Embrace the Ambient in cln's "Fade to Grey" [PREMIERE]

image

Australian artist and producer Callan Alexander, better known by the moniker cln, has quietly been making a name for himself in the electronic music scene. In 2014, cln released his debut EP Sideways  at the tender age of 18. Since then, he's followed his debut with another EP, a collection of remixes, and a series of singles including the track "Breathe," which he released under Skrillex's imprint NEST/OWSLA.  

The producer's latest release,  "Fade to Grey," is the most recent in a line of singles that will appear on his forthcoming debut album, and it is nothing short of haunting. "Fade to Grey" marks a stylistic departure from cln's previous releases. On the subject, he elaborates,

"This song was a result of experimentation with new sounds and textures. While I was working on this song, I realized I'd been trying to pigeonhole myself into a particular style rather than make whatever comes naturally. At that point I decided that I should try avoiding sticking to a particular 'sound' and instead experiment as much as possible and see what happens. This song doesn't really sound like anything else I've made - but I like it anyway."

While many of cln's previous releases have been on the up-tempo side, "Fade to Grey" is a chilling soundscape that confronts themes of apathy and self-doubt. The track begins with the producer's lethargic vocal pondering these emotions over an icy expanse of subdued piano. As the track drones on, cln peppers in indistinct soundbites and runs vocals through peculiar filters, creating a perfectly uncomfortable sense of organized chaos that seems to emanate from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

Separate from reality with our exclusive first listen to "Fade to Grey" below:

Related Articles

Indy Finds True Blue Sense of Self in New EP “Fame is A Bedroom” [Q&A]

Indy Finds True Blue Sense of Self in New EP “Fame is A Bedroom” [Q&A]

August 1, 2025 From reflecting on toxic relationships in their many forms, to opening up about sharing her sister with the world from a young age, Indy sheds her skin in this pop-forward evaluation of her 20’s thus far.
Author: Giselle Libby
pop
Join Susannah Joffe, Cult Leader of AMC A-Listers and Actual Happy People

Join Susannah Joffe, Cult Leader of AMC A-Listers and Actual Happy People

July 31, 2025 We had the privilege of hosting this beguiling artist into our pod huddle, and made her spill the beans on Cult Leader, great songwriting and more.
Author: DJ Connor
Q&A
quinnie Creates An Intimate Soundscape With Sophomore Album paper   doll

quinnie Creates An Intimate Soundscape With Sophomore Album paper doll

July 29, 2025 Riding the wave of her hit single “touch tank” and debut album flounder, the New Jersey-born singer-songwriter makes a strong return with the release of her second studio album, paper doll.
Author: India Yeoh