The Slums of Mediocrity

The Slums of Mediocrity is Allan&#39;s Brooklyn-based one-man-band. Musically, it is a bit difficult to describe, providing an eclectic mix of grungy and shoegaze-influenced rock and trip-hop. Along the way, there are forays into punk, electronica and hip-hop, maintaining a hopefully thrilling, experimental alternative and indie-rock base. Allan also records collaborative albums with his best friend, folk-singer, <a href="spotify:artist:1A2C0UBrV1n7UYVHEFUoMy" data-name="Samuel Bean">Samuel Bean</a>.

The Slums of Mediocrity began as Allan&#39;s lo-fi, analog sonic experiment. In the summer of 1996, while he was still a teenager, Allan got a dual cassette boombox. Over that summer, he managed to set up the lo-fi roots of what would eventually become the first album. When he went back to U-MASS, Amherst in the fall, he continued these recordings, passing cassettes to friends who would listen. It was arty and strange but this music found a small following among his friends. The first 2 and half albums were recorded using this lo-fi, dual cassette method. Eventually moving up to a 4-track cassette and then to digital.
While many of these early recordings have yet to see wider release, many of the more refined albums are available.

In 2023, Allan teamed with <a href="spotify:artist:7tNuRl98HdBwThVTJS0i9Q" data-name="Erika Grapes">Erika Grapes</a> to cover the Doors&#39; classic, &#34;People Are Strange.&#34; Over the years, he has also guested on records by <a href="spotify:artist:6nr2Zbpn87bB3CZ37zmk9g" data-name="Snapper Tones">Snapper Tones</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:6beTUWc33ePFV2xqdt5qGl" data-name="Dj Cola">Dj Cola</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:5vk6Pyfb910ZjhhC0rUs6b" data-name="Aliah Rosenthal">Aliah Rosenthal</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:2w2OzAMgSlQWIgiFhIDmqx" data-name="SNAFU">SNAFU</a>.

On June 14, 2024, &#34;Obscured Details&#34; was released. An instrumental, electronic collaboration with Snapper Tones.