Composer and electronic musician Dan Deacon is known for his brilliantly cacophonous sound collages (hello, "Call Me Maybe") and high-energy dance parties. His forthcoming album is called America - it's a two-sided ode to the nation, inspired by the country's widely varying geography - much of which Dan has observed while on tour.

Dan recently stopped by the studio to play live - and to talk about how his latest album represents a departure of sorts from his previous work. "For the first era of my adulthood, the end of the world was on my mind quite heavily," he told us. That mentality was reflected in his music -- tailor-made for partying like the end was very near. But his latest album reflects a different sensibility -- one that stops to reflect upon the here and now. "I'd say it's probably the first record I've written as program music - as opposed to absolute music," Dan said. "The main issues that it tackles [are] the influence of geography. It goes coast to coast."

Watch Dan Deacon talking with John about his song, "Lots," below. 

Photos from Dan Deacon's session (by Amy Pearl):