Kelley Polar

Electronic Music Composer and Producer: Kelley Polar is the pseudonym of American electronic music composer and producer Mike Kelley. Known for his unique blend of electronic, disco, and classical influences, Kelley Polar has garnered acclaim for his innovative approach to dance music, incorporating elements of orchestration, melody, and experimentation into his compositions.

Classically Trained Musician: Kelley Polar's musical background is rooted in classical training. He studied classical composition and electronic music at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and later pursued graduate studies in music composition at the University of Michigan. This classical training informs his approach to electronic music, resulting in compositions that are both structurally complex and emotionally resonant.

Debut Album "Love Songs of the Hanging Gardens" (2005): Kelley Polar gained widespread recognition with the release of his debut album, "Love Songs of the Hanging Gardens", in 2005. The album received critical acclaim for its lush production, intricate arrangements, and genre-defying sound. Tracks like "Ashamed of Myself" and "Entropy Reigns (In the Celestial City)" showcase Polar's knack for blending electronic beats with orchestral flourishes, creating a sonic landscape that is at once hypnotic and immersive.

Collaborations and Side Projects: In addition to his solo work as Kelley Polar, Mike Kelley has collaborated with a variety of artists and musicians across different genres. He has worked with avant-pop artist Björk, electronic musician Metro Area, and indie rock band LCD Soundsystem, among others. Kelley Polar has also released music under various aliases and side projects, exploring different musical styles and experimental concepts outside of his main body of work.

Evolution of Sound: Throughout his career, Kelley Polar has continued to evolve his sound and experiment with new musical ideas. His later albums, such as "I Need You to Hold on While the Sky Is Falling" (2008) and "Stop Breathin'" (2013), demonstrate his versatility as a composer and producer, incorporating elements of disco, funk, and house music into his electronic compositions. Polar's willingness to push the boundaries of electronic music and explore new sonic territories has cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking artist in the electronic music scene.