Sylvan Esso: KCRW Guest DJ set

Like a sonic manifestation of the best parts of video game culture combined with balmy North Carolina nights, atmospheric electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso will always draw us into whatever they’re working on.

The core team of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn drop by Morning Becomes Eclectic to drop some guest DJ heat and spill tea on their latest album, No Rules Sandy. They describe the LP, recorded last year over three weeks in East LA, as their most experimental and improvisational work yet, hence the “No Rules” part of the title (“Sandy” refers to Sanborn’s nickname).

That same ethos applies to their sundry tune selections, featuring a brand new, frenetic Overmono cut, a recent weirdo-dance delight from Mr. Twin Sister, and the razor-sharp pop queerness of MUNA.

"What a record!” Sanborn says of MUNA’s acclaimed 2022 self-titled album. “They're doing the thing that the Grammys are supposed to recognize and reward. Making something new happen, built on their own, and crushing it every time.” Or, as Meath puts it, “The Grammys need to get a whole lot gayer."

As two-time past Grammy nominees themselves, Sylvan Esso also share their dream Grammy nom lineup (featuring MUNA, naturally), how “trash sounds” on voice memos lead to new music, an affinity for bird calls, and a love for anticon. Records. Put ears on it.

Tracklist:

Is U - Overmono

Runner’s High - MUNA

Polvo - Mr Twin Sister

Look At Me - Sylvan Esso