Electronic Composer Steve Hauschildt Celebrates Latest Album 'Aeropsia'

The longtime Emeralds member returns to his old stomping grounds in Chicago to mark the release of his new record.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Steve Hauschildt, a longtime stalwart of the Midwest electronic scene, is celebrating the release of his latest album 'Aeropsia' with a performance in Chicago. Hauschildt previously gained prominence as the keyboardist and co-founder of the electronic trio Emeralds, known for their boundary-pushing blend of ambient, kosmische, and shoegaze influences. Since Emeralds dissolved in 2013, Hauschildt has focused on his solo work, releasing his fifth album 'Aeropsia' in October 2026. The album reflects Hauschildt's personal experiences as an expat, with the title track channeling the phenomenon of 'visual snow syndrome' through a mix of tender melodies and audio haze.

Why it matters

Hauschildt's return to Chicago, where he was based for several years, marks a homecoming of sorts for the acclaimed electronic composer. His latest album 'Aeropsia' is a deeply personal reflection on the changes and dissolution that come with life as an expat, offering a somber embrace of evolution through music.

The details

After gaining prominence with the electronic trio Emeralds in the 2000s, Hauschildt has focused on his solo work since the group's dissolution in 2013. He moved to Chicago in 2017, where he became enmeshed in the local music scene, before relocating to Tbilisi, Georgia in 2022 to be with his fiancee and escape rising costs in the U.S. 'Aeropsia,' Hauschildt's fifth solo album, was released in October 2026 and explores themes of disillusionment and wanderlust through its wistful melodies and hazy textures.

  • Emeralds dissolved in 2013.
  • Hauschildt moved to Chicago in 2017.
  • Hauschildt relocated to Tbilisi, Georgia in 2022.
  • Hauschildt's album 'Aeropsia' was released in October 2026.

The players

Steve Hauschildt

An electronic composer who previously gained prominence as the keyboardist and co-founder of the electronic trio Emeralds.

Emeralds

An electronic trio that Hauschildt co-founded, known for their boundary-pushing blend of ambient, kosmische, and shoegaze influences.

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What they’re saying

“It's not really the environment so much as the musicians I'm around and having a sense of community and collaboration. It's that vibe of Chicago I liked.”

— Steve Hauschildt (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Hauschildt will be performing tracks from 'Aeropsia' at the Epiphany Center for the Arts in Chicago on March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Hauschildt's return to Chicago to celebrate his latest album 'Aeropsia' marks a homecoming for the acclaimed electronic composer, whose deeply personal work reflects the changes and dissolution that come with life as an expat.