience of recording to tape. Resting gently between the genres of folk, surf rock, and dream pop, the music of Blacktop is adorned with soft-spoken vocals, washed-out guitars, and acoustic percussion/rhythmic elements.The project draws from a large pool of sonic influence, ranging from Ethiopian jazz and Latin rhythms of the 1960-70s to contemporary artists such as Khruangbin, Good Morning, Loving, and Sam Evian. The project’s inspirational core is rooted in spiritual and zen philosophies of presence, mindfulness, and impermanence, from which the project often draws lyrical inspiration.
Originally starting as a solo project of Wood, Blacktop has grown to include Jordan Taylor, Jacob Olson of Hyer, and Jacob Slade, both in the studio and on stage. Blacktop’s first full-length release, “Gardening is a Practice, Not an Idea”, was released independently in September 2023 with a deluxe re-release through Nice Guys Records on February 16, 2024.