Approaching Black is the project of Australian producer Shannon Riches, who transitioned from a background in metal and garage to become a staple of the melodic progressive house and downtempo scenes. Since the late 2000s, Riches has refined a signature sound characterized by high-fidelity production, liquid synth textures, and a profound sense of atmosphere.
His work is frequently associated with the Silk Music (now Monstercat Silk) aesthetic, emphasizing melody and emotional resonance over dancefloor utility. Critically, he is respected for his ability to maintain a 'deep and driving' energy while simultaneously exploring 'smoother and lighter' ambient territories. His technical setup, involving a mix of Logic Pro, Massive, and live instruments like Fender and Washburn guitars, allows for a hybrid sound that bridges the gap between bedroom-produced intimacy and professional studio polish. He occupies a specific niche alongside artists like Stendahl and Elypsis, catering to a global audience of 'melodic' fans who value the intersection of progressive house structures and chillout moods.
Shares downtempo, ambient techno (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, digital_clarity (production style)
Shares downtempo, ambient techno (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, digital_clarity (production style)
Shares downtempo, ambient techno (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, digital_clarity (production style)
Shares downtempo, ambient techno (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, digital_clarity (production style)
Shares downtempo, ambient techno (subgenres); breathy, processed, absent (vocal style)
Shares downtempo, ambient techno (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, digital_clarity (production style)
Shares downtempo, ambient techno (subgenres); breathy, processed, absent (vocal style)
Shares downtempo, ambient techno (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, digital_clarity (production style)
Shares downtempo, ambient techno (subgenres); reverb_heavy, layered_dense, digital_clarity (production style)
Shares studio_polished, layered_dense, digital_clarity (production style); downtempo, ambient techno (subgenres)
Shares liquid, ambient techno, serene, downtempo (signature)
Shares ocean, liquid, ambient techno, serene (atmosphere)
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