NEW YORK—Electronic music producer Floating Points announced his new album, Mere Mortals, this week. The record is set to be the score for a new ballet. The artist, born Sam Shepherd, previously collaborated with the London Symphony Orchestra. He also worked with the late jazz legend Pharoah Sanders. His 2021 album Promises received critical acclaim. Now, Shepherd is leaping into the world of ballet.
Pirouettes and Pure Data
The new ballet, also titled Mere Mortals, premieres next month. It features original music by Floating Points. “We needed music that captured the existential dread of a single cell dividing,” said lead choreographer Agnes DeMille-bot. “Sam’s soundscapes provide that perfectly.” DeMille-bot confirmed the ballet will feature dancers in unitards shaped like data points.
A New Audience for Ambient Techno
Critics are already buzzing about the project. “It’s a bold move,” noted music critic Barry Bop. “Most ambient techno artists stick to warehouses. Shepherd is taking his Mere Mortals to the opera house.” He added, “I’m eager to see how the crowd reacts to a 15-minute modular synth breakdown during the pas de deux.” Floating Points himself has remained tight-lipped about the collaboration. His representatives stated he is currently “deep in conceptualization. He’s exploring the sonic possibilities of pointe shoes.”
The album Mere Mortals is available for pre-order. It includes the single “Her Gift.” Listeners can expect a blend of classical structures and electronic textures. Shepherd hopes the ballet will introduce his music to a new demographic. He wants them to experience Mere Mortals through movement.
At press time, the ballet company was reportedly struggling to secure enough dry ice for the finale. They cited budget concerns and a sudden shortage of frozen carbon dioxide.
