Claude9 Unveils 'Clouds So Low': A Chill, Soulful Prelude to New Album ‘Chords of Love’

Austin-based electronic-synthpop pioneer Claude9 returns with a dreamy, soul-stirring single that signals a new chapter in his genre-bending musical journey. His latest track, “Clouds So Low,” is the first single from his forthcoming album ‘Chords of Love’, via indie label New Human Music. This mellow, melodic offering seamlessly blends ambient textures à la Brian Eno with downtempo breakbeat and trip-hop grooves, resulting in a soundscape both nostalgic and futuristic.

A Soundtrack for Stillness and Wonder

“Clouds So Low” isn’t just a song—it’s a meditative voyage. With its chillwave ambiance, vocoder-laced vocals, and the warm, breathy tones of Claude9’s electric melodica, the track glides like low-hanging clouds over a sleepy countryside. Lush pads, crisp breakbeats, and a deep bass synth create a foundation that is at once grounding and otherworldly.

In Claude9’s own words:

“This is a funky, breakbeat-driven downtempo track inspired by the surreal clouds I saw while driving to the studio. They were so low, it felt like I could reach out and walk on them. That moment sparked the lyrics and the playful tone of the entire song.”

The track is accompanied by a mini live set performance, offering a sneak peek into the sonic aesthetic of the upcoming album. Watch here: Claude9 Mini Live Set on YouTube

A Veteran of Austin's Music Scene

Claude9, who first emerged in the 1990s, was among Austin’s earliest electronic music producers. Known for his collaborative work with bands like Pressure, The Killer Bees, Raggamassive, Afrofreque, Supercreeps, and Hail Marley, he’s spent decades weaving himself into the rich musical fabric of Texas’s capital city.

As a keyboardist, producer, and vocalist, his influences run deep, ranging from the dub-wise production of Lee “Scratch” Perry and Augustus Pablo, to the ethereal sophistication of Kruder & Dorfmeister, Massive Attack, and The Orb. That heritage is evident on “Clouds So Low,” which Claude began crafting before the pandemic, originally as part of a duo project.

“The album was first envisioned with my friend Alec Ash at the ESH Institute in Lockhart. But after the first session, the pandemic shifted everything. It became a solo effort and something deeply personal.”

Claude9’s versatile background also includes collaborations in house music, synthpop, and experimental electronic forms. His work with artists like Noëlle Hampton (The Belle Sounds) and Ken Christensen (East Coast Boogiemen) in the project XANIMAL reflects a continued evolution and curiosity that defines his production ethos.

About ‘Chords of Love’

The forthcoming album, Chords of Love, is a 9-track immersive journey across sonic textures and emotional landscapes. Each track blends soulful instrumentation with electronic experimentation. Notable contributions include saxophone from Jorja Chalmers (known for her work with Bryan Ferry and Goldfrapp) on tracks “Entrance” and “Enough is Enough.”

Tracklist:

1. Entrance – 6:38

2. Chords of Love – 7:07

3. Cicada Soul – 2:47

4. Clouds So Low – 5:08

5. Can You Hear Me – 1:57

6. The Shadow – 4:45

7. Down to the Underground – 5:42

8. Echolalia – 2:22

9. Enough is Enough – 7:22

The album was recorded at Claude9 Studios in Austin, with additional sessions at ESH Institute in Lockhart. Mixing and mastering were completed by Charles “Chicky” Reeves at Sublime Studios in London, giving the record an international polish.