Lately synthpop and new wave artists have risen to the surface of the indie music realm. Once shoved in the deep underground following their big heyday in the ’80s, mingling with new romantic and then post-punk elements, now these genres are even more fluid than ever but with a resurgence in popularity that makes these genres survive and even thrive in may places dotting the globe today.

Today we introduce you to one European-based artist whose foray into the indie pop / synth-wave world happened via his previous home in Los Angeles. As reflected in his lyrics “things sure got crazy/left the fight feeling hazy/but I’m back stronger than before”, Ender Bender’s indie pop debut is a single called ‘Star Killer’.

Not to be confused thematically with ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’, this song explores the ups and downs, the angels and the demons of life in Los Angeles. This is the first taste of his forthcoming EP, simply named EQ, which we can expect to see the light of day later this spring.

Right away this music grabs you. The catchy synth patterning immediately makes you want to dance, summoning a feeling of 80s nostalgia and innocence – like cruising around with the music full-blast when your parents lent you their car. This is a fantasy sonic cocktail of Thompson Twins and Romeo Void mixed with Human League. More modern references include Alex Cameron, Black Audio and Mitch Murder. And you can have it in your earbuds today… in 2020.

Ender Bender is the solo project of Eddie Olguin, a multi-instrumentalist producer, guided by a unique mission of making perfect modern pop rock. Creating music and spreading bliss in the face of the realization that nothing in life is perfect, the pursuit of this perfect sound is what fuels the Ender Bender fire.

“She raised me and made me who I was, both mother and lover, an open highway to my fantasies and, eventually, the butler of my demons. This song is but a humble, yet bittersweet, ode to LA.,” says Eddie Olguin.

“Despite the fact that I’ve lived a life worthy of a Bret Easton Ellis novel, these songs are inspired by real life experiences, which I believe are relatable. However, I consciously try to project positive energy, through every song, even if they’re based on a painful or dark experience.”

An artist and a small business owner in Los Angeles, Olguin had the Ender Bender ‘vision”, one night in a hospital in Glendale, California while literally facing the prospects of his own death. He decided that he had to cut ties with the artistic quagmire that is Los Angeles and all of its demons. Soon after, the Universe, in all her giving glory, opened the doors for Eddie to relocate to Rome, Italy in the name of love, sanity and, in this case, music.

Not looking for a scene, but simply in need of a certain energy and feeling, Rome proved to be the perfect place for Eddie to create this music, bringing the Ender Bender project to fruition. “Listen. Fall in love. Sing along. Reminisce. Think of the future. Live in the now. All at once,” says Olguin.

Inspired by music from multiple genres, including light-hearted indie pop, Ender Bender combines new wave and synthpop elements of decades past with forward thinking indie pop and electro. Here the past meets the future in an addictive sonic stimulant designed in a audio lab somewhere.

“Ender Bender is an attempt at creating modern pop rock so I was influenced from older artists such as INXS and Phil Collins to newer artists, whom I believe are pursuing a similar vision, such as Phoenix, Alex Cameron, Cage the Elephant, Sam Fender, Fat White Family, etc…”

As of March 20, ‘Star Killer’ will be available everywhere digitally across online stores and streaming platforms. The full EP, ripe with five tracks, is scheduled for release on Friday, April 24.

CREDITS
Written by Eddie Olguin
Vocals and all instruments performed by Eddie Olguin
Backing vocals by Roberta Ovatta
Recorded and mixed by Eddie Olguin
Mastered by Justin Weis

ENDER BENDER
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