Religious readers may remember my post on independent music labels where I highlighted some of my favorite places to find new tunes. I was reminded that I forgot about an outfit that happens to be based in my backyard. This “label” is none other than Ghostly International (GI).
Ghostly lives up to its name with their eerie ability to be everywhere. With their brand associating with the likes of Adult Swim and Behance, it is obvious that there is more to them than music. Ghostly shows a distinct understanding of what it is to have vision. In this day and age, it takes a lot of garner respect in one’s own space, let alone in other spaces. GI is managing to do that. With a knack for releasing forward-thinking, electronic-based music and packaging it with artwork that can be appreciated separate from its inspiration, the Ann Arbor, MI-based art aggregator is a shining example on how to be a brand in the 21st century.
Ghostly is one of the greatest labels to ever be birthed in Michigan.
– Kelly “K-Fresh” Frazier
A couple of weeks ago, FutureMidwest – a technology and knowledge conference – took place in Royal Oak, MI, which is a suburb of Detroit. Ghostly International Founder/CEO, Sam Valenti IV, spoke about the story of Ghostly and how they have dealt with dips. Hopefully, his presentation makes it on the web, so we can share it here. It was quite inspiring. Sam’s message of innovation leading the charge in shaping a brand is what we here at Frying in Vein hope more art curation hubs strive to be. As fellow curator Renaissance Soul Detroit’s Kelly “K-Fresh” Frazier proclaims, “Ghostly is one of the greatest labels to ever be birthed in Michigan. They have been able to successfully brand a label based on a method of making music, so it gives them that legroom to move with the times.”
Inspired by Ghostly, we want to showcase some favorites of their latest material that they have out now.
Deastro
Known for their techno-based artists, Randolph “Deastro” Calbot is a refreshing pick of electronic pop on Ghostly. He had us at Keeper’s
Phantogram
Phantogram is not on Ghostly, but GI released a vinyl pressing of their debut album on Barsuk. The vinyl is sold-out, but you can buy a digital download from Ghostly. It is highly recommended that you buy it as it is one of current leads in albums of the year.
Mux Mool
What would the curation of electronic-based music be without a hip hop producer? Mux Mool brings the swing and the whimsical instrumental proto-funk to the genre.
Solvent
This artist is hard to describe, but he’s a favorite here. Check him out in the player above or just Google him.
Grand Valley State New Music Ensemble
GI has curated this band’s rendition of Terry Riley: In C as a physical release, which you can preview and buy via the hyperlink on the band name. This very cool project is also a contender for “best of” distinction this year.
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