Phantogram, the dynamic duo consisting of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, is set to release their highly anticipated album, Memory Of A Day, on October 18th through Neon Gold Records. This announcement comes on the heels of their powerful 27-date North American tour, where they shared the stage with alternative heavyweights Kings of Leon and headlined shows across August, September, and October. As part of this exciting new chapter, Phantogram has unveiled a third track from the album, titled “Come Alive.”
The release of Memory Of A Day marks the beginning of Phantogram’s new collaboration with Neon Gold Records, an indie label renowned for its impressive roster of alt-pop artists, including Charli XCX, HAIM, Tove Lo, MARINA, and Christine and the Queens. This partnership aligns Phantogram with a lineage of artists known for their powerful, genre-defying music.
Discussing “Come Alive,” Phantogram shared insights into the creative process behind the track. The song began as a gritty, chopped-up drum beat crafted by Josh Carter. Producer John Hill then experimented with an old analog synth to create the track’s signature sci-fi sound, while Sarah Barthel contributed the bouncy bass line. Together, the duo pushed the boundaries of their sound, running synths through guitar pedals and crafting a compelling melody and hook. The result, they say, is something truly special.
Lyrically, “Come Alive” is a reflection on the fragility of life and the importance of embracing existence. The song was inspired by the idea of viewing life as a calendar, a concept the duo explored with their good friend and collaborator Dan Wilson. “For us, ‘Come Alive’ is about rolling with the punches, facing your fears, and learning to cope with the highs and lows of life—success and failure, pain and joy, addiction and connection,” Phantogram explains. “It’s about recognizing the fleeting nature of life and finding new ways to come alive.”
Memory Of A Day will be Phantogram’s fifth studio album, following their critically acclaimed releases Eyelid Movies (2010), Voices (2014), Three (2016), and Ceremony (2020). Over the years, the duo has collaborated with music legends like Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Billy Corgan, The Flaming Lips, and Miley Cyrus. They also partnered with Big Boi of Outkast to form the supergroup Big Grams. Phantogram has headlined sold-out shows worldwide, become a staple at major music festivals, and toured with iconic artists such as The xx, Muse, M83, and alt-J.
With Memory Of A Day, Phantogram continues to push the boundaries of their sound, delivering an album that promises to be as innovative and captivating as their previous work. Fans can look forward to the official release on October 18th.
