Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Emancipator is the collaborative musical project led by producer and founder Doug Appling. Since its inception, Emancipator has fused trip-hop, downtempo, ambient textures, and global influences to craft contemplative soundscapes that resonate in headphones and on stage. The project expanded into a live ensemble in 2013, bringing a dynamic, violin-led and percussion-forward interpretation of Emancipator's studio work. Beyond studio albums, Emancipator has released live recordings, remixes, and collaborative projects that showcase the breadth of the sound. In 2012, Appling founded Loci Records to support like-minded artists, and 2025 brought Stories of the Melting Sun with Lapa (Loci Records) to the catalog. Emancipator continues to tour widely, with recent performances at Envision Festival in Costa Rica, Mishawaka Amphitheatre in Colorado, and late-year shows in Portland. Follow along for updates and secure your seats for upcoming shows.