i hear the colors

Fresh and hot off the presses comes tasty new sounds for the mental space travelers that need some colorful and harmonically charged transitions and segues for their life's soundtrack. For this mix, I found a way to put together a lot of things that have been really getting my attention lately. I also worked with getting some samples from the FREESOUND site (that I've used on various original projects). 

There are many things throughout the day that we hear and take for granted. The many sounds  that we hear provide our day with color, experiences, moments, and memory. We are influenced by what we  hear our whole lives, whether it's music, communication, sounds, or what-have-you. The music here represents to the beautiful colors that I've managed to be fortunate enough to have taken in within the last few months. I'm gifting this aural experience to you, the listener.

Take in the colors of this mix. Use this to transition you from the cold and unforgiving grey of Winter to the lush and welcoming green of Spring. Allow these sonic colors prepare your mind and soul for an enlightening journey to the ether of solitude and imagination.

Shameless promotion time: there is a track from me that I composed with a single guitar string (pitch shifted and layered) as the the last track (I Wish That You Would Breathe Life Into Me). It will be on my upcoming release entitled 'Headspace'. Release date as of now is unknown, but within a few weeks hopefully.

I won't be able to post another mix for a little bit, as I'll be going on tour for about a month in the US, with a possible trip overseas for another month of touring (yet to be seen and solidified). I have some collaborations lined up with a few people, both mixes and original ideas that have been discussed, and I am really looking forward to bringing some great music to Spaceman's Transmissions. Turn on, tune in, sleep...

[DOWNLOAD] [ITUNES]

TRACK LISTING

• "This Gentle Hearts Like Shot Birds Fallen" by A Silver Mt. Zion from Born Under Trouble As The Sparks Fly Upward (Start Time: 00:00)

• "Nothing It Can" by Helios from Moiety (Start Time: 05:43)

• "Indian Summer" by Jónsi & Alex from Riceboy Sleeps (Start Time: 10:08)

• "God Send Us A Signal" by Hammock from Raising Your Voice Trying To Stop An Echo (Start Time: 18:58)

• "King Midas In Reverse" by Bing Satellites & Daniel Land from King Midas In Reverse (Start Time: 23:12)

• "Terra" by Dreamhub from Moments In Space (Start Time: 28:25)

• "Emancipation" by Helios from Eingya (Start Time: 36:29)

• "Fog" by Coppice Halifax from Inland By Night (Start Time: 38:50)

• "Beginning" by Rhian Sheehan from Seven Tales Of The North Wind (Start Time: 43:39)

• "Confessions" by Ben Lovett from The Last Lullaby (Start Time: 46:10)

• "Subterranean River" by Rudy Adrian from Desert Realms (Start Time: 48:42)

• "I Wish That You Would Breathe Life Into Me" by Tonepoet (me!) from Headspace (Start Time: 54:54)

guest mix: mote

Every so often I run across something that has me completely frozen, hanging on in anticipation of the next transition and trying to find the seams within the mixes. There are certain DJ's that seem to be able to take a very gigantic musical mixing pot, fill it up with the most diverse sounds and moods, and create a sonic template within a universe of emotion.  MOTE is one such individual. He has, to me, the same kind of twisted flair that attracts me to such DJ's like SILAS and FACTION. They just hear things differently and are able to draw upon such a large and diverse library that would seem intimidating to most, and I enjoy the sonic adventure that they weave when they throw caution to the wind. If these guys were cats, I would spend all day marveling how they land on their feet from whatever distance or direction.

Mote is based in Belgrade, Serbia. His mixes consist of deep atmospheres, laced with the laid back minimal warmth of electronic and organic sounds spiced with a wide range of field recordings and movie samples. Listening to his mixes are like watching movies unfold, and his musical guidance is creating the moods that travel in the same manner. I asked him to tell me about the method behind his madness. He provided me with this:

"I don't know how music actually works, but I'm sure that what it represents is a separate, totally autonomous reality where we can reward ourselves with incredible experiences. I like watching movies, but sometimes I only listen to them; the music, the sounds, the words. In mixing I do the opposite, trying to evoke images and movement, even dramaturgy through my audible experiences. Coming from Belgrade, Serbia where partying is a lifestyle, having slow meditative moments with music is a good thing."

So for download (and streaming) I bring to you a really incredible cinematic mix created by Mote. Part space music, part ambient, with elements of soundtrack based intensity. This one will make the bike riding playlist for me when it's time to do some trekking. I'm still finding new sounds in this every time I listen to it. Check out more incredibly crafted wizardry from Mote on his MIXCLOUD page. Peace.

