Galcher Lustwerk

Already classic, Galcher Lustwerk is a complete, unique vibe. The New York-based producer, DJ, and vocalist ignited a fervent and instant fanbase in 2013 with his mix of all original material, “100% Galcher”. RA’s pick for the number one mix of the year, its sexy blend of azure deep house productions and analgesic rap murmurs spawned many imitators. But as Pitchfork noted in their “Best Reissue” review, Lustwerk created, “a style that didn’t sound like anything else in dance music – not then, not before, not since.” Study of his subsequent albums – 2017’s Dark Bliss, 2018’s 200% Galcher, and 2019’s Information – provides a hazy reveal of his influences growing up in Cleveland, soundtracked by quiet storm, adult contemporary, and jazz.

As such, it’s true that a DJ mix – especially of all original material, the way he often performs it now – is the best way to experience Galcher. It perpetuates the “narcotic and wondrous,” feeling, as NPR describes it. In fact, there’s not so many artists that receive accolades from outlets as diverse as Mixmag (“a gift from house heaven”) and The Washington Post (“discreetly profound”). Perhaps that’s related to how Lustwerk’s signature deepness takes precedence over genre, maintaining hypnotic power even in his side projects, like Road Hog’s car-themed loops, Macchiato’s jazzy sketches, The Fock’s techno excursions, and his astral house collaboration with Alvin Aronson, Studio OST.