Wayne Snow: “Figurine” LP
Figurine is a conceptual, personal work of depth and reflection, one that critically considers humanity’s obsession with masks and our creation of avatars. Inspired by the work of social psychologist Erich Fromm, Figurine is not a full stop. Rather, it’s an invitation – to think, to probe, and to sink into Snow’s bright, storied music. It’s a record based around a simple question - “Who is the real you?” – and led Snow to explore rebirth, individuality, and our unhealthy obsession with social media.
“everything he touches turns to gold”
Produced together with Crayon, Nu Guinea, Brandt Brauer Frick and featuring acclaimed future-jazz artist Oscar Jerome, Snow deftly weaves neo-soul, alternative pop, R&B, soultronica, and hints of jazz into a mesmerizing stew.
“quite the musical force”
Figurine’s visual identity and the accompanying videos have been crafted by the album’s Art Director Travys Owen, a collaboration in every sense with another truly visionary artist. The short films pay homage to Afrofuturism and the vibrancy and beauty of homeland; contemporarily styled, figurines dance through otherworldly, colourful landscapes, exploring relationships, both to each other and to nature.
“the visual will grab your attention, but you’ll ultimately stay for the music”
Shot in Tankwa Karoo National Park near Cape Town, South Africa, the film pays homage to Afrofuturism and the vibrancy and stunning landscapes of the South African desert. Featuring avant-garde styling, digital body scanning, CGI, and contemporary dance choreography, a lone figurine – Snow himself – dances through rich, colourful landscapes exploring relationships, both to itself and to nature. Snow’s custom head piece and suit was designed specifically for this project, created with 3D printing.
“a collision of art, colour and sound”
The team included award-winning producer Allison Swank – who recently won Best Short Documentary at the IMDB Independent Shorts Awards– and costume designer Anna Verloren Van Themaat, overseen by The Swank Group production company. An honest labour of love, the passion and dedication of Snow and the team shine through, the sense of life – of vitality – palpable. His music and art, and the message they convey, are equally as alive.
“a revelation, a captivating melange of sound and color that envelops you instantly”
The lead singles have been featured on 10x New Music Friday playlists on Spotify and achieved 50x plays on the BBC Radio in 6 weeks. “The Thrill” was selected as BBC Radio 1 “Chillest Record”, it was on weekly rotation on BBC 6 Music on Shaun Keaveny’s show and played by Giles Peterson, Jamz Supernova, Jack Sunders and Sian Eleri.
“his voice rises like a hand reaching for the sky”
The record was also featured in NPR Music’s “Best Tracks of 2021” and covered across Vogue, Clash, The Independent, Le Monde, Yahoo Finance, Mojo, L’Obs, Resident Advisor, The Vinyl Factory, It’s Nice That, Notion, Afropunk, Atwood Magazine, Trippin.
“the darkness and depth that he creates is so unmatched”
