Organically Programmed might have been my favorite show at Hopscotch this year. And I swear to you, it was like watching Cowboy Bebop come to life in the middle of downtown Raleigh.
As their Bandcamp page will tell you, Organically Programmed is a musical project from Athens, GA, formed by vocalist and keyboardist Oliver Domingo. Accompanied by a diverse cast of other musicians, such as drummer Sam Webber, bass guitarist Robbie Rapp, backup vocalists Sam Goldberg, Sophia Rubin, and Gabrielle Daniels, Domingo curates a magical time for the ears. Particularly on stage.
Intrigued by their name, I listened to some of their tracks before going to see them, including “Candyland,” “Space Racer,” and “Alma Minha.” Some of their mentioned influences are Giorgio Moroder, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Kraftwerk, Azymuth, and Gary Wilson, which Domingo thoughtfully explained between songs. “Electronic space disco” is, in fact, the best description of their sound, with a healthy dose of jazz and pretty French vocals thrown in the mix.
Between the flickering light of that beloved Kings disco ball, the (slightly unexpected) bravado of Domingo’s voice, and how effortlessly each song moved through bodies in the crowd, I can say this show swept me off my feet in the best possible way. And that mystery flautist? I am sad to say I have no leads on his name, but he had me closing my eyes just to lose myself to the music a little more. So groovy, and it was an absolute treat watching everyone work so harmoniously together in sound.
