After receiving critical acclaim for their debut single Foreign Nature, Sheffield’s Blossomer now return with the release of their enchanting new EP HLLW, out now via Instant Karma.

Each track on this majestic EP twinkles with gentle, spheric electronic beats, whilst lead singer Alex Crabbe’s bewitching falsetto is able to soar effortlessly. Title track HLLW flickers with fragile flourishes and synths, creating a sound that is undeniably hypnotic and reminiscent of Wild Beasts’ sensual blend of eclectic dream-pop. The single PREACHER_LEARNER feels equally mesmerising, as celestial soundscapes flow beautifully to make an undeniably atmospheric sound.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Blossomer about motivations, challenges, the latest release and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

I’ve always been a fan of music that has space in it. Good melodies. Little hooks. Time to think. Which is probably more noticeable on our earlier stuff, especially ‘To The Sea’ as our first track.

How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?

We’ve been writing, recording, playing, sharing music as musicians for the best part of about a decade. We have all played in a variety of different bands since we were pretty young… grunge, indie, probably other stuff. But as Blossomer, since about 2013, give or take…

Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?

I find influence in all sorts of different stuff. I love film and I work in film, so I find a lot of inspiration from weird films. Sounds a bit cliché, but imagery is a massive thing for me. Musically I’m influenced by pretty much anything. My brother’s mix of techno/dance music inspires me. Finn and Rob in the band are massive hip hop fans and their individual combination of beat making and trip hop inspires me. Books, photography. As long as it resonates, it’s gotta be good right?

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

I don’t think I was trying to accomplish anything if I’m honest. I was revisiting what ‘Blossomer’ meant to me and it rekindled something new, which fitted the name. So after about 2-3 years away from the name, it felt like the right time to return to it. The older I get (I’m not that old, yet) the more I just enjoy creating something that I want to create, rather than try to please.

What was the last song you listened to?

Just having a look on my phone and it was… Madvillain – All Caps. A banger actually.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I think it is a bit of a natural progression really, best to worst. Vinyl has its charm and sound quality. CD sounds great, despite not being the ‘coolest’ format these days. MP3 just sounds rubbish when you start listening to it through proper speakers. Boring answer I’m afraid.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I’m pretty easy when it comes to this. I know Rob and Finn are pretty big fans of Bandcamp but I don’t know too much about it. I think it has something to do with their love of hip hop and smaller artists finding some success through it, which can only be a good thing. They all serve a purpose, but I think we’d all like to release a loverrrrly looking vinyl in teal wouldn’t we?

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?

I agree, I think music is handed to you on a plate now and it can be a little overwhelming. There is an expectancy for music to resonate instantly. So you can’t really do those weird albums or EPs that you used to get back in the day, because instant satisfaction is expected. Regurgitated nonsense maybe? Who knows, but music isn’t exactly healthy at the moment is it.

Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?

We will be gigging soon-ish, yes. We area planning on recording a video session up in Manchester which should be pretty fun. Multiple camcorders. Old songs. New songs. Black N’ White. Trendy. I actually live down in London these days, so I’d like to play some shows around this neck of the woods.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?

We have some pretty good videos to watch on YouTube… To The Sea is always satisfying, as you get to see our mate Smithy walk into the sea naked at about 7am in January (apart from a pair of comfy trainers). Genuinely felt very sorry for him after that.

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

Shout outs… Sophie Hustwick for providing the fine photography for our latest releases. Our friends Retro Kid over in Copenhagen, who are creating some great stuff, NEON COLOURS. The owls are not what they seem.