Companies Mentioned
Why It Matters
The release showcases how personal health challenges can reshape an artist’s creative direction, while reinforcing the viability of DIY production in the competitive electronic music market.
Key Takeaways
- •New album "Hydrate Those Folds" releases June 12
- •'Bon Boys Will Break Your Heart' includes Xiu Xiu remix
- •Artist moved from On Man to own name post‑illness
- •Album explores themes of illness, survival, desire
- •Built entirely in home studio, reflecting DIY production
Pulse Analysis
Andrew Jim Gannon, the Hertfordshire‑based producer formerly known as On Man, is set to drop his sophomore full‑length, Hydrate Those Folds, on June 12. The album arrives after a successful debut on Houndstooth, positioning Gannon as a rising figure in the UK electronic circuit. By releasing the record through his own imprint, he joins a wave of independent artists leveraging home‑studio capabilities to bypass traditional label gatekeepers. The upcoming launch is supported by a striking lead single, “Bon Boys Will Break Your Heart,” which already circulates with a Xiu Xiu remix and an eye‑catching video.
The project’s lyrical core reflects Gannon’s recent battle with a debilitating illness that left him bedridden for months. Recovering strength prompted a shift from abstract production to a more vocal‑centric, autobiographical approach, prompting him to abandon the On Man moniker in favor of his own name. Tracks such as “Golden Kayak” and “The Skin” weave narratives of vulnerability, desire, and the tension between control and surrender. This personal pivot not only deepens the emotional resonance of the record but also mirrors a broader trend of artists using health crises as creative catalysts.
From a commercial standpoint, Hydrate Those Folds lands at a moment when streaming platforms reward frequent releases and niche storytelling. The inclusion of a Xiu Xiu remix broadens the track’s appeal to experimental pop audiences, while the visually arresting video offers shareable content for social media algorithms. As independent electronic acts continue to capture festival slots and sync deals, Gannon’s DIY production model could inspire peers to prioritize authenticity over polished studio budgets. Anticipation for the album is already reflected in pre‑save numbers, suggesting a solid foothold in both the UK underground and global digital markets.

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