Bas and The Hics Break the Confines of Genre on 'Melanchronica'

“Genre-defying” has become such a buzzword in the music space. It’s rare that an artist, especially solo, is able to seamlessly break the rules of genre in a way that feels imitative or uninspiring. Some of the best genre-defying offerings as of late, those that truly bend and blur the constraints and confines of any one category, tend to come from cross-genre collaborators.

Flume and Vince Staples have dialed in their joint electronic-trap sound on the rapper’s project Big Fish Theory and tracks like “Smoke and Retribution.” The Australian DJ also teamed with JPEGMAFIA last month for We Live In A Society, another project that melds electronic and hip-hop music. Similarly, The Alchemist has expanded the jazz-rap ether with his work with Larry June.

Bas is the latest hip-hop artist to offer up a true testament to the definition of “genre-disregarding” album. The Dreamville musician teamed up with English electronic-jazz duo The Hics for an expansive collaborative album entitled Melanchronica.

“Melanchronica speaks to our modern human condition, the longing for genuine emotional connection in an overstimulated, ultra-technologically connected, apathetic, and increasingly individualistic society,” said Bas of the album’s innate inspiration. “It’s the thoughts that linger when we detach from it all and take an honest look at ourselves and our surroundings. There’s a range of emotions expressed faithfully. I want the listener to experience them all on this journey.”

“To me, the album defines chronic melancholy and intense awareness of the yin and yang of life,” echoed The Hics’ lead vocalist, Roxane Barker. “As I look back now, I realize this album is kinda me learning to express myself without fear of judgment — judgment of myself and judgment from others. So, because of that, I hope it inspires people to also do that through art, movement, or whatever gets you closer to your true self.”

Sam Paul Evans of The Hics adds: “For me, Melanchronica means a case of ‘chronic melancholy.’ It could also represent a new genre of music. When we hit that 10-track mark, I was looking for something to define the general mood of the project. I loved how simply being in a state of chronic melancholy, forming Melanchronica, summarized that perspective. For those who’ve followed the journey of how Bas and The Hics came together, this project is a testament to the true power of collaboration, communication, and friendship.”

Stream Melanchronica out on all streaming services now.