Jade Cicada Pauses Solo Touring to Focus on Wonky Llama Project

A shift in creative priorities

Jade Cicada is stepping away from solo touring for the foreseeable future. The Louisville-based producer, known for his intricate blend of psychedelic funk and bass music, announced he will redirect his creative energy toward Wonky Llama, his collaborative project with Schmoop.

The move marks a recalibration rather than a retirement. Jade Cicada has spent nearly a decade building a devoted underground following through relentless touring and boundary-pushing production that fuses psychedelic rock, funk grooves, dubstep, and experimental bass. Stepping back from that circuit is significant, but the decision reflects an artist finding new creative fulfillment in collaboration.

Wonky Llama's rising profile

The Wonky Llama project has gained considerable momentum over the past two years. The partnership with Schmoop represents a departure from Jade Cicada's solo aesthetic—funkier, more groove-oriented, and tapping into a more playful experimental side. Tracks under the Wonky Llama banner showcase hypnotic, dance-floor-ready productions that retain the sonic complexity underground bass fans expect.

The decision to prioritize this partnership suggests Jade Cicada has found something artistically vital in the collaborative dynamic. Some of electronic music's most innovative work emerges when producers move beyond the solo grind to explore what partnership can unlock.

Sustainability and creative space

The choice also speaks to broader conversations about sustainability in independent electronic music. Building an underground fanbase traditionally demands relentless touring—constant travel, equipment logistics, and performing on minimal sleep. For producers focused on quality, that schedule can become creatively paralyzing.

Stepping off the solo circuit gives Jade Cicada time to produce at a higher level, develop new ideas without constant performance pressure, and explore what Wonky Llama can become without road burnout.

While solo Jade Cicada performances are on indefinite hold, fans can expect Wonky Llama shows to continue—potentially more polished and ambitious with full creative focus. Selective festival appearances remain possible as the project evolves.