On May 5, 2023, The Numb Project released Abstract Facts, a four-song EP of atmospheric downtempo and psychedelic glitch hop. Dynamic boo-bap beats and warm and haunting melodies and percolating rhythmic shifts create tension-filled grooves and plenty of headphone candy. Inspired by both turn of the millennium trip hop (Boards of Canada, DJ Krush, Telefon Tel Aviv) and modern downtempo dub (Sorrow, Tycho, Segue). Abstract Facts is undoubtably producer Chris Calarco’s most mature and fully realized work. The Numb Project debuted in 2003 with the double LP, Soundbridge Sessions, on Pittsburgh’s Hexagon Records before disappearing for more than 17 years. In 2021, he self-released the Wakeless LP in addition to three more singles. Stream Abstract Facts everywhere you get music.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey The Numb Project, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
I first got into making music back in the early 2000s because I was inspired by traveling the US to see Phish and The Disco Biscuits concerts. I experienced transcendent nights of dancing that made me imagine the possibilities of trying to create and express myself.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
Music is a hobby I spent a fair amount of time on but I am a yoga instructor and I own a movement and events studio. So it will never be my full time job but I am setting aside more and more time for practice and production in the last few years.
Your latest release is 'Abstract Facts'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
These tracks started as a project for a class I was taking during the pandemic over zoom through the great Underdog Electronic Music School in Brussels. My final project for class was the the title track and the sound really resonated with me and I decided to pursue a continuation of that atmospheric glitch-hop sound on the rest of the tracks.
Where did you get the inspiration for this EP?
Ever since I started listening to electronic music in the late 90s I was drawn to the style of downtempo that featured heavy beats, warm atmosphere and deep sonic cavities . I’ve tracked that sound down throughout the years and many artists but I am always seeking a vibe and a mood that first hit me when I heard albums like DJ Krush’s Code 4109, Boards of Canada’s Music Has the Right to Children and DJ Cam’s Underground Vibes. Those three albums were probably the first ones that set me on this path.
How long did you work on the 'Abstract Facts'? Was it an easy process for you?
I started these tracks in late 2021 but I went through a really hard year in 2022 and pretty much stopped producing again until December. The rest of the tracks came together when I started working with Tony Welter of Championsound Studio here in Portland. He really helped me flesh out and finish this EP.
How do you know when a work is finished?
I know a track is finished when I can listen to it all the way through without a moment of hesitancy in my mind. Until then, its not done.
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
I do not perform The Numb Project music live. These are strictly studio productions.
How do you find yourself in the music business? When you started out in music, did you know it would be like this?
The music business is more amenable to an independent artist than it was back in 2003 when I released my debut. Granted, making money in the music business is extremely difficult and the game on streaming etc is a bit of a puzzle but I’m here to create and hopefully get this music in fans of the genre.
Who is your favourite musician?
A very difficult a question but I’ll name two. Phish and The Gaslight Anthem.
What are your plans for the future?
I just want to keep making beats and keep getting better at. It would be a dream to get them in the hands of people who like psychedelic downtempo music.