multi-genre composer, producer, and keyboardist Aiden Button released his latest single, Splashed City, a track that marks his debut in the lo-fi genre. Known for his versatility and expansive soundscapes, Aiden has long captivated listeners across genres, but Splashed City stands out as a distinctly personal and exploratory journey. This new single immerses listeners in a textured and organic lo-fi experience, uniquely crafted with live instrumentation and free from loops or samples—a rarity in today’s music landscape.
Aiden Button’s musical journey began at an impressively young age. At just four years old, he started improvising music with only a radio to spark his creativity. His passion for music continued to grow, eventually leading him to the Conservatorio A. Steffani di Castelfranco Veneto, where he graduated with top honors in Classical Composition. This formal background gave him a strong technical foundation, but Aiden’s true calling lay in blending diverse styles and breaking genre boundaries.
Over the years, Aiden explored a variety of genres through projects like Stargate, a progressive metal band where he transformed from covering Dream Theater songs to creating original music, including their 2012 release The Power Within. His other projects—ranging from ’70s rock with Biste Boys to glam metal with Fallen Angel—demonstrated his ability to navigate vastly different musical landscapes. Today, he continues to evolve his sound, branching into jazz, progressive rock/metal, ambient, and film music. Each genre adds layers to his artistry, culminating in the distinct blend that characterizes his compositions.
With Splashed City, Aiden dives into lo-fi, a genre known for its raw, unpolished charm and emotional accessibility. However, Aiden’s approach to lo-fi is anything but typical. The track stands out because it was performed live, without any loops or samples—a bold move that speaks to Aiden’s commitment to authenticity and live performance. This technique infuses the track with a unique, organic flow that makes each note feel fresh and spontaneous, a quality that’s often hard to achieve in lo-fi production.
Central to Splashed City is the use of the iconic Crystal Piano patch from the Roland JD-800. This particular synth patch, known for its bright and shimmering tones, adds a distinct character to the track. The Crystal Piano’s expansive sound creates a sense of open space within the song, giving it a vibrant yet introspective quality. Paired with a deep, driving bassline, the track builds towards an immersive climax where every element—the drums, bass, and Crystal Piano—coalesce in a harmonious counterpoint that feels almost symphonic in scope.
Aiden’s decision to perform Splashed City live without relying on the typical tools of lo-fi production, like pre-recorded loops or samples, adds a level of depth and uniqueness to the track. This choice highlights the natural imperfections and subtle nuances of live performance, which are often polished away in modern production. These imperfections—minute shifts in timing, variations in dynamics, and the organic interplay between instruments—are what give Splashed City its warm, handcrafted charm.
Lo-fi music often aims to evoke nostalgia and intimacy, and Splashed City achieves this in an especially fresh way. By embracing the “flaws” that come with live performance, Aiden captures the raw, honest spirit of lo-fi while still delivering a rich, immersive listening experience. His approach bridges the gap between the genre’s traditional, relaxed vibe and his own sophisticated soundscapes.
Described by Aiden as a “blank canvas” for listeners to paint their own emotions onto, Splashed City invites an introspective listening experience. The track’s soothing tones and intricate layers make it an ideal addition to chill or focus playlists, offering a gentle escape from the busyness of daily life. At the same time, Splashed City provides a sense of warmth and comfort, perfect for moments of quiet reflection or creative work.
As the track unfolds, it transitions through different moods, building up tension and releasing it in a subtle but powerful climax. This progression keeps the listener engaged, drawing them deeper into Aiden’s world of sound and allowing them to connect with the music on a personal level. The Crystal Piano’s shimmering tones are particularly effective at conveying a sense of open space, allowing listeners to feel as though they are journeying through an expansive yet intimate soundscape.
Aiden views his music as a way to connect with listeners on a universal level. He seeks to create pieces that are emotionally open, allowing listeners to bring their own interpretations and feelings to each track. Splashed City is no exception; its structure and subtle dynamics create a platform for listeners to explore their own emotions, whether they’re seeking relaxation, focus, or introspection.
Reflecting on his process, Aiden describes his compositions as “blank canvases”—each piece offers a framework, but it’s the listener who completes the picture. This philosophy of creating open, interpretive music is a testament to his belief in the power of music as a shared experience, where artist and listener alike contribute to the emotional landscape of each track.
With Splashed City, Aiden Button demonstrates his ability to transcend genre boundaries while staying true to his artistic vision. The track represents a new chapter in his career, where lo-fi meets classical sensibility and live performance merges with modern production techniques. This single is a testament to Aiden’s craftsmanship as a composer and musician, blending the imperfections of lo-fi with the technical polish and emotional depth that have become his trademarks. For listeners new to Aiden’s work, Splashed City offers an accessible yet deeply layered introduction to his world. For longtime fans, it’s a fascinating glimpse into his evolving artistry, a reminder of his roots in classical composition and his willingness to explore new sonic territories. As Aiden continues to push the boundaries of his sound, Splashed City hints at an exciting future filled with more genre-defying releases.
Connect with AIDEN BUTTON on
English