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Santa Cruz, CA-based five-piece electronic/instrumental outfit STS9 share their self-produced, lush thirteenth record Human Dream out now via 1320 Records/Symphonic with fan favorite instrumental ballad "Presence of Light." The dynamic, boundless body of work is a culmination of the band's 28 years together, forged from human connection and intricately ponders the possibility of transcendence through beauty and art.
STS9 will celebrate live in Los Angeles tonight and tomorrow to kick off their U.S. tour through winter 2025 and spring 2026 with several dates in Chicago, across Colorado, the east coast and more. See all dates below and find more information here.
Recorded entirely in their own studio for the first time ever, the 19 track album explores the human condition and humanity's place within the cosmos through cinematic, dreamy production and genre-blurring sounds of funk, jazz, drum and bass and more. "The Human Dream signifies an awakening of perception from the limitations of the physical world to the infinite power of human imagination, where art and music are not just forms of expression, but pathways to the deeper truths that lie beyond the surface of our everyday lives."
"The universe reveals itself not in grand declarations but in subtle shifts, a shadow moving across a wall, the soft gradient of dusk surrendering to night. Human Dream asks us to notice and be present with the mysteries that surround us. It is the quiet realization that we are both small and infinite, bound by gravity and yet reaching, always, toward the light." The album offers refuge and the space to imagine a brighter, safer world.
The project began taking shape in the midst of the pandemic and as Santa Cruz had the biggest forest fire in its history, affecting the band and surrounding residents. "The fire burned 80,000 acres, burning our bass player's house and countless others. The fire was moving so fast toward our studio we decided to move all the gear into one of our homes further in town away from the approaching flames. For weeks, as the smoky skies outside were Blade Runner orange, the Human Dream started taking shape, reflecting our own dreams of a more human world."
On "Presence of Light," inviting, warm melodies evoke the feeling of light in the band's lives. "This song has been a fan favorite, and one that we had to capture in the studio. The rolling beat, infectious chord progression, and gorgeous melodies are a staple of STS9’s signature “emotional equity” sound."
STS9 is made up of Hunter Brown (guitar/programming), Jeffree Lerner (percussion), David Phipps (keyboards), Zach Velmer (drums), and Alana Rocklin (bass). Over 28 years, they've performed at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater 30 times and have been inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. Now, in 2025, the band is thrilled to share a project that combines their rich history as they weave together a seamless tapestry of stories and lived experiences into a cohesive, mystical sonic odyssey.
Two decades and thirteen albums in, the band continues to move audiences across the country. In a live show review set in Washington D.C. last year, JamBase lauded, "STS9 has not only earned their stripes with songs that still hold up today, but they also blend seamlessly with music released 22 years later. A true testament to not only Tribe’s musical longevity, but also their overall prowess as a band." On their back-to-back Oakland shows, PopMatters added, "STS9 conjure pure mana for the soul with their wizardly sonic alchemy. The livetronica tone scientists continue to play at a very high level."
STS9's contemplative, uplifting 13th record, Human Dream, is out now. Connect with the band on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook for more.
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