[DOWNLOAD DEEP END SEASON 4 (SECOND VIEW)]

TRACK LISTING

• 0:00 - 'Transmission/Intermission' by Carbon Based Lifeforms

• 03:46 - 'Suspicious' by M. Ostermeier

• 06:27 - 'Me And G' by Yuki Marata

• 12:55 - 'Pink And Golden Billows' by Brambles

• 15:26 - 'Mistletoe Lane' by Clem Leek

• 21:43 - 'Conversations' by ASC

• 27:10 - 'Egg (Plane a Rium Session)' by Yellow

• 34:07 - 'Light A Lantern On The Water' by Rothko

• 34:57 - 'REM Sleep' by Rothko

• 37:59 - 'Deleted Scene II' by Synth Sense

• 44:21 - 'Like That Of The Sky' by Codona

• 49:53 - 'Surface Of Your Skin' by Offthesky

• 54:50 - 'Escape Kit' by Juxta Phona & Offthesky

• 62:22 - 'Mass Transit Railway' by Monolake

• 69:25 - 'Moby's Night Out' by Ernst Reijseger

camping under the stars

I've been into the BANDCAMP site for a relatively short while now, and I have to give the site a lot of credit if helping me find some great independent artists. Bandcamp is very instrumental in giving these artists a place to market their original music, and this has become a very valuable asset to those that praise independent musicians (that's me!). The creation of the DIY musician as producer/label/market is a product borne of the music industry's greed, and that benefits us in that we are awarded creations that the music industry would rather ignore. Their loss, our gain......

I've created this amalgamation from artists' music who I've gotten from Bandcamp (one caveat; the Phillip Wilkerson tune I got from Earth Mantra, but I absolutely love the tune and decided to slip it in this mix! I own quite a few from Phillip both by way of Bandcamp as well as Earth Mantra), and their sounds speak loud volumes. This is no means a complete list, just a current list of what I've found so far that has appealed to me. Trust me, I have not even heard a fraction of the unreal music that can be found there. It's quite the event to check back often and see beautiful sounds piling up in the queue. There are certain things that stick out for some reason to me and that comprises what's here. This mix, to me, was one of my favorites to make, as I'm standing on the shoulders of those who have created some masterpieces that really move me. Truly inspiring.

I have to give a shout out to 2 sources that I use when finding new music on Bandcamp. One is AMBIENT SLEEPING PILL, which is an indispensable resource for ambient music that is just barely over one year old (Happy Birthday, Mr. Klimek!). I've discovered many new artists there. The other is the listener BRIAN BOURASSA, whose Bandcamp profile spurs me on to check out new art quite often. I admire (and envy) Brian's massive accumulation of music and the honest critiques that he writes. He's been a consistent go-to guy for getting some good suggestions (Brian, I could have used input from you on this one, let's talk for the next one!). 

You can view my ever so humble collection HERE. The artists' names in the track listing below are a linked gateway to the release that I got the songs from. If there is just one a way to show support for independent artists, this is definitely it. You can get so much music for free, but supporting them is not only karma (as well as added to your collection so that listeners can see those artists you feel strongly about) but also very inspiring for the artists to create more. Peace.

[DOWNLOAD] [ITUNES]

TRACK LISTING

• "Trapped Between The Earth And The Stars" by BAOBAB from …With No End In Sight – A Wood Thrush Compilation (Start Time: 0:00)

• "Tumblatlas" by YLOWKNFE from = (Start Time: 01:40)

• "Starlight" by RUDY ADRIAN from Desert Realms (Start Time: 07:02)

• "Low Earth Orbit" by GRAINS OF SOUND from Sine Language Vol 3 Under (Start Time: 15:24)

• "Messier82" by DREAMHUB from Moments In Space (Start Time: 22:31)

• "Prelude To Mind Control" by TONEPOET from So Gently We Go (Start Time: 26:03)

• "Equations" by Phillip Wilkerson from The Way Home (Start Time: 34:30)

• "Places Between" by RHIAN SHEEHAN from Seven Tales Of The North Wind (Start Time: 38:27)

• "A Cabin" by BUBBLE from + (Start Time: 42:32)

• "The Way In To The Way Out (In Mix) (Excerpt)" by GRAINS OF SOUND from Sine Language Vol 2 Down (Start Time: 48:19)

• "Elision" by NEED A NAME from 2013 Collection (Start Time: 54:33)

• "Antler (Reprise)" by YLOWKNFE from = (Start Time: 57:52)

andrew hoffman with the slow drift

As a regular listener and supporter of ANDREW HOFFMAN'S THE SLOW DRIFT broadcast, I get a good fill of weekly mental overhauls. Like many of my favorite mix artists, Andrew consistently amazes me with his musical selections and his flawless transitions. I have to say, most everything that I hear coming from Andrew is new to me, and sends me on a search for the artists' other works that are represented. His latest mix, entitled simply EPISODE 023 (THE WINTER MIX) is the perfect companion for the snowy winter that we've been having here in the Northeastern US states at this time.

