Breaking New Ground in Toronto
In a bedroom in Toronto, laptop monitors glow violet as the core members of femtanyl, Noelle Mansbridge and Juno, sit shoulder to shoulder. This DIY duo has collaborated for years, rarely stepping outside their creative sanctuary. Raised on edgy Minecraft flash videos, they now produce emotionally charged digi-hardcore, a niche sound appreciated primarily by a furry-adjacent corner of the internet. However, everything changed when they caught the attention of Danny Brown.
A Surprising Opportunity
Juno recalls the moment her heart raced when she learned that Brown had posted a screenshot of femtanyl’s 2023 EP “Chaser” on X. Initially, she thought it was a joke. A few months later, they found themselves in a real studio in Austin, invited by Brown to write and produce his tenth album, “Stardust.” He had discovered their work independently. “No one had to show him shit,” Juno emphasizes, reflecting on the unexpected turn of events.
Embracing Professionalism
For anyone who has followed Brown’s career, it’s clear he’s never shied away from taking risks. With a history of pushing rap boundaries while maintaining ties to the mainstream, receiving a message from him was surreal for femtanyl. Working with Brown marked their first professional experience, and the transition wasn’t easy. “Being in a studio space was very stressful and intimidating,” Juno admits, aware of the financial stakes involved. Yet, Brown’s playfulness helped ease their anxiety. He encouraged them to brainstorm freely, play with vocal samples, and tap into their creativity. “He expresses his feelings at every turn,” Noelle says. “It was almost shocking to hear someone approach it with such a sincere and powerful force.”
A Connected Community
When Juno and Noelle saw the tracklist for “Stardust,” they realized Brown had enlisted a diverse array of hyperstimulated, innovative artists. The collaboration felt like a validation of their artistry. “We were both like, ‘fuck yeah,’” Mansbridge recalls. “It made total sense. There’s zero degrees of separation between us.” To have their names alongside talents like Frost Children, underscores, and Jane Remover was a special moment. “For someone as smart and artistic as him to see the vision in us is truly special,” Juno adds.
A New Chapter for Danny Brown
“Stardust” marks a pivotal moment in Danny Brown’s career, being his first album written while sober. This album is infused with high energy and gratitude, reflecting the joy of rediscovering passion and life after rehab. Brown’s previous work often chronicled addiction and despair, but “Stardust” signals a transformation—a celebration of his love for music and life itself.
The Sound of a Generation
The list of collaborators on “Stardust” captures the essence of the pandemic-era online music scene, where Soundcloud collectives flourished and young creators built networks in Discord servers. At the center of this vibrant community is Danny Brown, a veteran yet ever-curious about the evolving soundscape. Collaborators like Australian artist Zheani and newcomer ISSBROKIE, who honed their craft in bedrooms, embody this blend of ambition and experimentation.
Fearless Experimentation
In recent years, the NYC-based sibling duo Frost Children has rapidly evolved their sound, transitioning from hyperactive digicore to breezy college rock. Their latest album, “Sister,” showcases their fearless experimentalism, merging pulverizing EDM with sentimental undertones. Brown recognized their talent early on, congratulating them when their track “Flatline” made it onto the FIFA soundtrack. Their meeting in Austin led to fruitful collaboration, further affirming the creative synergy that “Stardust” represents.
Source inspired by international fashion publications. Adapted & edited for Maverick.
We respect copyrights. Articles on this site are submitted and written by external contributors. If you believe any content infringes your rights, please contact our team at Info@maverick-magazine.co.il.
ref:f4737fe3-0678-4489-8b81-dec04e83ee51
