Ian Ewing releases new EP ‘Gail’

As far as self-taught instrumentalists and innovative producers go, Ian Ewing is a must-watch artist blending hip hop, electronica and R&B. Based in Southern California but originally hailing from Wisconsin, his musical adventure began with a fascination for hip hop’s history which provided the spark that would lead to him becoming the versatile artist and producer he’s known as today.

His sonic output is adorned with ambient compositions of sample-based sounds and infused with organic rhythmic elements, painting a vivid landscapes influenced by a lifelong passion for drums and a deep connection to the natural world. First making his entrance in 2016 with his debut single “Water,” he’s since proved himself a truly prolific and creative artist, sharing an astonishing amount of music.

Over the years, he’s released multiple well-received singles, EPs, remixes and a full-length record with 2019’s ten-track album Lakehouse. Linking up with other artists, his impressive discography includes several collaborations with artists such as Eli Way, Virginia Palms, Naji, Sun BLVD, A Sol Mechanic, Lippi, Strehlow, Yasmeena, Flamingosis, Shopan and many others, while racking up millions of streams of his music.

Now he brings us his latest release with his fourth and final EP of the year, titled Gail. The five-track EP, released via Nettwerk, follows the release of two instrumental EPs and a vocal-driven lo-fi EP titled Where I’ll Be in June.

The EP opens with the title track “Gail,” kicking off with intricate guitar lines filtering in, subtly modulating and detuned, setting up a piquant intro joins by the deep punch of kick drum and tapping of hi hats as wah-drenched guitar leads flutter above. Soft piano notes flicker among a hazy lo-fi atmosphere, capped by dancing synth leads, resulting in an upbeat instrumental jam that’s at once highly original and entirely enjoyable.

With “Views,” he links up with Madeline Edwards to craft a delicate electronic pop outing with an alternative R&B twist. Madeline’s soulful voices glide elegantly above a laid back beat and buzzing synth textures and shots and slick guitar flourishes that craft an atmospheric soundscape full of blissful melodies.

“bubblebathbump” opens with airy vocalisations, joined by the stuttered clap of drums and pulsing bass lines to create a mellow groove peppered with processed vocal samples and a colourful array of instrumentation. “Call Out Work” follows, this time featuring the smooth vocal work of Nic Hanson, who threads dynamic melodic leads and layers over a stripped back, smokey arrangement driven by a snapping beat.

The EP closes with “Ships Passing,” where McCall delivers a dazzling vocal performance above a lo-fi cut brought to life with the help of Finnish instrumentalist cocabona. It’s a superb finale to a sensational new EP that sees a truly talented and endlessly creative artist continue to operate at the very highest level as he shares more of his expansive sonic vision with the world.

Listen to Gail below