A.G. Cook: The Sonic Architect Redefining Pop
A.G. Cook, the visionary producer behind Charli XCX’s seminal "Brat" summer, has not only shaped the soundtracks of our summers but also the contours of contemporary pop music.
A. G. Cook, photographed by Alaska Reid & Julian Buchan
As the son of Israeli architect Yael Reisner, who’s father was a Hungarian Jew that emigrated to Israel before World War II, Cook carries a rich tapestry of cultural influences that has, most certainly, impacted his music with a rare depth and complexity.
Known for founding the innovative record label PC Music, Cook has been pivotal in cultivating a distinctive aesthetic that blurs the lines between the avant-garde and the mainstream. His label has become a beacon for a new breed of synthesis nerds, esoteric pop aficionados, and rave enthusiasts, all drawn to its unique sonic world that feels like navigating an expansive, multilevel video game. PC Music has become synonymous with a new era of digital artistry, pushing the boundaries of what pop music can represent.
Cook's discography is a testament to his role as not just a producer but as a visionary. His albums "7G" and "Apple" are ambitious explorations of sound, each track crafted to unlock new realms of auditory experience, akin to levels in a vast, exploratory game. His approach to music production is not merely about creating hits but about building immersive worlds that invite listeners to lose themselves in sound.
A. G. Cook, photographed by Alaska Reid & Julian Buchan
Throughout his career, Cook has collaborated with a host of iconic artists, including Beyoncé, Hikaru Utada, Caroline Polachek, and Lady Gaga, showcasing his adaptability and broad musical influence. His work on projects like Lady Gaga’s "Dawn Of Chromatica" and Beyoncé's "Renaissance" illustrates his capability to blend his distinctive style with the unique elements of each artist, creating globally celebrated masterpieces.
A.G. Cook’s live performances are transformative experiences that transcend typical concert expectations. They are elaborate audio-visual presentations that meld past, present, and future into a cohesive narrative, demonstrating his mastery over the medium.
In a conversation with Caroline Polachek published in Office Magazine, he delved into the complexities of pop music, reflecting on its transformative potential. Polachek, discussing Cook's influence, noted, "His music always has a way of encapsulating complex emotions in a simple pop format, which is nothing short of wizardry."
Artwork by Timothy Luke
A.G. Cook's work encapsulates a movement towards a more expressive, boundless, and eclectic pop music era, making him a defining figure in the contemporary music landscape.