In this particular mix, Andrew brings us some of the best classical approaches to ambient that I've heard in a very long time. Ever since I first heard ON THE DAYLIGHT OF DAYLIGHT from Max Richter, I've been a big fan of the classical colors in traditional ambient. To say that this mix will stay at the top of the mountain for me is a complete understatement. Very nice that he's using different sources of media for his selections (vinyl and cassette make appearances, which is great). I sometimes forget how much I miss vinyl warmth until I hear it. For those that crave the nostalgia of really good radio (meaning not being bombarded with commercials and distractions), this is by far the best thing on the air that is real radio, with Andrew being the perfect host for format and program. The best thing about The Slow Drift broadcast is that the mixes continue to get better and better. That makes it really difficult to wait a whole week to get my next ambient fix. If I have one small complaint about the mix, it's that Andrew reminds me that it's the closing track for the mix! Really over way too soon. I mentally hang on to the last beautiful sounds as they begin to slip away.

You can (and should absolutely!) tune into The Slow Drift on Fridays from 7:00-8:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) on WRFI COMMUNITY RADIO (88.1 FM in Ithaca, NY and 91.9 FM in Watkins Glen, NY). I'll wait while you mark your calendar. Okay. You can also download Andrew's past mixes (yes, it's like your birthday today) at THE SLOW DRIFT website and stream his mixes from his MIXCLOUD page. Be sure to show Andrew the support and love. I've provided an additional download link (from his site) below for Episode 023 (The Winter Mix). Thanks for making such a truly beautiful and inspiring work of art. Turn on, tune in, sleep...

[DOWNLOAD EPISODE 023 (THE WINTER MIX)]

guest mix: jon lloyd

I've been a regular follower of JON LLOYD on Mixcloud, getting turned on by (of all things) his mix LIVED IN BARS which is a great outing. His mix THE TEXTURE OF SOUND is another that I highly recommend (you can see my comments on the mix). Jon's a consummate listener of all kinds of music, and shares his thoughts about what really vibes him when he hears it. He's managing to create mixes from whatever draws him in next, and isn't limited to a certain genre or flavor-of-the-month in favor of his own interest or intuition. I enjoy the comments that he leaves (not only for myself, but for others) as it's always evident that he dug way deep into the particular piece to really have the music exist firmly within himself. Inspirational, to say the least. I asked him if I could host a mix, and he obliged (much thanks, man!). For this particular episode, I bring you a different sort of mix that compiles a very good feeling array of positive vibe entitled ANOTHER DAY DRIFTS AWAY. This is not a mix for the sleepers (sorry!), but for the active listening participants. For me, this mix is essential headphone listening that provided me with a very good spiritual lift. While it's not so much ambient, it is an offering that gets your head right and puts you in a better place. If music were medicine (and not just therapy), Jon just filled our prescription correctly.

I asked Jon to shed some light on the how and why. Here's what he had to say:

"I've been making mixes since I could press the 'record' button. First on cassette, then on CD, and more recently for Mixcloud. A few years ago I became obsessed with making the perfect 'sleep mix', and would only be satisfied once I knew for a fact that I'd fallen asleep each night before hearing the final track. Like tonepoet perhaps, 'I'd like to teach the world to sleep'.

This mix isn't a sleep mix, more a comptemplative  'end-of-day' collection. I created it for New Year's Day 2014 and just about managed to finish it that day. I think the track by This Mortal Coil is my favourite on there; amazing lyrics, and music surging with emotion, nostalgia, a tinge of sadness but also hope. The first track, though, is also a bit of a killer. I once saw Michael Brook play in a church and it was amazing. His effects pedal 'wall' almost reached the ceiling. An incredible sound. Thanks very much to tonepoet for hosting this mix. I really have gained a lot of inspiration from his mixes and continue to do so (**thanks, bro, sniff sniff**)."

And so I bring you an enlightening amalgamation of really great music to lift us up. The first sunny, bright, warm day will definitely have this written all over it, but I encourage you to allow it to bring you out of the winter doldrums as well. Jon urges you to visit the amazing art of JEANNIE LYNN PASKE'S OBSOLETE WORLD. He has used a couple of the artist's images for his mix and they are the perfect match for his themes. Pay a visit and show the love. Check out more mixes from the diverse ears of JON LLOYD. Again, thanks, Jon!! Peace.

