Nurture Album Review by Sharon Porter Robinson

Porter Robinson had already earned himself a place as one of EDM‘s premier club DJs over a decade long run in EDM club scene mainstages and his Las Vegas residency, but when his sophomore project Nurture came along it represented a significant departure from Worlds. It featured more complex tracks with heavier basslines.

It was also an eye-opening glimpse into the emotional landscape of escape and finding oneself within an alienated society.

Background

Sharon Porter Robinson holds bachelor’s degrees in English and psychology, an master’s in education, and a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from the University of Kentucky. With over 31 years of experience both as a teacher and working for educational research organizations and advocacy organizations, Robinson also boasts considerable leadership expertise when it comes to leading change and increasing productivity at institutions such as the Department of Education or postsecondary schools offering educator preparation programs.

Porter Robinson made waves after debuting with OWSLA record label at 18 with his EP Spitfire, reaching number one on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and garnering multiple critical acclaim and extensive Shelter Live Tour support. Subsequently in 2021 he released second album Nurture which garnered widespread critical acclaim as well as curating virtual music festival Second Sky which raised significant funds for Burkitt Lymphoma patients through The Robinson Malawi Fund.

Early Years

Robinson first came into prominence with his debut EP Spitfire released under Skrillex’s OWSLA imprint in 2011; immediately recognized for going beyond the typical dubstep soundscapes of high-intensity productions and his 2014 album Worlds delivered on this promise by merging sci-fi fantasy themes with compositional techniques that rivaled those of his peers in terms of compositional skill and production acumen.

2016’s Shelter finds him joining forces with fellow producer Madeon, whom they first met through an online music production forum when they were children between 12-13, to craft a song that captures their lifelong friendship. It combines electronic and folk aesthetics that evoke images of lush green vistas beneath vast blue skies; starting off with an orchestral swell interrupted by urgent zaps of electricity; the dramatic opening emphasizes anxieties experienced by many young people who take up DJ lifestyle but end up finding themselves stuck in an often toxic club culture;

Worlds

As far as mainstream dance music goes, 2014’s Worlds is one of the most timely and sensitive albums ever released. If one were to look closely, Worlds could be seen as an antidote for the toxically masculine culture that has infiltrated mainstream American dance scene since; its irrepressibly sensual vibe might even serve as an antidote against corporate interests who exploit participants through sponsorship agreements while exploiting participants for personal gain.

With Worlds, Robinson challenged the norms of EDM live performances by adding vocals and other instruments to his sets, creating visually immersive sets that were unparalleled at that time. Soon enough, festivals across the genre included live elements as part of their mainstage performances; today this trend still holds strong with artists like Nora En Pure, Dillon Francis, and Excision pushing electronic productions further by including live elements into their shows.

Nurture

Nurture was an album about finding comfort and beauty in nature, featuring everything from soothing piano melodies dancing around pastoral chimes to expansive synth swells that invoke Studio Ghibli aesthetics of lush landscapes teaming with life; to introspective self-discovery and creative growth as an individual artist.

“Lifelike” draws listeners into an immersive landscape of green vistas and expansive blue skies – an effect repeated throughout the record’s 11 tracks ranging from an acoustic lullaby (“Blossom”) to the hybrid maximalism/shogaze soundscape “Unfold.” It serves as a reminder that nature is essential to living.

“Trying to Feel Alive,” the final track from producer Alex Roa, addresses both a creative’s struggle with productivity as well as their belief that life itself should be enough of a reward. It serves as the perfect ending to this tale of rediscovery and growth.