Stephan Mathieu – Nachtstücke

The ink of the cover of his previous release “Sacred Grounds” had barely dried when Stephan Mathieu announced his new release called “Nachtstücke“.
(metaphorically speaking of course: these are both download-only releases).

The first thing to notice is that the full release of these “Night Pieces” is 260 minutes in length – that’s about a half night’s sleep!
For most – if not all – listeners, four hours and twenty minutes of extended droning is simply too much for concentrated listening. So that obviously is not what this music is intended for.

Undisclosed – 7C858C

One of the most active and vibrant websites about electronic, experimental and instrumental music I know, Headphone Commute, has even found the time to start a new side-project called “Undisclosed”.
“The project allows each musician to explore a particular sonic territory, while remaining detached from all of the previous associations with their notable name. The series also invites the listener to strip away all of the predisposed concepts and instead focus on the only thing that really matters — MUSIC”

Monty Adkins – Borderlands

‘Borderlands’ is an extended meditation for multitracked cellos recorded by cellist William Mace. The composition ‘comprises of six interludes and six extended panels, each comprising twenty-eight short melodic fragments. Each panel uses the same fragments to form new melodies and harmonies.” – but for the listener it feels – and can be enjoyed – as one single uninterrupted piece.
A piece in which every single detail has its place, a piece that conveys that everything is as it should be. A very, very comforting piece.

Janek Schaefer – Unfolding Luxury / Inner Space Memorial

In two separate vinyl album releases (also available as digital downloads), the Dekorder label presents a beautiful overview of the work of Janek Schaefer, presenting new pieces in some cases created by collating existing material.

“Unfolding Luxury beyond the City of Dreams”, the first album of the pair, contains seven relatively short pieces (ranging from 3 to 8 minutes). Within the calm atmosphere of these pieces, there are many fascinating sounds to discover.

The title of the second album, “Inner Space Memorial in Wonderland”, is a combination of the titles of the two pieces included, each taking up a full side of the album with about 20 minutes.

DreamScenes 2015-01

The fourth of the monthly DreamScenes broadcasts, with some great tracks from new and forthcoming releases.
(Full playlist details published below).

The end of 2014 saw the release of many (and I mean many) spectacular albums, of which you’ll find only a selection here.
Some familiar names matched with some lesser known artists…some organic sounds, field recordings, Terje Isungset’s glass percussion (wíth Arve Henriksen), trumpets, pianos, and – of course – some stretched drones…

Enjoy this january issue – and let’s hope it’s the start of a beautiful and musical year!

Kate Carr – Fabulations

At the end of every year, everyone remotely involved with music seems to be obsessed with creating all kinds of ‘end-of-year’ lists. Releasing an album in the very last week of the year means it’ll probably fall through the cracks of those lists: too late for the 2014 list, and to early for next year’s.
I have no doubt that Kate Carr’s “Fabulations” would’ve been included in many lists if it had been released earlier.
But now that it hasn’t: just forget about your lists and start listening.