Somewhere between the thundering basslines, sleepless festival nights, and strange cosmic machinery of the underground music scene, two artists found something increasingly rare in this deranged modern world: a genuine friendship.
That’s where BUTTONZ and Abby Vice come in.
The Southwest Michigan bass producer and Cincinnati-based pianist first crossed paths nearly two years ago at the Boredomfighters Foundation’s Perennial Retreat. What began as a mutual obsession with hip-hop, melody, and low-frequency madness eventually blossomed into a creative partnership, culminating in their two-track Breathe EP, released October 9 via Ex Medias.
Instead of huddling over the same computer, the two embarked on a musical exchange program. Abby laid the foundation for the title track, while BUTTONZ initiated “Not Tonight,” each handing their creation to the other for a healthy dose of sonic experimentation.
The result is a wonderfully peculiar marriage of styles.
“Breathe” floats through dreamy atmospheres, blues-soaked basslines, and hip-hop vocal samples, while “Not Tonight” ventures into considerably heavier emotional territory. Anchored by Abby’s expressive piano work, the latter explores self-love, personal struggles, and the sometimes brutal necessity of letting go of whatever is dragging you into the abyss.
Having shared stages at Big Fam, Great Lakes Flow, and countless other Midwest gatherings, the pair have cultivated something that transcends musical compatibility.
In an industry perpetually obsessed with algorithms, streams, and the next disposable dopamine hit, Breathe offers a refreshing reminder that sometimes the most meaningful music emerges from something remarkably simple.
Two friends keeping each other afloat while the world spins madly around them.
Somewhere between the thundering basslines, sleepless festival nights, and strange cosmic machinery of the underground music scene, two artists found something increasingly rare in this deranged modern world: a genuine friendship.
That’s where BUTTONZ and Abby Vice come in.
The Southwest Michigan bass producer and Cincinnati-based pianist first crossed paths nearly two years ago at the Boredomfighters Foundation’s Perennial Retreat. What began as a mutual obsession with hip-hop, melody, and low-frequency madness eventually blossomed into a creative partnership, culminating in their two-track Breathe EP, released October 9 via Ex Medias.
Instead of huddling over the same computer, the two embarked on a musical exchange program. Abby laid the foundation for the title track, while BUTTONZ initiated “Not Tonight,” each handing their creation to the other for a healthy dose of sonic experimentation.
The result is a wonderfully peculiar marriage of styles.
“Breathe” floats through dreamy atmospheres, blues-soaked basslines, and hip-hop vocal samples, while “Not Tonight” ventures into considerably heavier emotional territory. Anchored by Abby’s expressive piano work, the latter explores self-love, personal struggles, and the sometimes brutal necessity of letting go of whatever is dragging you into the abyss.
Having shared stages at Big Fam, Great Lakes Flow, and countless other Midwest gatherings, the pair have cultivated something that transcends musical compatibility.
In an industry perpetually obsessed with algorithms, streams, and the next disposable dopamine hit, Breathe offers a refreshing reminder that sometimes the most meaningful music emerges from something remarkably simple.
Two friends keeping each other afloat while the world spins madly around them.
Related Content: