Vance Kotrla Will Release EP October Second
Los Angeles songwriter Vance Kotrla is set to drop a new EP inspired by classic horror cinema.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Science Fiction
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Los Angeles songwriter Vance Kotrla and his band Sci-Fi Romance will release a new EP titled October Second. The project explores themes of conformity, parenting, and disassociation through a lens inspired by classic horror films.
Why it matters
The new EP represents a creative milestone for Kotrla, who incorporates horror motifs to examine complex societal and personal struggles. It builds upon a long-standing musical collaboration spanning two decades.
Vance Kotrla has earned six Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards and three Hugo Awards throughout his career. His band Sci-Fi Romance has produced five albums and three EPs since forming in 2010.
The players
Vance Kotrla
A Los Angeles-based songwriter and filmmaker who has received six Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards and three Hugo Awards.
Sci-Fi Romance
A musical act that has released five albums and three EPs since debuting in 2010.
Ella Kristin Vogel
A Vienna-based opera singer who has collaborated with Vance Kotrla for over 20 years.
The details
The EP features duets with Vienna-based opera singer Ella Kristin Vogel and was recorded across locations including York Recording in Los Angeles and London Bridge Studios in Seattle. Production on the project spanned a 12-year period, reflecting on influences from literary and cinematic horror works.
Timeline
1948 marks the year Shirley Jackson published The Lottery.
1959 is when Shirley Jackson published The Haunting of Hill House.
1963 saw the release of Robert Wise’s film adaptation The Haunting.
2010 was the year Sci-Fi Romance began its release cycle.
2012 served as the starting point for recordings at York Recording.
Industry Dynamics
The project reflects a broader trend of independent artists engaging with legacy cinematic horror to ground contemporary songcraft. This approach aligns with a cultural movement that bridges classical operatic training with modern, genre-bending electronic and rock influences.
Listeners can anticipate the upcoming EP launch to be available through the band's standard distribution channels, though a specific date has not been confirmed. Fans of the 20-year collaboration between Kotrla and Vogel can expect a continued fusion of operatic and songwriter aesthetics.
The takeaway
The upcoming release underscores the enduring influence of horror literature and film on contemporary musical storytelling. Fans of atmospheric and narrative-driven music may find the cross-genre collaboration particularly notable for its long production timeline.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving landscape of Science Fiction music and media.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bennington Banner.
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