The Escapism

Escape-ism is a musical project led by Ian Svenonius, known for his influential work in the punk and indie rock scenes with bands like Nation of Ulysses and The Make-Up. Escape-ism features a "minimal rock ’n’ roll" or "found sound dream drama" style, often incorporating lo-fi electronic sounds, drum machines, and guitar, with contributions from Sandi Denton on bass, keyboards, and vocals. The project is recognized for its offhand musical attitude and its mix of political and artistic expression, often resisting mainstream or corporate influence in music. Escape-ism has released several albums including *The Lost Record* (2021) and *Rated Z* (2022), and in 2021 they also put out a unique silent vinyl record titled *A Protest Against Sound* as a statement about the music industry.

Ian Svenonius is a multi-faceted artist, also known for writing books, hosting talk shows, and creating films, all infused with a radical political perspective. Escape-ism events, such as their “Rated Z” series at Los Angeles’ Zebulon nightclub, are known as lively and unconventional rock ’n’ roll gatherings. The project’s 2022 feature film *The Lost Record* also received acclaim in underground film festivals, reflecting Escape-ism's blend of music, art, and political commentary.