After releasing four critically acclaimed albums, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer, Romain Collin, planned a retreat to the Icelandic highlands to draw inspiration from the vastness of ice deserts, and from silence.
The french-born, Brooklyn-based pianist sought a place so unfamiliar, secluded and raw, he would be forced to reshape his creative process. Shortly after arriving in Iceland, the world was hit by a global pandemic. What was planned as a short retreat became a surreal, six-month artistic discovery in near isolation. While composing, Collin documented his journey in 8mm film, VHS, and drone. The result is hauntingly beautiful: layered, evocative, and unencumbered creation.
Upon his return to New York City, Collin collaborated with multi Grammy-winning producer and electronic musician Jeremy Loucas to complete FOSS - Icelandic for ‘waterfall’. The contrast between composing in deep isolation and performing on NYC's vibrant electronic music scene is at the heart of the hypnotic live experience the duo creates.
In a world driven by insatiable desire, FOSS delivers the satisfaction of explosive energy from unattainable silence, where nature and cutting-edge technology meet. FOSS is slated to release their debut album, Shapeless, early 2025.
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FOSS live performances have grown into large scale, fully immersive audio-visual experiences. A surrealist film driven by breathtaking cinematography accompany the music, which is performed entirely live, with no pre-recorded background tracks. The fluidity of the performance is made possible by an intricate set up of modular synthesizers, tape machines and experimental analog gear. The audience is immersed in a universe of sounds and images that is as ethereal as the origin of FOSS itself.
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In the short time since its inception, FOSS has performed at Burning Man's famed Robot Heart, at Catharsis in collaboration with digital artist Refik Anadol and visionary architect Arthur Mamou-Mani, at New York City's The Shed for the Sonic Sphere, as well as in various contemporary art galleries and cutting-edge performing arts venues.