Phantogram Members, Gear & Sound

Phantogram is an American duo hailing from Greenwich, New York, known for their genre-defying blend of electronic, trip hop, and alternative dance music. Consisting of Sarah Barthel (vocals, keyboards) and Josh Carter (vocals, guitar, production), the group formed in 2007 and has since carved out a unique niche with their innovative soundscapes and emotive lyrics. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Portishead and Massive Attack, Phantogram skillfully merges elements of indie rock, dream pop, and shoegazing, creating a dynamic and immersive audio experience.

Phantogram's sound is a vibrant mix of lush, ambient textures and gritty, rhythmic undertones. Their music often features ethereal vocal layers set against a backdrop of driving beats and shimmering synths. Josh Carter's use of a Fender American Pro Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker allows for a versatile tonal range, from crisp, clean melodies to fuzzy, distorted riffs, bolstered by the Boss DD-500 Digital Delay for creating spacious echoes and intricate delay patterns. Sarah Barthel’s keyboard work provides the dreamy, melodic foundation, further enhanced by the warm, analog sounds of the Korg MicroKORG. Together, they craft a sound that is simultaneously haunting and uplifting, characterized by its seamless integration of electronic and organic elements.