Talker

Talker is a collaborative project between Karl Meier and Jonathan Kusuma (though often associated with the Chicago industrial techno scene via Meier). The project represents a sophisticated evolution of the 'Downwards' label aesthetic, blending the raw, uncompromising energy of British industrial with the precision of modern techno.

Their sound identity is built on a foundation of heavy, distorted low-end and intricate, metallic sound design that often borders on power electronics or rhythmic noise. Throughout their career, particularly on releases like 'Hari' and 'Battle Standards', they have explored the tension between dancefloor utility and experimental soundscapes. They occupy a critical position in the 'industrial techno' revival of the 2010s, sitting alongside peers like Kerridge and Samuel Kerridge. Critical consensus highlights their ability to maintain a sense of space and atmosphere despite the high-density noise components of their work. For collectors, their output on labels like Standards & Practices is considered essential for understanding the bridge between mid-90s Birmingham techno and contemporary experimental electronics.