Shrimpnose

Few artists can claim that music “saved their life” with more authority than Shrimpnose. The LA-via-Minnesota experimental electronic artist has struggled with a speech impediment since the age of five that has hindered his ability to communicate with peers, survive school, and hold down a job. Since dropping out of college to pursue music production full-time in 2016, Shrimpnose’s music has possessed a hunger and purpose that can only come from someone who can’t communicate without their craft.

“Music is the only language I have where I feel fluent and capable of expressing the ideas I can’t verbally,” he shared with Pigeons and Planes in an op-ed. “It brought me confidence and a voice—and a little much needed money—while college was just dragging me deeper into depression and poverty.”Secure in embracing his imperfections, Shrimpnose is at his most authentic with his latest album, The World Pushed Against You (2024). His first full-length with Nettwerk, the 12-track project ranges from frenzied jersey club-laden IDM to mellow garage-infused ballads."I’m just so burnt out on lofi beats," he divulges. "It’s become the most boring, soulless type of music on the planet."

The World Pushed Against You is Shrimpnose’s "learning how to dance era." Dance music lovers will immediately recognize the sample on the melancholic third track, "Miles Between Us," while still getting a taste of Shrimpnose’s experimental approach to production. Songs like "Suspect" and "Let You Get To Me" push brooding Burial-inspired garage that are filled with dark drums and fuzzy soundscapes, forcing listeners into introspection.

Despite the somewhat sad tones weaved throughout the record, Shrimpnose does instill hope. Midway through, "River Still Runs" boasts chirp-like notes and optimistic chords that beam with brightness. "Pollen" and "Pollinate"—made with one of his best friends Somni—also showcase his versatility. "I’ve just been super into the idea of juxtaposing dance music with an ambient song," he says. "I’m really into a song with two parts."

Ultimately, when the world pushes against Shrimpnose, he pushes back against any and all confines and expectations, whether by overcoming a disability, not adhering to genre, or having a nuanced personality. Multifacetedness is what Shrimpnose is all about. "I like being silly and serious," he leaves off. "I like being able to talk about serious concepts, but not take myself too seriously."