Find the 'Places I Belong' in New Andrew Bayer EP

Andrew Bayer crafts a world where man and machine join harmoniously to create beauty in his Places I Belong EP.

Turn on any of Andrew Bayer’s tracks and you’ll be swept away by their power and his ability to craft narratives. Through previous works, he’s woven in themes of love, grief, self-discovery, and community. Despite drawing inspiration from his own lived experiences, these stories resonate deeply with his listeners, garnering a devoted fan base. Bayer’s penchant for rich, thematic experiences continues with his brand-new Places I Belong EP, out now on Ophelia Records.

The effort sees Bayer in the world of anthemic trance once again.“This project is inspired by the blending of the natural and organic to the dystopian and mechanical world, a place where I find myself most at home,” Bayer said.

He’s never one to skimp on details, and the artworks transport you to this world. The design accompanying the title track shows a robot with branches foliating from its head set against a lush backdrop. The artwork for the EP as a whole shows this same robot, this time holding a flower in a post-apocalyptic world. This duality brings the EP to life.

Sonically, Bayer pushes forward the blending of organic and mechanical elements, kicking the EP off with “Fear of Losing You” featuring Rob Tirea. Inspired by the video game franchise The Last of Us, emotive songwriting and moments of quiet coalesce with glitches and Bayer’s beloved, uplifting dynamism.

“Blood Pressure” feels like a rollercoaster that builds and drops you into a rip-roaring ride through this world. Things culminate with “Places I Belong,” a collaboration with Seven Lions and Fiora that came together after Bayer moved back to his childhood hometown. Elements of ’80s synthwave and ’90s/’00s trance give the single a sense of euphoria.

Press play on the Places I Belong EP, out now on Ophelia, and make sure to catch Andrew Bayer on tour throughout February and March to hear the EP live.