SBTRKT Adds it All Up at the Belasco Theater

Alexander Volz

SBTRKT (pronounced “subtract”) is a live electronic musical act headed by London based DJ Aaron Jerome. SBTRKT has released singles, EPs, and a self-titled album. Jerome enjoys mystery and anonymity and performs only in interpretation of Native ceremonial masks designed by Hidden Place. It is almost noble that he wants the music to stand on its own in a society that is driven by images of beauty and how things appear rather than the true essence of the music. Jerome however admits to not being social so the anonymity works well for his introverted personality that has a desire to create in a public spotlight. He has been known as a star re-mixer for the likes of M.I.A., Underworld and Radiohead.

Jerome collaborates with a number of artists but mostly appears live with Sampha. Sampha provides the vocals and the keyboards and SBTRKT provides the synthesizers. The music is post-dub step, house and techno with a meditational quality. This tour is in support of his new second album “Wonder Where We Land”. SBTRKT samples the vocals and the only live voice is Denai Moore.

SBTRKT’s self-titled album is played for the majority of the live shows. Expect to be struck in awe as most of their recent tunes are minimalist with a heavy bass. With anonymity comes music that has developed a global following wrought only from the switches, dials and machine to generate synths that eventually get his young followers feeling alive and moving.

The Belasco will be a great venue for the duo as their acoustics are a great fit.

Do the math with SBTRKT at the Belasco Theater on October 15 and 16.