2020 could use a little chill. This is a notion that must have resonated deeply with Diplo as we saw him release his first full-length ambient album on September 4th. For Diplo, self-isolation and productivity seem to go hand in hand. 

A week prior to the release of his aptly named album, MMXX (2020, in Roman numerals), Diplo exclusively debuted five of his songs on the popular meditation app, Calm. Calm provides its well over 1 million subscribers access to audio recordings that include guided meditations, ambient tracks, breathing practices, sleep stories, and more to help with sleep, anxiety, and overall mental wellness. On their Twitter, they revealed that Diplo’s tracks were produced to bring mental clarity, calmness, relaxation, and focus. Diplo isn’t the first electronic artist to partner with the app. Ellie Goulding and Kygo both released tracks via Calm in 2020.

Although Diplo is mostly known for his upbeat club bangers, he said that he has been experimenting with ambient music for years. “In some ways, it’s a return to my roots — my first album Florida was all super chill instrumentals,” he said. Diplo described his production of this album as a huge stress reliever and hopes it will have the same effect on its listeners. The album features Good Times Ahead, Lunice, Mikky Ekko, and Rhye. 

In a statement on his Instagram account, Diplo announced that all earnings from the album will be directed to two foundations, BEAM Collective and The Loveland Foundation, in support of the mental health of Black people.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Thomas Wesley (@diplo)

September 8-11, Diplo also teamed up with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum to play his ambient tracks from MMXX to an exclusive crowd as they learned about astrology and stargazed.