Toro Y Moi’s Touring Keyboardist Makes Warm, Jazzy Pop With Astronauts, etc.

Astronauts, etc.'s Anthony Ferraro was on his way to being a classical pianist when arthritis, diagnosed in his childhood, reared its achey head. He didn't quit music entirely, but chose a route that was less demanding on his joints—touring as Toro Y Moi's keyboardist and starting the mellow project Astronoauts, etc, named for his tendency to be a "space cadet." On "Eye To Eye," the third single from the band's forthcoming project, he cradles soft, layered vocals in a jazzy groove. The song is more funk than French Romantic, but you can hear Ferraro's training in his writing.

"Lyrically, this album is a loose, sometimes free-associated journal of a very strange year. Musically, it’s a leap away from the home-recorded sound of past material and a foundation that the band and I can take in any direction," Ferraro told The FADER over email. "I wanted to establish a pattern of exploring somewhere completely new with each record, and to find listeners that were comfortable going there with us."

Astronauts, etc.'s Mind Out Wandering LP will be out September 18th on Hit City U.S.A and is now available for pre-order. Stream "Eye To Eye" below, and catch the band on tour this summer or fall.