Introducing… Sam Hoyek

Syrian-born, Montreal-based experimental musician Sam Hoyek leaves no stone unturned as he announces his debut EP. Entitled ‘demonstration_01: anomalous’, the EP has an interesting approach to song structure and sound design. Instead of versus/chorus structures or linear progressions, each track contains sequences of spaces and scenes. This means a single song can violently switch genres from dark ambient to caustic post-metal to electronic blasts of beats and noise. It’s about the mood first and foremost, deconstructing traditional music expectations as Sam goes. You can hear this clearly on the lead single ‘clk_bmm!’.

The idea for this EP initially came from improvisation. Sam Hoyek then refined these recordings into electroacoustic scenes. On ‘clk_bmm!’ we get avant-garde piano that shifts from Montreal’s classical scene into experimental ambient and Damascian violin and vocals from sisters Zein and Elissa Nakhleh. All of this is chopped up and distorted through electronics, converting it into a compact audiostory. It isn’t an easy listen, but it’s a compelling one. Hoyek has said the goal of the EP is to explore how self-expression under rigid rules can become limiting. Why not ignore the traditional song structures and try something new?

With a rich melting pot of ideas, I’m excited to hear what else Sam has in store for us. He has teased guitar solos, family members appearing as characters, and sun-drenched drama. The single is out now. You can pre-order Sam Hoyek’s forthcoming EP ‘demonstration_01: anomalous’ on Bandcamp.

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