Peter Kember’s music career began with the formation of Spacemen 3, which he co-founded in 1982 with Jason Pierce (Spiritualized). As the influential psych-soul band dissolved, Kember then debuted Sonic Boom with 1990’s Spectrum. Poppy psychedelia with lo-fi edges and distinctive vocals marked Kember’s departure from his original group. His new solo work hinted at the self-taught experimentation, circuit bending, and interest in modular synthesis that would hallmark his career as a producer and performer.
But Kember, a co-conspirator by nature, got lonely alone. Soon enough, Spectrum gave rise to a band of the same name, who toured extensively and recorded several records, including a joint effort with Silver Apples. Next, Kember got busy with E.A.R., an even more experimental and prolific project with a fluctuating lineup that counted among its many members Kevin Shields and electronic music trailblazer Delia Derbyshire, who mentored Kember in audio physics and harmonic series.
The Sonic Boom name has remained in use by Kember throughout his career as both a performer and producer, working with many other influential artists including MGMT, Beach House, and Panda Bear. All Things Being Equal arrives in 2020 to ice the cake of Kember’s long and purposeful journey through the years.
