Chancius is a New York-based artist who recently came out with the sci-fi concept album Bando. The album follows an indie rock/dreampop exploration of transhumanism (the use of technology to transform humanity) by telling the story of Bando, a man who is about to die but gets a second chance.

By email, Chancius and I talked about what inspired the album, his experience as a subway busker, and his frustration with the New York music scene and mainstream record labels. Listen to his new album Bando and read his responses below.

Are you an indie label or artist? Wanna chat? Shoot me an email at june@villainsrecords.com.

What inspired you to write a sci-fi concept album?

Well, I’ve always been into sci-fi more than any other genre. I was a shy and sickly little boy with a big imagination, so that’s what I gravitated towards for escapism. My parents were never too controlling and supported whatever I was into. I believe that anything is possible. Every time someone says it can never be accomplished or there is a long standing record or that’s not how it’s done, someone else comes along and proves them wrong. We each have within ourselves the ability to do anything if we set our minds to it.

The concept part was a marketing idea.  So many people say that listeners only want one or two songs off an album (usually the hits) and I figured I give listeners more of a reason to want to listen to the entire album. This and I wanted to actually see if I could do it.

I believe that anything is possible. We each have within ourselves the ability to do anything if we set our minds to it.

Read more