Russ B We Are All Astronauts is an ambient, chillwave, and progressive music project that has carved out a distinctive space in the indie electronic landscape, blending evocative atmospheres with melodic sophistication and genre-blurring sound design. Originating in Leeds, UK and now based in California, the group often introduced as a “one-man band” draws on a broad palette, merging influences from post-rock, downtempo electronica, cinematic ambient, and more. Their work has built a dedicated global following, fueled by tens of millions of streams, prominent sync placements, and widespread support from curators and listeners on platforms like Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Origins and Artistic Vision
We Are All Astronauts emerged from a background in atmospheric music production and eclectic radio curation. The project’s roots trace to Leeds, UK, where founder Rob who prefers to keep his last name and personal details out of the spotlight began exploring a genre-fluid approach to music, unbound by market constraints or formulaic definitions. After relocating to California, the project gained new momentum, channeling influences from both the UK’s thriving post-rock and ambient scenes and the innovative electronic music pulse of the US West Coast.
Rob’s stated mission is not simply to release tracks, but to create immersive musical journeys that evoke memory, longing, and the interconnectedness of all things an ethos reflected in the project’s name and creative philosophy. We Are All Astronauts can be understood both as a literal journey through sound and as a metaphor for collective exploration and imaginative connection across barriers.
Musical Style and Influences
The sound of We Are All Astronauts is richly layered and cinematic, expertly balancing ambient textures with rhythmic undercurrents, lush harmonies, and melodic motifs. The music frequently combines:
- Atmospheric pads and reverb-drenched synths
- Chillwave and progressive electronica grooves
- Subtle organic instrumentation, including piano and guitar
- Downtempo beats and trip-hop influences
- Cinematic crescendos reminiscent of post-rock’s emotional climaxes
Reviewers and listeners often compare the project to artists like Jon Hopkins, Tycho, Ólafur Arnalds, Sigur Rós, and This Will Destroy You, yet the Astronauts’ catalog is defined by experimentation and genre crossover rather than imitation. The discography includes extended ambient explorations, driving progressive numbers, and even forays into electronica-infused film soundtracks.
Major Releases and Key Tracks
We Are All Astronauts has released a prolific stream of singles, EPs, and remixes since their emergence, with highlights including:
- The Voyager EP: Early breakthrough collection, blending lush ambient soundscapes with spacious electronic arrangements.
- Another World EP: Features tracks like “Another Mind” and “Another World”—signature Astronauts songs that balance melancholy melodies with sparkling production.
- The Machines EP: Showcases a more rhythmic, techno-inspired approach, while retaining atmospheric roots.
- The Visitors EP/Album: Contains standout tracks “Elysium (Part I & II),” “A Higher Place,” and “Sleepless”—a suite that displays the project’s evolution toward a refined ambient–cinematic hybrid style.
- Unburdened by Snow, Surrender, and multiple collaborations and remixes, including a widely praised rework of Jon Hopkins & Ólafur Arnalds’ “Forever Held.”
- Doves: Interpreted as an ambient–chillwave classic, it remains a listener favorite for its dreamy, introspective mood.
- Full-Length Soundtracks: Notably, the group composed the original soundtrack for films such as “Lambo” and “Anamorphia 2,” bringing cinematic ambience to narrative storytelling.
Remixes have also been central to their output, with deep reworks of indie and ambient songs from artists like Sea Oleena and This Will Destroy You. The group’s Bandcamp catalog reflects a consistent commitment to artistic independence, allowing direct support from fans and licensing deals with film and commercial projects.
Creative Process and Live Presence
We Are All Astronauts is fundamentally a studio-based project, leveraging digital platforms to reach a worldwide audience rather than relying on traditional touring and live performance circuits. However, its productions have been featured in art installations (including Burning Man), indie films, commercial campaigns, and special radio showcases for progressive and ambient labels.
Rob often describes his creative method as “genre-less,” reliant on instinctive experimentation, field recording, modular synthesis, and real-world collaboration with vocalists and musicians. The project places high value on curatorial depth, releasing music only when it meets strict criteria for emotional clarity and sound quality. Music is mastered for both high-fidelity listening and ambient streaming, with care given to dynamic range, environmental resonance, and narrative flow.
Reception and Critical Acclaim
We Are All Astronauts has earned positive reviews from critics, curators, and music blogs across genres:
- Ambient and chillwave reviewers praise the project’s ability to invoke deep emotion and spacey atmospheres without cliché.
- Progressive electronic and post-rock communities highlight its nuanced arrangements and successful cross-pollination of styles.
- Film and sync professionals point to a “cinematic universality” in tracks chosen for placements, noting the blend of narrative accessibility and sonic distinctiveness.
Key tracks like “Doves,” “Another Mind,” and “Sleepless” are especially cited for their melodic strength, while various EPs are lauded for seamless flow and innovative soundscapes. The project’s wide streaming and licensing reach is supported by its distribution across channels like Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp, where fans can interact directly with the artist.
Influence and Impact
As both a creative voice and an advocate for artist independence, We Are All Astronauts occupies a unique role in the ambient and electronic music ecosystem. The project’s network includes collaborations with fellow independent artists, soundtrack work for filmmakers, and curated mixes for radio shows and progressive labels.
Beyond music, Rob is engaged in broader creative dialogues about artificial intelligence, music technology, and platform cooperativism, reflecting a commitment to keeping artist-led projects at the forefront of new distribution models. The ethos “We are all exploring together” extends to a stated vision for community-based creativity and cross-cultural communication.
Notable Discography
| Title / Year | Notable Tracks | Style / Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Voyager EP (2014) | Voyager, Arc In The Sky | Ambient, melodic electronica |
| Another World EP (2020) | Another Mind, Another World | Chillwave, progressive, cinematic |
| The Machines EP (2017) | Ether, Violent Delights | Techno-aligned, atmospheric electronica |
| The Visitors (2019/20) | Elysium I & II, Sleepless | Cinematic ambient, post-rock |
| Unburdened by Snow | Unburdened by Snow, Surrender | Ambient, winter-themed soundscapes |
| Doves | Doves | Chillwave, downtempo |
| Lambo Soundtrack (2018) | Ether, Lambo | Film soundtrack, ambient scoring |
| Anamorphia 2 (2021) | Complete original soundtrack | Film music, narrative electronica |
Legacy and Continuing Journey
We Are All Astronauts continues to release new music, score films, and support independent art communities. The project’s embrace of genre-fluid, emotionally resonant music places it squarely in the lineage of influential ambient, chillwave, and electronic innovators, while its progressive values position it as a relevant creative force for the future.
Aspiring listeners can explore the deep catalog on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music, join in interactive listening sessions and art collaborations, and connect directly with the artist for licensing, partnership, or creative dialogue. As the world of independent music continues to evolve, We Are All Astronauts stands as a beacon for creative exploration, technological openness, and artistic integrity.
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