Budakid on 'Dreams Stretched Beyond' and Two Decades in Progressive

After two decades in electronic music and several false starts, Budakid has released his debut album, Dreams Stretched Beyond, on his independent imprint Flores. The 10-track LP marks the first time the Austrian producer has sung on his own records, played bass guitar, and released a project with complete creative control—from production to artwork.

Creative isolation in the Austrian Alps

The album took shape during two years of self-imposed isolation in the mountains of Tirol. Budakid moved away from the city to escape what he calls "unconscious triggers and inputs" that had previously influenced his work. Without external musical references, he created around 30 potential tracks, ultimately narrowing the selection to 10.

He initially considered releasing the material as three separate EPs, but the tracks shared a cohesive sound and narrative. The album wasn't forced into existence—it emerged from what Budakid describes as a process of self-acceptance and deep introspection into his own belief system.

Breaking from the Budakid formula

For years, Budakid kept his project strictly instrumental, avoiding vocals and singing. Dreams Stretched Beyond expands those boundaries. He handled vocals himself, played bass, and approached the entire record as a DIY endeavor. The decision to release on Flores, the label he launched in 2024, ensured he retained control over every aspect of the package, including visual direction and press materials.

Public reception has been positive, though Budakid admits he barely checks statistics anymore. He completed the album six months before its release and felt fulfilled the moment the package was finalized. He acknowledges the challenges of releasing music in an era where he estimates over 50 percent of new tracks are made with or partly with AI, a reality that puts pressure on producers who still take weeks or months to finish a single track.

Two decades and a thousand shows

Budakid's catalogue spans releases on imprints connected to Sasha, Solomun, Max Cooper, and Guy J, with support from Adriatique, Hernán Cattáneo, Bonobo, and Dixon. He has played over a thousand shows globally, including festival stages at Tomorrowland, ADE, and Sónar, as well as clubs like Watergate and Paradiso.

Dreams Stretched Beyond is out now on Flores. Budakid admits he was afraid of making a debut album for nearly a decade, calling it a "heavy weight" that represents a definitive artistic statement. It took creative isolation and detachment from the city for him to finally finish one.