15 years ago, you wouldn’t put cutting-edge rap music and indie sleaze on the same lineup, but recently, a convergence has taken place. Music has been getting faster, louder and, for want of a better word, more online, and it’s in this lineage that experimental rap production collective Surf Gang and electronic music duo Snow Strippers embarked on a US tour together across January and February. “It’s fun because we have the same taste in music,” Surf Gang label head Evilgiane tells Dazed. “We basically play a lot of stuff that I know Graham and Tati rock with and that’s probably gonna amp up their fanbase, but then Eera and I mix in a lot of our own stuff too.”

In the gallery above, Evilgiane gives an exclusive look inside his phone camera roll from the two-month-long tour, including shots of the two pioneering collectives together, a link-up with underground rap godfather Xaviersobased, and even Evilgiane’s birthday celebrations mid-tour on February 17, which involved Korean BBQ followed by bowling with the crew at Shatto Lanes in LA. 

Giane’s performances during the tour also previewed an upcoming track with Rico Nasty, as well as “slow month”, a still unreleased collab between fellow Surf Gang member Eera and UK jerk rap revivalist YT. When asked who his favourite name on the UK underground circuit was, however, Giane gave a particular shout-out to John Glacier. “Everything she makes is super wavy, especially the works she’s done with Harrison,” says Giane. “I would love to collab with her again.”

These photos arrive hot on the heels of the release of Giane’s pensive lo-fi instrumental tape Giane 2, and just ahead of Surf Gang’s highly anticipated double-sided collaborative album with renowned wordsmiths Earl Sweatshirt and Mike, Pompeii // Utility, out tomorrow (3rd April). From entertaining electro-pop crowds across the States to reinventing rap with two of its brightest minds, Giane’s on a run right now. 

Read on for Giane’s highlights from his two-month tour with Snow Strippers. 

How did this tour compare to previous show runs you’ve done?

Evilgiane: It was cool. I got to catch up with a lot of people in different cities I don’t normally get to kick it with. The Snow Stippers crowd is always wavy too, especially on this tour since they were doing a lot bigger venues than last time.

This obviously isn’t the first time you’ve toured with Snow Strippers. What do you think joins you guys together and makes you a good pairing live?

Evilgiane: It’s fun because we have the same taste in music, so we basically play a lot of stuff that I know [Snow Strippers duo] Graham and Tati rock with, but then Eera and I mix in a lot of our own stuff too. Every set is special because it's pretty much fully improvised and unique to each city. We just play whatever type of music we’re feeling that day.

Were there any shows that stood out as particularly special?

Evilgiane: The Oakland show was lit. It was my first time there, actually. We performed at The Fox Oakland Theater which was wavy too. It’s basically an old movie theatre that was turned into a concert hall with Middle Eastern-inspired terracotta statues.

I noticed you previewed the currently unreleased YT collab during the tour. Did you tease any other unreleased collaborations?

Evilgiane: I teased a little bit of stuff from my upcoming mixtape and a song with Rico Nasty, but it’s generally a pretty collaborative process with Eera. We usually just chill and listen to music on tour so that really informs our set every night.

Were there any moments in between the tour dates that stood out? Any games or hobbies that helped you guys pass the time while travelling?

Evilgiane: We mostly just smoke, listen to music, and watch movies to pass the time, but it’s cool to see the rest of the country too. We’re all from the coasts, so it’s cool to get a glimpse of other scenes, but it also makes us appreciate where we’re from by the time we get home.

What was the best thing about getting back home?

Evilgiane: Seeing friends and family, my nieces, brothers, my mom, my girlfriend. Also, the food. I usually hit [Brooklyn, NY, southern food spot] Pies & Thighs at some point when I’m back. And other than that, really just having the chance to stay in one place and be still.