Pakistani-American composer Qasim Naqvi will release his debut album via Erased Tapes on May 3, titled Teenages.

The six-track album is Naqvi’s first non-soundtrack release, having previously established himself as a renowned composer for dance, theatre, film, and installation-based art. He’s also known for his role as drummer in lauded trio Dawn of Midi. 

Navqvi created the entire album on an analog modular synthesizer, a voltage-controlled sound generating system comprised of multiple modules. He built the synth over the course of two years and amassed a collection of works for this album. 

We’re told that the release captures the sound of electronics living, breathing, and mutating of their own accord—almost autonomously—with only subtle, sparing but “perfectly-judged and masterful guidance,” the label explains. 

“This is very much an experiential album for me because it was borne out of my direct experience of learning the instrument. And as the synthesizer grew over time with more components, it matured. At times I felt like it was even rebelling against my instructions or surprising me with what felt like its own choices.

“When everything was finished and I was thinking about track titles, this idea of artificial intelligence came into my head; a machine that reacts to your impulses and is capable of giving you something different from what you ask, and even defying you. It felt like different stages of growth and adolescence, and that lead to the album title, ‘Teenages’.” — Qasim Naqvi

 Tracklisting 

01. Intermission

02. Mrs 2E

03. Palace Workers

04. No Tongue

05. Artilect

06. Teenages

Teenages LP lands May 3, with “No Tongue” streaming below.