Peter Sagar created Homeshake upon departing Mac DeMarco’s touring band. He toned down Mac DeMarco’s extrovert stage persona in favor of making quiet, icy indie compositions.
Helium is an unforgettable chillwave experience. The track’s synth basses are programmed and automated while Sagar’s low-fi and silicon-sweet vocals captivate listeners. Together these elements come together in perfect harmony to captivate and dazzle their listenership.
The band’s sound
Since his departure from Mac DeMarco’s touring band in 2013, Montreal musician Peter Sagar has released music under the moniker Homeshake. Although its first two albums feature elements that recall DeMarco, its music has since taken on its own identity.
He blends yacht rock and R&B tropes to craft his unique thrift store synth-pop sound, crafting melodic songs that speak directly to his introspective persona and are reflective of his introverted nature. Instead of touring full time, he prefers staying home.
Homeshake’s sound consists of electric guitar, Roland Juno-60, Korg Poly-61 and Dave Smith Prophet 08 REV2 instruments as well as recording vocals with Roland SP-404s before using an Elektron Analog Rytm MKII to manipulate them for vocal manipulations and manipulations. His latest album Helium represents his inner thoughts while remaining more intimate and smaller than previous releases from Homeshake.
The band’s lyrics
Homeshake’s lyrics express the tension between individual freedom and isolation that pervades Bedroom Pop music – including that created by Peter Sagar (formerly guitarist for Mac DeMarco). Since 2014 he’s been creating his own brand of slacker rock under the name Homeshake; each album getting increasingly synth-centric over time.
In the Shower is an indie surf-rock guitar tune reminiscent of Mac. Fresh Air features more laidback R&B influences. Finally, Helium addresses insomnia’s distressful symptoms but also captures its peaceful meditative qualities.
Helium’s lyrics seem to focus more on romantic love and intimacy, possibly as Sagar was getting ready for a relationship at the time of recording. Songs tend to be slower and more introspective while band vocals provide soothing comfort.
The band’s stage presence
Homeshake has established its own aesthetic over time, moving from guitar-driven indie rock to an atmospheric take on lo-fi R&B on 2017’s Fresh Air and beyond. Now with Helium, Homeshake have further refined and deepened their vision while remaining true to what made them such an appealing entity in the first place.
Sagar, having worked as a touring guitarist for Mac DeMarco prior to founding his own band, has extensive knowledge in slacker-rock genre. He’s familiar with its tropes and motifs – such as smoking pot and lazing around. His lyrics often reflect these characteristics that appeal to young adults and teenagers alike, making his music immensely popular with them.
The band‘s minimalist stage and low-key approach created an organic, relaxed environment. Audience members took pleasure in listening to Homeshake’s powerful falsetto adding powerful twists to his songs; even his jokes seemed appreciated by all present. All that stood between their engagement was chatter between songs – not that this made any difference!
The band’s live performance
Homeshake’s signature jangly guitar riffs sound even louder in live settings, proving their technical skill. Their band‘s chemistry with one another also comes through, as they intertwine and jam during lengthy segments of their set. While their music may not be groundbreaking or innovative, it certainly provides plenty of entertainment – no wonder so many fans remain faithful supporters!
Homeshake’s music creates an entrancing trance for audiences. His dreamy falsetto and soft vocals mesmerize listeners; his songs could serve as soundtrack to an indie film! Homeshake’s bandmates play with all the fluidity and groove found on his recordings – making the show an irresistibly captivating event!