Maps is the moniker for James Chapman who crafts blissful electronica straight from his bedroom in Northampton, England.
One of Maps most recent efforts, Lost My Soul/Sparks In The Snow, was released on Last Space Recordings (Chapman’s own label) earlier this year. “Lost My Soul” peacefully begins with an arrangement of Chapman’s mellow vocals over the drone of an organ and soft beats before swelling strings lift the song up and out of this world at the 32-second mark. The b-side “Sparks In The Snow” is a little more upbeat, but still gentle and intimate, complete with organs, tinny beats, and layered melodies.
Maps becomes a 5-piece on stage and just last week finished up their tour. Earlier in the year Chapman worked with producer Valgeir Sigurdsson (Sigur Ros) on his forthcoming album which should be released sometime in April 2007. Currently, Chapman plans on doing a remix with Fields over the holidays, so keep an ear out for that.
Download “Lost My Soul” below and pick up Maps‘ other two singles “Don’t Fear” and “Start Something” on iTunes. Check out some more heavenly tracks on the Maps MySpace page.