El Hardwick's debut album, 8, explores an alternative cyberspace at the crossroads of climate and digital justice. Originally imagined as a sci-fi graphic novel back in 2016, over the following three years, 8 expanded into a concept album. Combining photography with poetry and song, Hardwick spins a cautionary tale in which technocrats advise a social elite to give up their bodies, upload their minds to a server, and migrate into cyberspace. Those the algorithm deems less worthy are left behind on a depleted earth. Channeled through Hardwick's vaporous falsetto, 8 unfolds along two paths: the A-side builds, while the B-side destroys. In the shimmering 'Bitter Lake', Hardwick reflects on grief and creates a spiritual energy that moves between hope and grief. 'Ration Without Reason', 'Tidal' and 'Expect' delve into more personal territory. For Hardwick, these three tracks are ecological love songs that address their relationship with capitalism. Track 8, 'Vanishing Point', captures the tipping point at which one person's creation becomes someone else's destruction A prominent photographer in the music industry, Hardwick has constantly expanded their talents, from cocurating a zine on shapeshifting and hosting shows of young women photographers, to DJing as Moonbow at queer raves. They recently launched a new series of projects, titled Desire Lines, with a compilation in support of QueerCare. Last year, Hardwick banded with Discwoman affiliate Ciel, who remixed the album's 5th track 'BNND WDTH' for a 12" single, released on West Friends label.
