George Clanton
The other day, I was scrolling through my playlist when George Clanton’s Slide came on. Within seconds, that dreamy opening synth transported me somewhere else entirely, reminding me just how good this guy is at creating pure sonic bliss. It’s wild to think about how much George has contributed to the vaporwave and chillwave scenes, but he still feels like this underrated gem. If you’re not already on the Clanton wave, trust me—you’re missing out on one of the most interesting artists of the last decade.
George didn’t just stumble into vaporwave; he helped build the house. Before his solo work, he released music under names like Mirror Kisses and ESPRIT 空想. Mirror Kisses leaned heavily into ‘80s synth-pop nostalgia, while ESPRIT took a more deconstructed approach, diving into the vaporwave aesthetic of chopped-up, lo-fi samples. Both projects were cool in their own right, but once he started releasing music under his own name, it was like everything clicked. 100% Electronica (2015), his debut as George Clanton, was a statement: “I’m here, and I’m about to redefine this genre.”
100% Electronica wasn’t just an album title; it was a philosophy. George blended the hazy, nostalgic vibes of vaporwave with punchy, melodic synth-pop in a way no one else was doing. It felt retro but fresh, experimental but accessible. Tracks like “Keep a Secret” and “It Makes the Babies Want to Cry” were instant standouts—catchy, weird, and deeply emotional. The album wasn’t just background music for an aesthetic; it had heart.
Then came Slide in 2018, which, for me, is his magnum opus. This album is vaporwave fully realized—not just as a vibe but as a full-fledged genre. It’s lush, layered, and deeply immersive. Songs like “You Lost Me There” and “Make It Forever” feel like daydreams you don’t want to wake up from. What sets George apart is how he uses his voice. Most vaporwave artists stick to samples, but George sings—really sings. His voice feels like another instrument in the mix, drenched in reverb and effects, blending seamlessly into the soundscapes he creates.
Beyond his own music, George has been building an entire world around him. He co-founded 100% Electronica, not just a record label but a cultural hub for indie electronic artists. He’s created a space where vaporwave, chillwave, and all those adjacent genres can thrive. It’s not just a label; it’s a community, and you can feel that energy in everything George does—from his live shows to his hilarious Twitch streams.
Speaking of live shows, if you ever get the chance to see George Clanton live, don’t miss it. His performances are electric. He takes the hazy, dreamy vibes of his music and turns them into full-on raves. There’s nothing quite like hearing those synths hit while the crowd loses their minds in a neon-lit haze. It’s proof that his music, while often introspective and atmospheric, can absolutely bang in a live setting.
Lately, George has been collaborating more, like his recent album with TV Girl. It’s wild seeing how seamlessly he can mesh his style with other artists without losing what makes him unique. Whether it’s his solo work, his side projects, or his label, George Clanton is always pushing the boundaries of what electronic music can be. He’s not just riding the wave—he’s shaping it.
So, yeah, George Clanton is that guy. If you haven’t already, throw on Slide, close your eyes, and let yourself get lost in it. You might just discover your new favorite artist.