Currently based in New Orleans, artist Ken Myers crafts enthralling musical works under his enigmatic moniker, Cracks In The Real. An artist without rigid influences, he takes inspiration from the uncharted corners of his own imagination, forging music that refuses to be boxed into any one style in particular. With his experimental ethos he invites listeners into his world, a space where originality and creativity collide.
Operating entirely out of his bedroom studio, Cracks In The Real is the definition of a DIY creator. From composition to production, every element of his music is born from a singular perspective, allowing him to preserve the integrity of his vision. This personal approach has resulted in a catalogue that feels uncompromising and truly unique, based on the experimental spirit of an artist who continually seeks to create something new.
Cracks In The Real introduced himself to the world in 2020 with his debut EP, the intriguingly titled Enflame Thyself In Prayer! (a Devotional Suite To A Dead Goddess) which he’s followed up with more singles, EPs and two full-length albums. After the success of his 2022 album, Shin: Shadows Cast By The Midnight Oil, he took a brief hiatus to recalibrate his creative energy.
This year he’s returned with new original material and now brings us his latest release, this time with a cover of The Cure’s song “Burn.” Completely breaking down the original track and reconstructing it in an astonishingly new way, Cracks In The Real reimagines the song as an expansive thirteen minute odyssey. Taking cues from acts like Aphex Twin and Autechre, he reframes “Burn” in an avant-garde, industrial setting unlike anything else.
Slowing slipping into a hazy soundscape with soft instrumental tones, rattling atmospheric textures that sweep across the mix and the sparse thump of kick, the cover gradually builds as a processed vocal sample rings out among the enveloping arrangement. Swelling with intensity, a wall of competing elements rises with deep bass tones and building energy is wrapped in a gritty fabric as stuttering rhythms and commanding vocal lines combine to craft an immersive sound.
Reaching a charging alternative rock finale where the familiar lines of the original are stitched into a an energising blend of charing drums, crunching instrumentation and gripping aesthetic, it’s a epic conclusion to a groundbreaking interpretation of the song. Once again showcasing the depth of his creativity and pioneering approach to music making, with his cover of “Burn,” Cracks In The Real delivers an impactful and engrossing listening experience.
We caught up with Cracks In The Real to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new cover of The Cure’s “Burn” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Cracks In The Real below.
Hey Cracks In The Real, how’s things?
Great honestly!
What’s your earliest memory of making music?
My dad taught me how to play guitar when I was very young, like 3, I was playing before I learned to read
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
Probably nine inch nails, the cure and the smashing pumpkins. My degree is in classical as well, so I always looked up to artists who worked more or less by themselves during the composition process
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
My music is inexplicably linked to my spirituality, which is kind of a new age sentiment I know, but it is true
What’s been your highlight of the year?
The reception of Burn has been much warmer than anticipated
What do you love about your local music scene?
I’m currently located in New Orleans, so just about everything
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
Depends on the record. Mem is intended as a lullaby for instance, so in a cozy bed
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
I started out playing more rock and punk and swung towards writing classical, now I focus on electronic stuff
Has your production process changed over the years too?
Yeah, I found ways to bypass the need for a band during the compositional process
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
Trent Reznor
How did you find making your new single “Burn”?
It was a lot of pressure, it’s one of my favourite songs, so I knew I wasn’t going to be able to just do the same thing, because the original is flawless. So looking for ways to make the old material new and look at it under a different light was the project.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
I do think about message, and meaning, but I never want to tell people what it means to me. What people get out of it is just as meaningful as what I get out of it.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
Probably Fleetwood Mac honestly
What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
Anything. Just the idea that someone comes away with something is good enough
What’s been your favourite live performance so far?
I haven’t played this music live as of yet, as far as music I’ve seen, probably Tool.
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
Godspeed you! Black Emperor, Autechre, VNV Nation
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Don’t. Make your own footsteps
Finally, what do you have lined up for 2025?
It’s a little up in the air but there will be new music in some form
Listen to Burn below
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