Best known for his work with experimental-synth-psych band Gang Gang Dance--this week artist, musician, and actor Brian DeGraw released his first solo album, SUM/ONE on 4AD. Recorded under the alias bEEdEEgEE, Sum/One is a layered kaleidoscope of sounds, backed by a pop sensibility, and featuring guest appearances by GGD bandmate Lizzi Bougatsos, Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip), Lovefoxxx (CSS), and Douglas Armour.Trippy, expressive, and in the artist's own words "Schizophrenic top 4000," the best way to listen to the album is with an open mind and a wandering imagination. Inspired by the conceptualization that went into producing SUM/ONE, we asked DeGraw to illustrate the soul and essence of his entire LP--experiencing it this time around as a casual observer.After giving it some thought, this is what Brian sent us:"I sat in my kitchen with a set of watercolors and tried not to think as I listened to the record," DeGraw told us. "I just painted each track horizontally across the page, mimicking the sounds as color and shape."As for the Will.i.am reference?"I stole the structure of one of the songs from some Will.i.am/Justin Bieber track."Finally, when we asked DeGraw what he's want the viewer to walk away from the album with, he simply replied:"--comfortable confusion."To experience Sum/One for yourself, check out the first single "Brick" below:For more on DeGraw and SUM/ONE, visit beedeegee.com, or the official Twitter and Facebook accounts.
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