Episode 148

Episode 148 – Live Set Sketches + Psytrance Surge

Published on: 28th March, 2025

In this week’s episode of Living Room Music, N8K99 pulls back the curtain on a new creative frontier—a live performance concept in the works for the upcoming Beats & Brews event on April 20th. This evolving set blends electronic foundations—Trip Hop, Ambient, House, and more—with a unique twist: live trumpet performance, converted in real-time to MIDI via MainStage 3 and routed through rich layers of onboard synths. The result? Backing tracks that feel intentionally incomplete, waiting to be brought to life on stage.

The episode kicks off with two mellow, lofi-inspired tracks—"Sneak Attack" and "Keep it Going"—both tailored to this hybrid setup and offering a glimpse into the sonic space of this project. Then, in a burst of deadline-fueled inspiration, N8K99 takes a sharp left turn into the pulsing world of psytrance. Three brand new tracks—"Feeling Good", featuring Nina Simone’s iconic vocals, "For Your Eyes Only", a James Bond-flavored reimagining, and "Left Earth", a high-octane psy romp—showcase a different side of the project, pushing the energy way up.

Tune in for a genre-hopping journey through experimental structure, sampled soul, and future-facing performance concepts—this episode is a sonic workshop in motion.

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About the Podcast

Living Room Music

I established this podcast as a personal writing challenge, aiming to continually push myself to explore the depths of music creation. To maintain this drive, I've set a self-imposed publishing deadline every Friday at 6 PM EST.

Rather than seeking fame or fortune, my main goal is to discover music that resonates with me, something I haven't experienced before. Throughout this journey, I immerse myself in a wide array of electronic music, drawing inspiration from various sources to infuse fresh ideas into my own compositions. I relish experimenting with novel techniques and tonalities, always on the lookout for unique sounds.

My work embraces the mathematical intricacies of music theory, exploring new ways to manipulate sounds and embracing the spirit of improvisation. Above all, my music is a celebration of joy and love for the creative process, capturing the essence of fun and passion in playing and crafting melodies.

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About your host

Nathan Eckenrode

From the womb to the stage, N8K99's life has been a symphony of diverse musical experiences. His journey began with melodies echoing in his mother's womb during her piano recitals and evolved through debates over musical alphabets in kindergarten. N8K99's early classical training under his mother's tutelage seamlessly transitioned into a passion for the improvisational freedom of Free Jazz, idolizing legends like Maynard Ferguson, Miles Davis, and Chet Baker. His teenage curiosity led him to a pawn shop guitar, igniting a spark that would illuminate his path through various musical endeavors.
Post-Navy life found N8K99 in Jacksonville, Florida, where punk rock's raw energy collided with his burgeoning talent, resulting in a series of ephemeral bands. New York City called next, presenting a harsh reality of talent and competition. His days oscillated between roles as a PA, bike messenger, book mover, and the occasional subway busker, honing his skills in the city's vibrant music scene. A chance encounter with Wu Tang Clan during a jam session marked a turning point, embedding a sense of belonging within the industry's fabric.
N8K99's musical style defies categorization, a testament to his journey across genres and geographies. His sound is an eclectic blend, rooted in classical music theory, adorned with jazz improvisation, and electrified by electronic production. He finds solace and challenge in his podcast, "Living Room Music by N8K99," a weekly expedition into new musical territories, collaborating with local Hip Hop artists, exploring emotional tones, and experimenting with various modalities.
Despite his mastery, N8K99 remains the industry's "invisible man," focusing on the art rather than the fame. His elusive double album "Chromatic Depression" whispers of his presence in the digital music realm, but it's his dedication to the craft that truly defines him. N8K99's vision extends beyond personal acclaim; through Eckenrode Muziekopname, he aspires to elevate Jacksonville's local talent, creating a digital collective to champion and disseminate their artistry globally.
With his feet firmly planted in Jacksonville, N8K99 envisions a future of continued musical exploration with his band Radio Poets, his podcast, and EM. His ambition is not of glittering fame but of a sustainable, fulfilling musical journey, evolving as a Middle Class musician who navigates the industry's tides with a whimsical yet determined spirit.