Animal Collective's Avey Tare and Geologist Announce Duo Project Croz Boyce

Key Takeaways

• Croz Boyce debut drops May 8 on Domino.
• First single: “Hanging Out With a Blueberry Pop.”
• Record mixed by fellow AnCo member Deakin.
• Project name inspired by David Crosby’s passing.
• Both members released solo albums within past three years.

Summary

Avey Tare and Geologist, two core members of Animal Collective, have formed a new duo called Croz Boyce and will release a self‑titled LP on May 8 via Domino. The project’s first single, “Hanging Out With a Blueberry Pop,” arrived with a video directed by Joseph Ricketts. The nine‑track instrumental record was mixed by fellow AnCo member Deakin and is framed as a sonic exploration of human experience. The name evolved from a shared folder titled “Croz Boys,” a tribute sparked by David Crosby’s death, and follows recent solo releases from both artists.

Pulse Analysis

Animal Collective has long been a laboratory for avant‑garde pop, with each member routinely branching into solo and collaborative ventures. The emergence of Croz Boyce continues this tradition, pairing Avey Tare’s melodic sensibility with Geologist’s textural sound design. By releasing the album through Domino, a label known for nurturing experimental acts, the duo taps into an infrastructure that balances artistic freedom with targeted distribution, ensuring the music reaches both longtime fans and curious newcomers.

Croz Boyce’s nine‑track, largely instrumental LP reflects a remote‑collaboration model that has become increasingly common in the digital age. Files exchanged across state lines were stitched together by Deakin, whose mixing adds cohesion to the disparate ideas. The project’s title, derived from a folder named “Croz Boys” after the passing of David Crosby, adds a layer of emotional resonance, positioning the record as a tribute as much as a creative experiment. The lead single’s whimsical title, “Hanging Out With a Blueberry Pop,” hints at the duo’s blend of playful lyricism and abstract soundscapes.

From a business perspective, Croz Boyce illustrates how established artists can leverage side projects to diversify revenue streams and maintain relevance. The release aligns with a broader trend of legacy musicians issuing limited‑run vinyl, exclusive pre‑orders, and curated video content to engage collectors. Domino’s involvement provides access to curated playlists and sync opportunities, while the artists’ existing fan bases generate organic buzz on streaming platforms. As the indie market continues to fragment, such focused collaborations offer a blueprint for sustainable growth without diluting brand identity.