About

Outputmessage may already be known to you thanks to his previous work on the Ghostly International label. While still a student at Virginia Tech studying mathematics, he released the tracks “Bernard’s Song” and “Sommeil” which formed arguably the brightest moments on the Idol Tryouts 1 & 2 compilations (2003 and 2006) respectively and his remix of Dabrye’s Hyped-Up Plus Tax (2002) has become semi-legendary via turntables this and that side of the Atlantic.

2004 saw the release of Farley’s first collection of original material on the Oneiros EP (Echelon Productions.) With 9 songs, it was really more of an album than EP, but more importantly it showcased the range of sounds, tempos, textures, and melodies of which Farley was capable. Ranging from Autechre-like productions in unusual time signatures to ambient string arrangements, this release is what ultimately got the attention of David Cooper, head of Melodic Records.

Finally in 2006, Melodic released Bernard’s proper debut LP, Nebulae. A svelte release at 10 tracks and 37 minutes long, it managed to get praise from several publications including URB (who also named Outputmessage a member of URB’s Next 100 entry that year), XLR8R, and Pitchfork. With its hypnotic and seemingly danceable sound reminiscent of classic Kraftwerk, New Order, or Aphex Twin, it expanded on the promise of the melodicism and pristine production heard on his earlier tracks.

In 2008, Farley quietly returned with the Resurface EP which took the sound of Nebulae into both a futuristic and old school direction with its hints of techno and Krautrock. Meanwhile, Farley moved to Washington DC where he became involved in a myriad of projects including two DJ nights, called MARQUIS and FLAT OUT!, an electronic pop/rock band called New Models, and a disco-house outfit called Dmerit with long-time friend, Micah Vellian.

In 2009, Farley started his own imprint, Output Noise Records, and released a series of digital-only singles that served as a preview to his new vocal-pop sound. Now in 2010, his second full-length, Autonomous, is a highly-anticipated release from the emerging DIY scene in DC having already received play from DC DJ/Producer heavyweights such as Dave Nada (of Nadastrom) and Will Eastman (Plant Music / BLISSPOP). The album signifies a turning point for Farley’s music. His earlier compositions, although dense, had always been heralded as catchy and poppy for an IDM producer. His songs have now become even poppier, but most importantly, he has started incorporating his own voice. Autonomous–a deeply personal album–took two years to make and was inspired by the very hardships that Farley has gone through over the years. Although there are serious undertones within the album, Farley manages to present the bittersweet reflections into catchy and uplifting pop songs, much like the melancholic sentiments expressed in a Pet Shop Boys or a New Order song.