Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith: From Ambient to Drum & Bass

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, once celebrated for her ambient and new-age synth work, has unveiled a bold new direction with her latest album, 'RUIN: It's Not Just Music.' This album represents a significant shift, as Smith plunges into the energetic worlds of drum'n'bass and EDM.

The genesis of 'RUIN: It's Not Just Music' stems from a challenging personal experience, with Smith describing it as her "fuck you album" in response to a threat. The music itself reflects this assertive stance, moving away from her signature ethereal sound.

Smith's new work merges her electronic synthesis with the powerful rhythms of jungle breakbeats and club music. The album also incorporates elements from a live performance that featured an orchestra, blending strings and live drums with electronic beats.

While the album showcases Smith's willingness to experiment, tracks like "GTP!" lean into a more conventional, albeit slightly cheesy, EDM sound. Nevertheless, the overall momentum of the album highlights her inventive approach to these new genres.