Immerse yourselves in the sonic reverie of Austin’s own bedroom pop phenom Skateland, as he unveils his latest auditory delight, “Autobahn!” A rhapsody narrating the tumultuous journey of affection, the track traverses the undulating landscapes of amour and kinship. Skateland divulges, “Autobahn!” begins as an ode to separation, yet transforms into a testament of immutable love—emphasizing the beautiful struggle that renders love so profoundly rewarding.
Heralded by cultural keystones such as LADYGUNN and the astute ears at NPR’s KUTX—whose acclaims hail Skateland’s prior singles as “sensationally mellow cross-genre bops”—Dorian Williams II (Skateland’s offstage persona) crafts his sound in the intimacy of his personal space. A visionary transplanted from the neon haze of Las Vegas to Austin’s creative crucible, Williams’ artistry blooms in the very locales where life’s chapters unfold.
Skateland’s repertoire, abundant in pensive lyrics meshed with synth-wave echoes alongside contemporary pop alchemy, straddles eras. Williams’ ethos draws from the well of personal narrative, “There’s an earnestness in orchestrating music right where life’s moments crystallize—whether it’s on my porch, or amidst the clink of glasses in a bustling café. My songs are vessels for shared sentiment.”
In the reflective glow of early 2023, Skateland presented “New Wave Revival,” his self-produced inaugural EP, to critical accolades—once again capturing the attention of KUTX and earning laurels for its “fuzzy charm of shoegaze through a pop lens.”
Venture deeper into Skateland’s dreamscape with “Postcards,” a profound musing on the digitally amplified art of self-comparison. Enveloped in ethereal melodies and a prism of soft synths, LADYGUNN heralds the track as the quintessence of Skateland’s unique auditory brand.
With “Autobahn!” Skateland continues his exploration of love’s topography, the track encapsulating the essence of the profound and perpetual nature of love, even amidst the possibility of parting ways.
Within the expanse of a mere annum, Skateland has graced stages at SXSW’s coveted showcases, collecting nods from NPR, Earmilk, Atwood Magazine, and an expanding chorus of voices. This ascending virtuoso aspires not only to enchant listeners but also to ignite within them the courage to pursue their zeal. Proffering wisdom, Skateland encourages, “Dismiss the trepidation of failure or lack of resources. Let the flutter within fuel your ascent. It’s my aspiration that my soundscapes embolden you to seize ‘the thing’—whatever that may be for you.”
