Doug Appling, better known as Emancipator, creates lush and evocative electronic music that’s often fleshed out by live musicians on stage and in the studio. • A native of Virginia, Appling studied violin in his youth before progressing to bass, guitar, and drums. He began making electronic music in high school. • He chose the name Emancipator because he embraced the idea of freeing oneself through music. He’s described it as a mythological hero representing an alter ego. • In 2007, he self-released his debut album under the Emancipator name: Soon it Will be Cold Enough. The following year, it was reissued on Hydeout, the label founded by influential Japanese producer Nujabes. • Emancipator has worked extensively with violinist Ilya Goldberg, who coproduced 2015’s Seven Seas. The album reached No. 12 on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart.