Chicago-based electronic producer Joe Boston, better known as Shallou, has been teasing some new music for 2016. His first fine-tuned release from those future house demos, “Heights,” is out now. Its ambient pulses shimmer in and out before Shallou brings it back to the driving heartbeat of the song, and layers birds chirping on top, before he starts up again. After a second, softer intermission, sans natural sounds, he takes off with a clap and breathes life back into “Heights” ’til the end. As the name may suggest, the song reaches different levels within itself, all the while providing a time for introspection — or simple enjoyment of his feat.
Of the track, Shallou said:
“The inspiration for “Heights” came from the beautiful city of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, where I wrote and recorded the track on holiday. I drew influence from the people and the vibrant colors around me, trying to create a sound palette that reflected how I felt there. I had just scrapped an entire EP, and felt the need to just create what felt natural, outside the confines of my bedroom. Thematically, it’s a reflection of the highs and lows of life and relationships.”
Listen to “Heights” and find Shallou’s upcoming tour dates below.
Shallou tour dates:
February 12 — Lincoln, NE @ Vega*
February 13 — Iowa City, IA @ Gabe’s*
February 17 — Evanston, IL @ SPACE*
February 18 — Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre*
February 19 — Milwaukee, WI @ Shank Hall*
February 20 — Champaign, IL @ The Accord*
February 23 — Grand Rapids, MI @ The Pyramid Scheme*
February 24 — Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop*
February 25 — Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe*
February 26 — Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place*
February 27 — Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar*
March 1 — Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop*
March 2 — Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar*
March 3 — Nashville, TN @ Exit In*
March 4 — St. Louis, MO @ Firebird*
March 5 — Kansas City, KS @ Riot Room*
March 8 — Aspen, CO @ Belly Up*
March 9 — Fort Collins, CO @ Hodi’s Half Note*
March 11 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge*
March 21 — TBA^
March 22 — Springfield, MO @ Outland Ballroom^
March 23 — Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar^
March 24 — Chicago, IL @ Subterranean^
March 25 — Columbus, OH @ The Basement^
March 26 — TBA^
April 12 — New Orleans, LA @ Hi-Ho Lounge^
April 13 — Houston, TX @ Rudyard’s^
April 14 — Dallas, TX @ Dada^
April 15 — Austin, TX @ Sidewinder^
April 16 — San Antonio, TX @ Limelight^
* with El Ten Eleven
^ with Chad Valley & Blackbird Blackbird
