Bio
Known for his “music video in your head songs”, Grammy-nominated artist-producer Instupendo’s catalog spans and blends a range of genres. Described as “both rapturously transportive and inwardly melancholy and introspective”, "a seamless blend of unorthodox resonances", and "at once kaleidoscopic and minimalistic", his music has attracted a global following, found support at press and radio, and featured in film-maker Hito Steyerl’s seminal Venice Biennale installation, ‘Factory of the Sun’ as well as campaigns for HBO and Teenage Engineering. He’s worked with Toro Y Moi, Rostam, Ryan Hemsworth, CFCF, Oli XL, Benny Sings, No Rome, Lontalius, James Ivy, and Cedric Madden; showcased at SXSW and FIAC; and performed with Madeon, Rostam, Porter Robinson, Digitalism, Park Hye Jin, James K, Torus, Toxe, Ripsquad, and George Fitzgerald.
Contact
Press/Booking/Licensing Inquiries: mgmt@instupendo.com
Video
Press
The FADER
How Instupendo and Ripsquad Teamed Up to Deconstruct Pop
If 2021's kaleidoscopic club LP, 'Love Power A-to-Z', was a rocket ship hurtling towards the sky, 'Ripstupendo' captures the brief moment that the vessel hovers above the clouds.... Its gentle yet daring composition makes it a noteworthy addition in the realm of pseudo-ambient pop championed by Oklou and Malibu (who guests on the song 'Kissout'). The songs may feel like embers, but the fires they stoke are grand and consuming.
We All Want Someone To Shout For
Instupendo x Ripsquad ‘KO’
Ethereal, haunted and atmospheric 'KO' feels like a blend of Sigur Ros, Burial, and Bon Iver. A meditative listening experience that strikes a serious feeling of emotion and melancholy.
Dummy
Tracks of the Week
Equipped with immaculate production skills and an ear for the most forward-thinking sounds around, indie alt-electronic artist Instupendo has established himself as one of pop music’s most refreshing talents. As experimental and intricate as it is minimal, ‘Idol’ is a glitchy step away from some of his smoother tracks while the addition of his own vocals elevates the sound to new levels.
PopMattters
The 12 Best Pop Albums of 2019
Instupendo's third EP [“Boys by Girls”] is a shimmering fever dream of a pop record, one that is as romantic as it is self-deprecating. Amidst the lush sonic gossamer, Peterson expresses love in dynamic gender fluid ways, turning lyrical pop tropes on their head with a casual disregard. "I feel like a bride to be / It's like something off of TV," he sings on the stuttering, Bjork-like “Antidote”, sometimes using lengthy instrumental passages to sell an emotion or intention, covering a lot of cathartic ground in a scant 20 minutes…
Flaunt
Instupendo | Boys by Girls
Instupendo, aka Aidan Peterson, has been rising to prominence in electronica ever since he was a preteen making Soundcloud tracks. He’s known for ambient, melancholy harmonies… but with his new EP, “Boys by Girls”, dropping today, Instupendo is making a bold, new addition to his intricate and unorthodox soundscape: his own voice.
The FADER
Instupendo’s “Antidote” is an Electro-pop Banger for Introverts
Amid a pillow-soft beat, Peterson's looped vocals become hypnotic as he sings about keeping his head down and avoiding the gaze of another. "Antidote" is a contradiction, an anti-social song that you want to share with all your friends.”
Highsnobiety
Instupendo Is the Most Dashing Enchanter on 'Cinderella'
Instupendo's new single “Cinderella”, fresh off his forthcoming “Boys By Girls” EP, is a synthesized symphony that belongs on the soundtrack of a millennial fairytale.
Nest HQ
Instupendo Debuts Gorgeous Visual Accompaniment to His Sophomore EP - 'Faces I Know' EP'
Instupendo makes gorgeous, ethereal and downtempo electronic music, stirring emotions within his listeners with haunting melodies and delicate ambiance. Although his music is emotive and powerful on its own, he seems to be an artist whose sonic output is at its best when accompanied by visuals. Premiered via Majestic Casual, this latest visual accompaniment to Instupendo’s music is an absolute tour de force: 15+ minutes of stunning videography, full to the brim with muted storytelling and subtext; not to mention some of the most calming and beautiful music you will ever hear.
Dancing Astronaut
Instupendo’s debut EP ‘Friend of a Friend’ marks a bright future ahead [Review]
[Instupendo’s] idiosyncratic sound — a paradox: hazy without a single defined edge, yet possessing a subdued, bright shimmer; melancholic, yet at the same time relaxing and hopeful — is in full form on the EP.
Interviews
Coupe de Main
2020 Must-Know Artist, Instupendo
Passion of the Weiss
I Guess I Want to Do it All, But More and Better: an Interview with Instupendo
Performance
April 2024: Ripsquad ft. Instupendo @TranceParty 14, London
October 2023: Instupendo w/ Ripsquad @Financial Mistake, Hudson Yards, NYC
May 2023: The Hellp w/ Instupendo @Bowery Ballroom, NYC Review
November 2019: Madeon w/ Instupendo @Brooklyn Steel, NYC & @MTELLUS, Montreal Review
October 2019: FIAC Le Bal des Beaux Arts Showcase w/ Instupendo, Park Hye Jin + ONYVAA @Théatre du Châtelet - Joséphine, Paris Press
September 2019: Xfinity x SoFar Sounds Future of Awesome Tour w/ Instupendo + Ivy Sole @Xfinity Live, Philadelphia
July-August 2019: Golden Vessel w/ Instupendo 21-City North American Tour
December 2018: Snail Mail w/ Empath + Instupendo @9:30 Club, Washington DC
November 2018: Ryan Hemsworth + Giraffage w/ Instupendo @The Sinclair, Boston
October 2018: George Fitzgerald w/ Instupendo @Milkboy, Philadelphia
May 2018: Rostam w/ Joy Again + Instupendo @Brooklyn Steel, NYC
March 2018: Shallou w/ Hazy Eyes + Instupendo @Rough Trade, NYC
Photos
