The Road to Electric Forest: Emancipator

Entrancing, immersive, aching, organic. These are the terms which first come to mind when describing a live set from Doug Appling. Emancipator began his career creating hip-hop instrumentals before growing in popularity in the West Coast electronic scene alongside friends Big Gigantic and Pretty Lights. Since then he's teamed up with violinist Ilya (who he met through Dominic of Big G) to create the ethereal melodies that have defined dusk to dawn, Safe in the Steep Cliffs, and soon it will be cold enough.

Known for sunrise Burning Man sets and a touchingly humble stage presence, Doug begins his tracks with a single sound, often inspired by nature, before compiling on guitar, keys, and violin vertically in Ableton: forming a short and densely layered arrangement. He views  that this process as similar to a puzzle: after altering these hand-crafted instrumental samples he stretches the different layers to create a balanced composition.

Balance is a strong element throughout his music, an impressive feat coming from his diverse array of influences. He grew up listening to alternative rock like the Pixies, Fugazi, and Modest Mouse, and combined with his hip hop origins, his classical instruments, and his electronic production, his varied palette paints a sonically complex composition that is both rich and startlingly unique.

Fresh off his Emancipator Ensemble tour in which he brought along a full orchestra, Emancipator promises to be one set you don't want to miss. Check out these two playing at 7:45 on the Sherwood Court Stage Saturday.