For those deeply embedded in the world of vinyl records and late-night rave culture, the names Eris Drew and Octo Octa are synonymous with ecstatic, love-filled, and technically masterful DJ sets. As both romantic and creative partners, the duo has spent years traversing the globe, but their latest project, Alchemical Sisters, marks a significant evolution in their shared artistic journey.
A Nod to Big Beat Origins
The duo’s moniker is a playful, intentional wink toward the legendary Chemical Brothers. As Eris explains, the name felt like a natural manifestation of their creative process. “At first it was a wink, but the name stuck,” she notes. “It seemed right because we felt that, through alchemy, something higher would emerge when we got together—our individuality combining to make a little musical baby.”
Alchemical Sisters. Paola Salviano / via the artist
Drawing inspiration from pioneers like Underworld, Meat Beat Manifesto, and the Bassbin Twins, the pair emphasizes that their sound is rooted in the patience of the creative process. They view the act of recording as a pursuit of timelessness, a sentiment that permeates their self-titled album released on Interdimensional Transmissions.
Pastoralism in the Studio
The recording of Alchemical Sisters was uniquely shaped by the duo’s decision to retreat to a cabin in rural New Hampshire. This environment provided a stark, necessary contrast to the high-intensity lifestyle of touring artists. “When we go into the forest, it’s a lower-frequency space,” Eris says. “We get to be intimate with each other, spend time in nature, cook, play games, and calm down.”
This pastoral setting allowed them to integrate organic elements—such as the dulcimer—into their electronic framework. The result is an album that balances high-energy, dancefloor-ready tracks like “Anytime Sisters Slide” with the serene, grounded atmosphere of “Song For New Hampshire.”
The Power of Ancestral Instruments
Rather than relying solely on digital audio workstations (DAWs), the duo utilized a vast collection of hardware, including classic 90s digital instruments and analog synths. They describe these as “ancestral instruments,” noting that the history embedded in the circuits of machines like the Roland 303 adds a layer of character that software cannot replicate.
“Knowing that another queer person had made special music with it gave us a sense of a river of time,” Eris reflects on using a vintage 303. By treating the DAW as a traditional tape recorder rather than a writing tool, they were able to jam in real-time, capturing the raw energy of a band rather than the clinical precision of programmed music.
Ultimately, Alchemical Sisters is a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that, when two artists truly trust one another, the result is far greater than the sum of its parts.
