all at once: The Atmospheric Rise of a Synthwave Prodigy
all at once is the electronic music project of producer and multi-instrumentalist Alex Sterling, emerging from the vibrant synthwave scene of Los Angeles, California. The project's debut album, 2018's "Chronos," achieved notable success, charting on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and establishing a dedicated international following.
Early career
Formed in 2015, all at once began as a bedroom studio endeavor, with Sterling blending nostalgic 80s synthesizer sounds with modern production techniques. Early self-released EPs like "Neon Dreams" (2016) and "Midnight Drive" (2017) circulated on online music platforms, catching the ear of independent label Neon Noir Records. This led to a licensing deal, providing the crucial support for Sterling's first full-length project.
Breakthrough
The 2018 release of "Chronos" marked the definitive breakthrough for all at once. The album's lead single, "Aether," became a streaming hit, amassing millions of plays and leading to "Chronos" debuting at number 12 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart. This commercial and critical success was followed by a 2020 collaborative EP with vocalist Maya Vance, titled "Dualities," which further expanded the project's audience.
Key tracks
Aether — This instrumental track served as the breakout single from "Chronos," defining the all at once sound with its soaring arpeggios and driving beat.
Neon Skies (feat. Maya Vance) — The first vocal collaboration from the "Dualities" EP showcased a more accessible, pop-inflected side of the project.
Chronos — The ambitious title track from the debut album is a multi-movement suite that highlights Sterling's skill in cinematic composition.
Signal Lost — A deeper cut from the 2021 follow-up album "Transmissions" that became a fan favorite for its melancholic melody and complex rhythm programming.
Building on this momentum, all at once released the sophomore album "Transmissions" in 2021, which incorporated more live instrumentation and guest features. Sterling has since engaged in notable remix work for artists like The Midnight and FM-84, solidifying a respected position within the modern synthwave and outrun genre community. The project continues to tour selectively, performing at dedicated electronic and retro-themed festivals across North America and Europe.
Fans of the immersive, synth-driven sound of all at once often also enjoy the work of similar artists. The Midnight shares a fondness for saxophone-laden, nostalgic anthems. Timecop1983 explores similarly emotive and atmospheric synthwave landscapes. FM-84 crafts lush, vocal-forward tracks that occupy the same melodic space. Gunship merges dark synth textures with modern alternative rock influences, appealing to the same audience.
The music of all at once has become a staple on various online radio streams and independent music radio stations that specialize in electronic and retro-wave genres. Dedicated synthwave channels and broader alternative electronic formats frequently feature tracks from "Chronos" and "Transmissions" in their regular rotations, introducing the project to new listeners daily.
Listeners can explore the cinematic synthwave of all at once through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to discover the artist's discography, from early EPs to latest albums, broadcast on various stations available on onairium.com.
