Evan Shornstein, better known as Photay, has spent the past decade weaving a rich tapestry of sonic landscapes, each one distinct yet unified by a common thread: music that breathes with the elements. Whether crafting electronic almost-pop, IDM-inflected grooves, or collaborating with titans of the new age scene like Laraaji and Carlos Niño, Photay’s work is a testament to the power of sound as a conduit for human experience—be it physical, spiritual, emotional, or philosophical.
Raised in the Hudson Valley and now based in Los Angeles, Photay’s musical journey is a masterclass in versatility. His compositions range from improvised organic sessions with global musicians to DJ sets that blend disco and house, often alongside Brooklyn’s Cesar Toribio and engineer Phil Moffa, who also happens to master Photay’s records. Each project is a unique exploration, yet all carry the unmistakable mark of Photay’s touch: an innate connection to nature, and an ability to translate its forces into music.
Now, with his fifth solo album, Windswept, set for a September 20th release via Mexican Summer, Photay takes this naturalistic approach to new heights. The album, inspired by the wind as a powerful, unpredictable spirit, sees Shornstein crafting soundscapes that are both expansive and intimate. The wind itself becomes the album’s central motif, a thematic throughline that ties together each track in a cohesive, immersive experience. Check out “Air Lock” below:
Following the release of the album’s first single, “Derecho,” Photay has dropped “Air Lock,” a mesmerizing, shape-shifting piece that showcases his production prowess. Accompanied by a visually striking music video directed and animated by Josh Shaffner, “Air Lock” is more than just a track; it’s a meditative journey through contrasting environments, where calm meets chaos and grounding meets elevation.
Photay describes an “Air Lock” as the threshold between two environments—a metaphor that resonates deeply with the track’s dynamic flow. “On the outside, you may experience turbulence or even a storm,” he explains. “If so, observe the state of things, equalize and proceed with calm awareness.” It’s advice that not only applies to life but also reflects the ethos behind Windswept: moving through the world with a sense of balance and purpose, even amid unpredictability.
Director Josh Shaffner adds his perspective on the project, noting how the concept of wind shaped both the video and the album. “Using wind as a central concept worked out brilliantly for shaping the video as well as the album,” he says. “When working with such an amazing track, it provides you with all sorts of ideas from the start.”
With Windswept, Photay has crafted what feels like his most personal statement to date—a return to his roots after a series of collaborative projects that took him in different directions. It’s an album where fresh, homegrown electronic textures and acoustic drumming meet contributions from a host of talented friends, including Randall Fisher, Will Epstein, Carlos Niño, Laraaji, Nate Mercereau, and Mariana Bragada. While the compositions are meticulously produced, some evolved from spontaneous improvisations, all under the guiding influence of the wind and the broader forces of climate change and weather phenomena.
Check out “Air Lock” and pre-order the album, which also coincides with a slate of U.S. tour dates, including album release shows in Brooklyn on October 19th and Los Angeles on October 26th. With Windswept, Photay invites listeners into a world where nature and technology intertwine, offering a musical experience that is as profound as it is moving.