Free Download – “Elephants” from Blocktreat’s upcoming album “Tradtionals”.
Blocktreat is the solo-moniker of Vancouver producer and multi-instrumentalist Brandon Hoffman. A self-described control freak, it was just a matter of time before Brandon took a detour from playing in bands and producing other artists to concentrate on his own breed of sample-based instrumental music. Blocktreat draws from a diverse musical background to blur the lines between electronic and acoustic music. Blocktreat’s second album, Traditionals, is out April 17th, with the help of Jellyfish Recordings.
Traditionals takes inspiration from the blacksheep of the electronic community like Four Tet, the Books, and Prefuse 73. The album was constructed from field recordings of friends jamming out bluegrass standards in the back yards and living rooms of East Vancouver. The fresh, spontaneous vibe of the source material is contrasted with Blocktreat’s signature ‘tiny equals beautiful’ sampling aesthetic. Brandon let the music take on rich variety of forms — from mildly ADHD, to smooth, organic and evolving. Like a collage of blurry photos from a summer road trip with friends, Traditionals is a soothing microcosm of earthy, down-tempo goodness.
Brandon works in Vancouver under the alias of Gnomegrown Music, producing and performing with acts such as Miami Device, Colin Easthope, and Myriam Parent. The name ‘Blocktreat’ is a reference to the silviculture industry. Treeplanting is a job and lifestyle that, for a month or two each spring, allows Brandon to escape from the city.
The album will be available on April 17th on a pay what you want basis or in hand printed, 100% recycled packaging through our online store.
