Desert Bloom CA/QC

British Columbia-born, Montreal-based musician and producer Rachel Nam

Desert Bloom makes intricate and ethereal synth-based tracks that draw on her twin passions of classical piano and electronic music. Originally from BC, Nam came to Montréal to do a degree in biology, propelled by her fascination for the natural world. The Desert Bloom moniker is inspired by wildflowers that can flourish in the desert; that same vibrant energy is present in her debut solo EP1 cassette. The following release, DB, features rapid-fire percussive elements fused with intricate rhythms, adding a layer of urgency to her compositions. Her new live set interweaves electronic textures to produce her signature dreamlike sound, while the set is stitched through with voice recordings expressing individual perspectives on love and resilience. She’s accompanied by drummer Austin Tufts, best known as part of Montréal art rock band Braids.