By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – In the sprawling, often fragmented landscape of contemporary electronic music, few partnerships resonate with as much genuine warmth and creative synergy as that of Maya Bouldry-Morrison and Eris Drew. Known individually as Octo Octa and Eris Drew, the duo has spent the better part of the last decade redefining the emotional and spiritual boundaries of the dance floor. Despite their long-standing status as life partners and their celebrated history of back-to-back DJ sets that have become the stuff of festival legend, a full-length collaborative studio album has remained a missing piece of their shared discography. That void is finally set to be filled this autumn. On October 18, the duo will release their self-titled debut LP under the moniker Alchemical Sisters, a project arriving via the esteemed Detroit-based label Interdimensional Transmissions.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for two artists who have become synonymous with the "T4T LUV NRG" philosophy—a movement that prioritizes trans visibility, communal healing, and the ecstatic power of the rave. While they have previously shared credit on EPs and remixes, Alchemical Sisters represents a dedicated, long-form exploration of their combined sonic identities. The album is not merely a collection of club tracks, but a distilled essence of their shared life in rural New England, where the boundaries between their personal relationship and their professional output frequently blur into a single, vibrant tapestry.
The genesis of Alchemical Sisters is rooted in the physical and spiritual sanctuary the pair has built together. To record the album, Bouldry-Morrison and Drew bypassed the sterile environments of professional urban studios, choosing instead to transform the bedroom of their New Hampshire cabin into a makeshift creative laboratory. This domestic setting provided the isolation and intimacy necessary to channel what they describe as "psychedelic chaos." The choice of location is deeply reflected in the album’s DNA; it is a record born of the woods, of quiet mornings, and of the intense, concentrated energy of two minds working in total unison.
In press materials accompanying the announcement, the duo characterized the record as a fusion of "acid rollers" and "big beat," all processed through a rigorous commitment to hardware instrumentation. For those familiar with their individual catalogs, this stylistic direction feels like a natural evolution. Eris Drew has long been a proponent of the "Motherbeat," a shamanic approach to house and techno that emphasizes the breakbeat’s ability to induce altered states of consciousness. Octo Octa, meanwhile, has mastered the art of the emotive house anthem, blending classic rave tropes with modern production precision. Together as Alchemical Sisters, these influences coalesce into something more visceral and raw. The hardware-centric approach ensures a tactile, breathing quality to the music—a rejection of the "in-the-box" digital perfection that dominates much of today’s electronic output.
The choice of Interdimensional Transmissions as the home for this project is equally significant. Founded by Brendan M. Gillen (BMG) in Detroit, the label has been a cornerstone of the American underground since the mid-1990s, fostering a sound that is unapologetically weird, psychedelic, and rooted in the history of the Motor City. The label’s ethos—centered on the idea of music as a vehicle for transcendence—perfectly aligns with the Alchemical Sisters’ mission. By joining the IT roster, Bouldry-Morrison and Drew are situating their work within a lineage of experimental dance music that values the fringe over the mainstream.
The album’s title, Alchemical Sisters, serves as a metaphor for the transformative power of their collaboration. In the tradition of alchemy, base materials are transmuted into gold through specific, often mystical processes. For Bouldry-Morrison and Drew, the "base materials" are the oscillators of their synthesizers, the rhythmic patterns of their drum machines, and the shared experiences of their daily lives. Through "love, touch, rhythm, and spiritual fire," they aim to transmute these elements into a sonic experience that is both grounding and transcendent.
This announcement follows a period of intense productivity for both artists. Earlier this year, Octo Octa released Sigils for Survival, an album that was widely praised for its intricate sound design and its ability to convey a sense of urgent, protective energy. That record further cemented her reputation as one of the most thoughtful producers in the game, capable of weaving complex emotional narratives into the structure of a dance track. Eris Drew has remained equally busy, continuing to tour the globe and champion the use of vinyl as a medium for spontaneous, high-energy storytelling.
Their live presence continues to be a major draw for fans. Recently, the duo performed a high-profile back-to-back set at Amsterdam’s Dekmantel festival, a performance that was cited by many as a highlight of the weekend. Their chemistry behind the decks is palpable, characterized by a shared language of nods, smiles, and a seemingly telepathic ability to predict each other’s next move. This same synergy is what fans hope to hear captured on the new LP. Following the October release, the duo is scheduled to appear at the Making Time ∞ festival in Philadelphia, an event known for its eclectic lineups and its celebration of the "transcendental futuristic" spirit.
The tracklist for Alchemical Sisters offers a glimpse into the thematic breadth of the project. Opening with "This Is How it Should Be Done," the album appears to set a confident, perhaps even instructional tone for the journey ahead. Tracks like "Double Acid" and "Anytime Sisters Slide" suggest the high-energy, floor-focused side of their production, likely leaning into the "acid rollers" mentioned in their description. Meanwhile, "Song for New Hampshire" hints at a more pastoral or reflective moment, paying homage to the environment that nurtured the album’s creation. The closing track, "Why Not Dream," suggests a final, optimistic ascent into the psychedelic headspace they have spent years cultivating.
Beyond the music, the Alchemical Sisters project represents a continuing commitment to the community that has supported them. In an era where electronic music can sometimes feel commodified and distant, Octo Octa and Eris Drew remain Refreshingly accessible and deeply rooted in the DIY spirit. Their home-studio approach and their focus on "spiritual fire" serve as a reminder that the most powerful music often comes from the most personal places.
As the October 18 release date approaches, the anticipation within the electronic music community is palpable. Alchemical Sisters is more than just a debut album; it is a testament to the enduring power of partnership and the belief that the dance floor can be a site of profound transformation. In the hands of Maya Bouldry-Morrison and Eris Drew, the machines are not just tools—they are extensions of the heart, channeled through the cabin woods of New Hampshire and sent out into the world to ignite the "spiritual fire" they so frequently speak of.
The album will be available on digital platforms and through Interdimensional Transmissions’ distribution channels. Fans are encouraged to explore the tracklist and the evocative cover art, which reflects the kaleidoscopic, multi-layered nature of the music contained within. For those looking to experience the Alchemical Sisters’ energy in person, the upcoming Making Time ∞ performance in Philadelphia promises to be an essential stop on their autumn calendar.
Alchemical Sisters Tracklist:
01 This Is How it Should Be Done
02 We’ve Seen Great Power
03 Double Acid
04 Anytime Sisters Slide
05 One 2 One 2 Three Four
06 Did You Know
07 Song for New Hampshire
08 Why Not Dream
