Additive Subtractive: The Architects of Glitch-Hop
Additive Subtractive is an Australian electronic music duo known for their intricate fusion of glitch-hop and melodic downtempo. Hailing from Melbourne, the pair achieved mainstream recognition with their 2018 album Constructed Echoes, which charted in the top 40 of the ARIA Albums Chart and received a gold certification for digital sales.
Early career
Producers Liam Vance and Sasha Chen formed Additive Subtractive in 2012 after meeting at a university sound design workshop in Melbourne. Their early work consisted of self-released EPs on platforms like Bandcamp, where they honed a signature sound built from fragmented beats and warm analog synth lines. This DIY approach caught the attention of the independent label Modular Circuitry, which signed the duo and released their debut EP, Fault Lines, in 2014.
Breakthrough
The duo's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore album, Constructed Echoes. Released through Modular Circuitry with wider distribution via [PIAS], the album's lead single gained traction on alternative radio and streaming playlists. Constructed Echoes debuted at number 37 on the ARIA chart and was later certified gold, solidifying Additive Subtractive's place in the Australian electronic scene.
Key tracks
Fault Lines — This early single defined their glitch-hop aesthetic and became a staple in their live sets.
Neon Circuits — The lead single from Constructed Echoes that broke into the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown in 2018.
Constructed Echoes — The album's title track showcases their skill at blending complex production with accessible melody.
Resonant Filter — A later collaboration with vocalist Woodes that expanded their audience into the indie-electronic sphere.
Parallax View — Featured on the 2021 album Dual Process, this track highlights their evolving, more atmospheric direction.
Following their breakthrough, Additive Subtractive toured extensively and released their third studio album, Dual Process, in 2021. The album continued their chart presence and featured notable collaborations, including a co-production credit with fellow Australian artist Flume on the track Signal Flow. Their work is characterized by a meticulous studio process, often involving custom-built software instruments to create their distinctive rhythmic textures.
Fans of Additive Subtractive's detailed production style also enjoy the work of Flume, who shares a similar innovative approach to sound design. The Avalanches offer a comparable collage-like sampling technique rooted in Australian electronica. The melodic sensibilities of Bonobo resonate with Additive Subtractive's downtempo compositions, while the glitchy rhythms of Four Tet provide a clear international parallel.
The music of Additive Subtractive maintains regular rotation on a variety of electronic and alternative radio stations featured on this website. Listeners can find their tracks on dedicated glitch-hop online radio streams, specialist electronic music shows, and independent music radio stations that champion forward-thinking production.
Additive Subtractive's innovative take on electronic music continues to be broadcast to a global audience. You can discover and listen to the duo's evolving discography through the curated electronic and alternative rock radio stations available on onairium.com.
