For the past 15 years, John Brander—who releases music under the “Spacecrime” moniker—has crafted beats and produced futuristic, sample-tinged backing tracks for an abundance of emcees in Milwaukee and beyond. He’s also made a name for himself along the way, garnering Top 10 album mention from Milwaukee Magazine for his debut release in 2018 and winning Breaking & Entering’s Big Beat MKE competition in 2022.
With a rising profile fashioned through compelling collaborations and personal accomplishments, Spacecrime is ready to explore even higher sonic elevations. The producer’s pet project will do just that with the release of Spacecrime’s Sounds From The Milky Way. Brander’s latest will come out via Triple Eye Industries on Friday, November 29. Clocking in at 10 tracks that span just over 20 minutes, the album finds Spacecrime’s patently lush production serving as the launchpad from which some of the city’s best rappers blast off into artistic orbit.
Following a 30-second instrumental sans accompaniment on the opening/title track, Spacecrime is joined by the Philly Anderson on the tone-setting “Hennessy” and the smooth-spitting likes of Mocity on the light and loose third song, “Mr. Groovy.” As the cosmic journey unfolds, the album also delivers standout features from Twan Mack (RIP) and Mad Static on “The Narrative” and Taiyamo Denku, who takes Milwaukee to task with agile lyricism employed on “If I Recollect.” Perhaps the most memorable sounds from Sounds From The Milky Way can be heard on “Give Me Something,” as a shimmering, uptempo bed of sound with inarguable pop appeal is heightened by the gruff and brash delivery of Bad Graphics Ghost. You can listen to the album in its entirety below.
The out of this world effort was produced by Spacecrime, executive produced by Tron Jovi, and mastered by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering. In addition to its availability to be purchased digitally, bought on CD, and streamed on all platforms starting November 29, Sounds From The Milky Way will also be available in a limited run of lathe cut, single-side 12″ records that were hand cut by Little Elephant Lathe Cuts. The side without music features art that was created and screenprinted by Francisco Ramirez of Bureau Of Print Research And Design. The lathe run is limited to just 41 units (only 21 of which will be available to the public). Any copies not sold during the online pre-order period will be available exclusively at Rushmor Records beginning on Black Friday.
The Wiggle Room will host a Spacecrime Listening Party on Tuesday, November 26. The free 21+ event will feature Brander spinning Sounds From The Milky Way and other music beginning at 5 p.m. The following night, “Spacecrime And Friends” will play a release show at Bremen Cafe. That free, 21+ show begins at 9 p.m. and features opening support from Keav and David Lopez.