A beekeeper and a computer programmer walk into a recording studio, and then promptly walk out again. This is not the setup for a joke, but the origin story of Autosmile, the second record from Philadelphia duo @. While Victoria Rose and Stone Filipczak first connected in 2015, their musical partnership blossomed during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have since cultivated a sound that is a true force of nature—a blend of baroque orchestral arrangements and distinctly 21st-century folk melodies.
The Challenge of Reverse-Engineering an Accident
Following up their cult-favorite debut, Mind Palace Music, proved to be a daunting task. That record was a happy accident, born from digital file-sharing and a lack of formal expectations. Transitioning to a project with deadlines and label involvement required a shift in mindset. Filipczak notes that the pressure of creating an album on purpose, rather than by happenstance, introduced a new layer of intensity to their process. “We had to just make ourselves start recording,” Rose explains, noting that the knowledge of a looming release date occasionally drained the spontaneity they had grown accustomed to.
A DIY Ethos in a Digital Age
Despite their growing profile, the duo remains committed to their DIY roots. They continue to work as musical pen pals, recording separately in their respective home setups to maintain creative control and avoid the pressures of a traditional studio environment. This method allows for the meticulous layering of vocals and instrumentation that defines their sound. Whether it is Rose shaking a sewing box for percussion or Filipczak utilizing a handmade PVC pipe whistle, their approach remains grounded in curiosity and experimentation.
Finding Humor in the Darkness
Autosmile is a record that navigates heavy emotional terrain, yet it is often delivered with a smirk. The duo views their work as a way to transmute personal struggle into something resonant. Filipczak observes that “very depressed people are often very funny,” and this philosophy permeates their songwriting. By marrying darkness with humor, they create a space that feels both intimate and expansive. As they prepare for the release of Autosmile on October 16 via 4AD, the duo hopes that listeners will find a sense of connection in the music—a reminder that, even in the most difficult moments, they are not alone.
