Aspartame

Aspartame is a contemporary screamo (skramz) entity based in New York City, emerging as a significant voice in the 2020s DIY emo revival. Their sound identity is defined by a commitment to lo-fi production values and high-intensity vocal performances that often push into red-line distortion.

Musically, they bridge the gap between the technical 'twinkly' guitar work of Midwest emo and the abrasive, chaotic structures of traditional European and American screamo. Their career arc is marked by a prolific presence in the digital underground, particularly on platforms like Bandcamp, where they have cultivated a dedicated following among fans of the 'fifth wave' emo scene. Critically, they are noted for their ability to balance melodic sensitivity with total sonic collapse. They sit within a web of influence that includes foundational acts like Orchid and Saetia, while sharing a modern kinship with peers like The Lazarus Plot and Novely. Their cultural position is firmly rooted in the all-ages DIY space, representing a new generation's reclamation of emotional extremity as a tool for navigating modern alienation.