Zoon - Big Pharma (2022) Hi-Res

Zoon — the experimental shoegaze project from Daniel Monkman — has shared a new single called "Astum" and announced the Big Pharma EP, which is arriving June 21 via Paper Bag Records.

"Astum" — which features contributions from Leanne Betasamosake Simpson — is a shimmery, densely-layered track that finds Monkman's voice floating over a delicate rhythm section and washes of aquatic guitar.

In a statement about the song, Monkman said: "Astum was the first Cree word that my late father, Glen Olsen, taught me as a child". It means "hurry up" or "quickly". He would walk in front of me and at the door say "Astum, Daniel! Astum!" Thinking of it as a game, I'd run towards him as quickly as possible. I thought about this and what the word means in my now adult life, especially now in my musical career. Passing down language was something that I prayed for as a kid. I remember wanting to attend the reservation school to learn but our Ojibway teacher disappeared one month earlier and never came back.

"Astum" also touches on active addiction and the challenges that it brings to an individual. While in active addiction, it's extremely difficult to function in the known society and it leaves you feeling even more lost. I reflect on how it's really sad and you watch a lot of good people leave because it's impossible to keep a firm grasp on reality. You're longing for a great relationship but know it could never happen because you're constantly trying to numb out past traumas.