SMILE! :D Artist Profile – Porter Robinson

Porter Robinson hails from North Carolina and learned production at age 12. In 2010, his debut single “Say My Name” shot straight to the top of Beatport’s electro house charts.

He co-wrote Zedd’s 2012 “Clarity”, before breaking with DJ-friendly EDM for Worlds, delving deep into synth-pop-influenced grooves.

Background

Porter Robinson first made waves as an EDM artist after honing his skills on tech forums, then using 2012’s melodic single ‘Language’ to explore more emotional territory. Following its release, it helped launch his tour and virtual music festival (The 2021 Secret Sky online event was streamed over 1m times).

With 2014’s Worlds, he broke away from the DJ-friendly limits of dance music by slowing the tempo down and immersing himself into billowing synth-pop reveries that more closely resemble M83 than Swedish House Mafia. Twenty21 brought forth Nurture; an epic six year journey filled with electronic ideas and introspection that overcame existential panic, creative drought and family illness to earn him a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year and become his most intimate work to date.

Worlds

Porter Robinson, then 18-years old and an EDM club scene producer, has taken an unexpected path since creating high-octane productions for EDM’s club scene four years ago. Instead of fist-pumping festival revelry and opting for celebratory spectacle instead of contemplative storytelling on his debut full-length “Worlds”, North Carolina producer Porter Robinson opts for smooth textures and thoughtful storytelling instead.

Worlds is an expansive and wistful grandiose that could be read as a counterbalance against the excesses that have overtaken American dance music culture in recent years. But anyone with ears could tell that Robinson’s impressionistic approach to mass-appeal fare was nothing new: just think Passion Pit’s mellifluous melodic tendencies or M83’s emotive electro.

At each point in his set, Porter gracefully transitions between songs using carefully coordinated visuals. There was even one moment during “Sad Machine” when you could actually hear Porter singing; an intimate yet powerful moment which showed his talent and how connected to his audience he is.

Nurture

Porter Robinson emerged from a long creative rut following the release of Worlds with Nurture, an album which marked his rebirth as an artist. It features catchy yet adventurous songs that chronicle his return to happiness, encouraging listeners to persevere through whatever obstacles lie in front of them and remain resilient during difficult times.

Music of his 2014 debut evokes a similar sense of wonder; from subtle bird chirps to the purposely messy piano playing on “Shelter,” Robinson celebrates nature for inspiration. Additionally, this album underscores our responsibility as parents to nurture ourselves first before our children; something evident on “Get Your Wish.” Additionally, on more experimental tracks like “Wind Tempos” and “dullscythe,” Robinson avoids overloading these instrumental interludes with heavy messages by using these instrumental interludes simply as ways of playing around with sound experimentation while having fun.

Smile! 😀

Porter Robinson helped lay the groundwork of EDM with his glitch-infused attempts at fantasy escapism in 2014’s Worlds and 2021’s Nurture albums, but on SMILE! :D, he reinvents himself to his fullest extent. Not only has his sound changed from Y2K rave to pop punk and then to acoustic guitar; so has his tone. Porter navigates fame without succumbing to fandom with honesty without resorting to cynicism.

This record, by EDM artist Jonty Scott, ranges from grandiose EDM-influenced productions to more intimate moments that echo heartbreak of superfans. “Cheerleader” stands out as particularly emotive testament to those that keep him going and stable – reminding them they are the lifeline he needs.

Switched on Pop’s Reanna Cruz spoke with Porter Robinson of Switched on Pop about his new album and feelings on stardom in this week’s edition of Newcomers, and even gave an incredible live performance of “Unfold”. Check it out below – and don’t miss the live rendition at the end! It’s amazing.