IDENTIKIT: An Electronic Start-Up On the Rise

“We’re a heavily atmospheric and avant-garde kind of band,” said Aaron Gaistman, the synth-artist and creative member behind the Toronto-based electro-rock band, Identikit.

“We’re very focused on creating experiential shows.”

What began as the meeting of two ad campaign workers in a soundbooth at a digital agency in Toronto led to a unique chemistry and understanding of each other’s artistic objectives. Andrew Cariboni (electronic guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist) bonded with Gaistman over their passion for creating funky sounds.

Over the course of about two years, Cariboni and Gaistman spent long and careful nights jamming and crafting their first project as Identikit, that is, their newly released EP, “Tare.” The five-track EP is the perfect introduction for getting a taste of the band’s innovative style. It features a variety of sounds: from chilling vocals and slow-to-fast-paced beats to delicate sound effects and carefully crafted melodies.

“Our sound is very different from what we were previously doing … We decided to stick to a style that was kind of funky and atmospheric,” said Cariboni.

“Tare” is Identikit’s first EP, and their first release of original tracks. The tracks “Tunnel Winds” and “Neutral” are electronic-tinged rock beats that add to the band’s uniqueness. The synth-pop beats, water trickling effects, and organic approaches to creating and promoting music, all do the job at distinguishing the band from other house mix groups, and of course, transporting listeners to another dimension.

“It [the making of the EP] was very much a discovery process,” Gaistman said.

“We have a very effective dynamic. … Andrew is a great writer, and I lay down the tracks and polish them.”

Cariboni and Gaistman share musical influences when creating music. The two work together in laying out the best tracks in their recording studio, all while using past artists as inspiration.

“We’re inspired by jam bands like Phish, singer-songwriters in the David Gray or Bob Dylan tradition, [and] the psychedelic mastery of Pink Floyd,” both explained.

“Traveling is also a good influencer in our music. Books, art, and movies too,” added Cariboni.

Having performed on Halloween night at The Haunted Mushroom Part I with DJ Rublez N. Pence, Identikit sparked a lot of attention and experienced what it’s like to perform live shows.

“The show was great. … The audience was fully experiencing our music, and that’s the best part,” Gaistman mentioned.

With over 200 Facebook followers and counting, Identikit’s fan base is growing through social media. Their digital approach to promoting their EP, as opposed to selling a physical copy, has its benefits, and is a well-known method by other artists like Oval, Braves, and Wild Rivers.

“We released our free EP online instead of selling it. … It’s our first project and we’re still making a name for ourselves,” explained Gaistman.

Although Cariboni and Gaistman hold other creative positions as sound engineers in Toronto, Identikit is a progressive project, and a main part of their personal and professional lifestyles.

“Because we work for creative companies with flexible schedules, we have plenty of time to work on our close project, Identikit,” said Cariboni.

Although Toronto’s music industry is incredibly diverse, Identikit feels that their sound would be more suitable to other markets with broader horizons, like Montreal or Los Angeles.

“We’re very excited about exploring other markets … and discovering more of our sound,” said Gaistman.

With hopes to travel outside of Toronto and play around the world, Identikit isn’t going anywhere. They’re hoping to perform in Berlin in 2016 for the release of “Tare,” and they have future plans of playing in cities around the US.

While awaiting for Identikit’s 2016 performances, and a possible tour, listen to their EP and visit their Facebook page!

“We’re in the process of recording right now. … More is in store,” concluded Gaistman.

To listen to their EP, click here!

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– Gabby Catalano