Pete Kember, the producer widely known as Sonic Boom, approaches our conversation with a relaxed demeanor that stands in stark contrast to the weight of his latest work. A ? of WHEN, his second collaborative record with Panda Bear—the moniker of Animal Collective’s Noah Lennox—is a project defined by its resistance to the passive ease of modern life. While their previous effort, Reset, was conceived as a musical panacea for a world reeling from post-lockdown uncertainty, this new collection grapples with the increasingly transparent grift of corporate and governmental structures. As Kember notes, the duo is infusing their latest songs with a world-weary resilience, rejecting the allure of exorbitant convenience.
The creative partnership between Kember and Lennox spans fifteen years, evolving from co-production roles to a deeply integrated songwriting bond. Despite their long history, the duo continues to find new ways to challenge their own boundaries. Whether it is Lennox experimenting with yodel-esque glissandos or Kember insisting on the inclusion of wordless doo-wop chants, the pair remains committed to pushing the limits of their joint creation. For both artists, the work is a necessity; it is a routine that defines their existence. As Lennox explains, life simply doesn’t feel normal if he isn’t writing or recording.
Embracing Inconvenience as an Artistic Statement
A significant departure for A ? of WHEN was the decision to abandon sampling entirely. While both artists have a deep appreciation for the craft, the logistical and financial burdens of sample clearance often stifled their creative momentum. By opting to build loops from scratch, the duo opened a new canvas for experimentation. They utilized a diverse array of textures, including Mary Lattimore’s harp, vocaloid keyboards, and steel drums, to create a soundscape that feels both organic and meticulously constructed. The core of the record relies on the most fundamental human instruments: the voice and the hand clap.
This commitment to the “human idiom” extends to the album’s distribution. In a bold move against the streaming era, A ? of WHEN is being released exclusively in physical formats and as a direct digital download. Kember, who recalls the formative experience of traveling to record stores as a youth, argues that the ease of modern streaming has conditioned listeners to view any required effort as a deterrent. By removing their music from major streaming platforms, the duo hopes to spark a conversation about the true cost of convenience culture.
“I have a phrase: convenience kills. If you look at everything humanity has achieved in this regard, it’s all been bad for us.” — Pete Kember
Ultimately, the album serves as a mirror for the listener, offering a forty-seven-minute window of contemplation amidst global uncertainty. It is a project that demands engagement rather than passive consumption. As Kember reflects, stepping away from the constant pull of digital devices to focus on a tangible, physical piece of art feels like a necessary act of being alive. There is nothing quick or frivolous about A ? of WHEN; it is a deliberate, thoughtful response to a world that has forgotten the value of the journey.
