Freak-Folk Duo @ Releases Second Album 'Autosmile' on 4AD

The art-folk duo known as @, comprised of Victoria Rose and Stone Filipczak, have released their second album, titled 'Autosmile', through the independent record label 4AD. The band's name, pronounced 'at', is intentionally difficult to search for online, reflecting their secretive nature and the earthy, organic sound of their music. Rose, who is also a beekeeper, and Filipczak are described as a self-sustaining pair whose art-folk is characterized by acoustic guitar, woodwinds, and vocal harmonies. Their music is noted for its emotional ambiguity, and the duo themselves are not inclined to reveal many specifics about their creative process or personal lives. The release of 'Autosmile' marks their first collaboration with 4AD, a label known for its roster of respected indie artists. The album title, 'Autosmile', is a reference to an internet meme featuring a sunflower with a vacant expression, accompanied by the caption "When you and gang faded and auto smile gets turn on …". This connection to online culture stands in contrast to the duo's otherwise grounded and naturalistic artistic output. The band's un-Googlable name is a deliberate choice, with Filipczak explaining that it originated from "a vision of an @ sign on a kick drum head." Their music, however, does not rely on traditional rock instrumentation like a kick drum, instead focusing on acoustic elements. The duo's preference for privacy and their understated approach to self-promotion are key aspects of their public persona, mirroring the subtle complexities found within their emotionally resonant music. The article notes that the pair met at Philadelphia’s 30th St Station and were heading to an Ethiopian restaurant that also serves as a performance venue, highlighting their connection to the local arts scene and their preference for intimate, less conventional settings. The interview setting itself, a boisterous dining room, presented a challenge for the soft-spoken artists, underscoring their reserved demeanor. Despite their elusive public image, the release of 'Autosmile' on a prominent indie label like 4AD signifies a significant step in their artistic journey, bringing their unique brand of art-folk to a wider audience while maintaining their characteristic mystique.