[DOWNLOAD ANOTHER DAY DRIFTS AWAY]

TRACK LISTING

• 0:00 - 'Baramund' by Michael Brook

• 02:09 - 'The Yellow Hammer' by Tim & Sam's Band

• 06:24 - 'Undone' by Message To Bears

• 09:01 - 'Fiction' by Belle & Sebastian

• 11:28 - 'Fragile, Do Not Drop' by Podington Bear

• 15:40 - 'Passing By' by Ulrich Schnauss

• 22:05 - 'Celebration' by Manual

• 30:44 - 'Metamorphis' by Trentemoller

• 32:45 - 'Dawn' by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

• 33:52 - 'Sit In Silent Thought' by Rothko

• 39:00 - 'My Father' by This Mortal Coil

• 44:35 - 'A Snowflake' by Peter Broderick

• 48:00 - 'The Names Of Those Never Here' by Robin Guthrie & Harold Budd

• 51:45 - 'Autumn Music II' by Max Richter

• 55:32 - 'Verdi Cries' by 10,000 Maniacs

• 59:48 - 'Happy Accidents' by Vessels

• 64:24 - 'Mr. Tom' by Patrick Watson

• 67:00 - 'Let's Be Still' by Yo La Tengo

• 77:45 - 'Ritual' by North Atlantic Oscillation

guest mix: sofamixes

For this episode of Spaceman's Transmissions, I'm proud to present the appropriately named SOFAMIXES. I was given this (upon request, natch) quite a long time ago, and have let its beauty saturate my mind upon many occasions. Well, now that we've had quite a bit of snow in Maryland and having spent the last few hours outside making snowballs and running around with the kids, I came in to thaw out with some hot chocolate, a hot potato, and this mix. Got to say, I'm having a very difficult time trying to figure out the best part of getting warm. I'm guessing the music.

As I stare out the window at the snow outside on this graciously clear (but cold!) day, this mix is providing the perfect backdrop to my current mental state. The picture on the left is from my dining room, overlooking a portion of the field where my kids and I build snowmen, make snow angels, and beat each other down with snowballs. Honestly, I really don't know how or why the picture is actually snowing. I shot some video, but I didn't think that it came out until I looked in my queue of pictures to post and saw this. How does that happen?

Sofamixes hails to us from Ghent, Belgium, and hosts some very eclectic and interesting mixes. Even a FRANK ZAPPA MIX, how cool is that (I love Zappa). Sofamixes has been quite busy with another Mixcloud profile under the name OSCAR LOMAN, supplying us with old-time mixes that feature some of the best artwork that I've seen. Be sure to get a pleasant earful from both mix profiles, and for those inclined for a second Winter Wanderland mix, it can be found HERE. Allow this mix to warm your soul in the frigid winter months, and let it's peaceful intent provide you an aural blanket that thaws your mind and body.

Turn on, tune in, sleep...

[DOWNLOAD WINTER WANDERLAND]

review: '=' by ylowknfe

I've recently found an amazing new release on Bandcamp that warrants an intensive listening. '=' by YLOWKNFE is to me, a breath of fresh air among all of the things that I've been watching come through the new ambient artist queue on Bandcamp, and the moment I heard the first song I was completely drawn in by rich harmonic soundscapes. According to Ylownkfe, his interest lies in creating music for films and documentaries and these releases serve as a springboard to this venture at some point. The problem all of this is that, with music this good, I would even forget to concentrate on the film and use more of my brain power to take in this incredible music.

The opening and closing tracks are, to me, very much highlights in setting up and closing '='. These tracks are post-rock in nature (very much in the vein of Hammock). Even after the opening track, things continue to escalate into the realm of subliminal beauty. Whereas most ambient is pretty much one level of volume for a track, the third track (Overseer) is breathing and pulsing with such colorful dynamic contrast that it took me by surprise. Upon hearing this tune, I was well aware that Ylowknfe was capable of building themes with a sensitivity to contrast, color, mood, and depth that seems to be missing from so many artists these days. So many others could learn a lot (myself included) about developing effective soundscapes by not only using harmonic change but dynamic change as well. Talk about an informative eye-opener!

Like I stated on the album review on Bandcamp, to me, effective ambient has to consider 3 things. First, one must be able to sleep to it (did that). Second, it must sit effectively as background music that is not distracting (check). And third, one needs to engage in the listening actively to hear moving themes and harmonic diversity. Yup, this has it covered. I can see a few mixes are in order to capture some vibe off of '='. 

Check out more of Ylowknfe on his BANDCAMP page. Thank me later.