echoes of a silent ocean

I have waited so very long to do a tribute to the one entity that I admire more than anything in the world: the ocean. I was born in a beach town, and have never stopped being in awe at the power, beauty, and intensity of the ocean. It can be soothing and tranquil entity just as easily as it can be a cold, dark killer. For this reason, the seas have a rightful warrant to our respect. With this mix, I was fortunate in a few ways to have found some truly great music and have so many textures that I believe encompass the scope of the ocean. The music here reflects everything that the ocean represents to me from still, deep colors to its turbulent and dark contrasts. First and foremost, though, I need to give a huge thanks to ADRIEN SIFRE ('Fotografik33' on Flickr) for graciously allowing me to use his photo 'Wharf Variation 6' for this episode. The photo was very inspirational in helping me to create the perfect vibe to accompany it. You can find more of his amazing photos HERE (thanks, Adrien!).

a human being is a human dreaming

Hello, fellow space travelers. I'm back with a new ambient mix of some great things that I've been getting into my head lately. First off, I wanted to express the fact that I took the title for this mix from the song of the same title by Maiya Hersey from FUTURESEQUENCE8 (which is included in this mix). Great title, amazing composition. 

When the music begins to drift into your mental space, allow it to form the cloudy blanket that will encompass your good thoughts and filter out the negative turmoil. This incubating layer will form the egg that will eventually hatch your renewal into peace. The aural comfort that you seek will be placed gently upon your physical vessel (known as the human being). Allow your mind to immerse itself into the dream world that awaits. The sanctuary there will breathe new life into your soul and spur a regeneration of creative thoughts, ideas, and tranquility. This is when you truly become the human dreaming. Upon completion of this sequence, the mission will be considered a success.

for the lonely souls

Most of the time that I do my really deep music listening, it's when I'm lost within my own thoughts. I don't have to converse with others, do any sort of active reasoning on anything, or have judgments or ponder solutions. My mind is a sponge, open and dynamic, my mood and feelings shaped by oncoming colors that slowly build castles in my mind.


I created this mix for the sleepers, for those needing time to put on headphones and breathe deeply, the ones who want to hear the thoughts within their own grey matter without obstruction, the souls that want to have a soundtrack for a moment in their lives, the ones who need a backdrop for contemplative pondering.........in the end, it's for the listener that craves a bit of solace in a chaotic world, and to aid your soul searching, surrounded by the colors of peace and solitude.

daydreams at nightfall

For me, the saddest time is not winter, but the approach of fall. I don't hate the fall season. I love it! But knowing that summer and the vibe it has brought is withering into a memory is a hard pill to swallow. In summer, I'm invincible; I am reborn with every hot burst of sun, thriving to gather the energy of every new day, leaving little or no wasted moments in my wake. Every summer day is a new awakening, brought about by the renewed anticipation of Mother Earth's sun-song upon us. Get the point? I freakin' LOVE summer so much that it pains me to see it dissolve.

The first thing that I notice is a shortened day. Just a few days ago (and it's been a while since I've actually realized this and posted this narrative), I was fully aware that it was dark at 8 o'clock in the evening (edit: at this time, even sooner). Already. Sadness is upon me. Next, the leaves shed new colors and die, and the sky will be overcast with impending change. But all good things must end.

the black keys (and the white ones, too)

Being a guitarist, I give my piano playing musician friends a hard time. I accuse them of having no soul since they can't get vibrato, sustain notes without the aid of machinery, and can't bend notes. In other words, they can't do all the cool stuff that guitarists do (keyboards are another story). But to say that they don't emote is a bold statement. Piano covers a lot of ground, even if you can't take it to a campfire (still got them beat!). Just put on most amazing soundtracks and you can feel piano wire delicately gluing the mood to the scene. 
I remember being a young guitarist and sitting in a piano practice room with a big hollowbody guitar. I'd rest the end of the neck somewhere up on the piano, hold down the sustain key, and play really nice add 9 sus 11 chords and listen to the overtones that formed like a cloud, barely dissipating. That could be my first dive into real, live ambient, and those moments have defined a valuable moments in my life.

melancholy (part II)

Guten Tag (oder Morgen, Abend.........wasimmer), wie geht's? Mir geht's gut, danke. Just trying to keep up with old skills, sorry. Like the very first mix that I did (MELANCHOLY), this outing is a representation of a nostalgic period in my life. Perhaps it's the vibe, or a certain sound within the songs that I pick up on. Having must moved (a big event in my life, and I mark those events by what I listen to), I find a comfort in the songs presented here, and I have been bouncing these songs off of my mind for a little bit now.

I just recently discovered Petal, and this song more than others is a composition direction that I'd like to explore. I'm going to pick his song apart and find out what makes it magical to me. World Without End is the perfect song to open this mix up with. It creates the right atmosphere for me to get my head right. I'm actually quite (justifiably) jealous of Petal's composition skills and tones, and in particular on this piece. Be sure to pay him a visit at either his blog (PETAL) or his artist page at Earth Mantra (EARTH MANTRA - PEDAL). He also gave me a killer review on my release with Harmony & Decay (thanks, man!!).

don't wake me (nocturnal liftoff)

If you're needing something to help you get to sleep, I have managed to brew up something very tasty. It's all natural, allergen and gluten-free. It will reduce your stress, balance your Chakra, help you search your Chi, and........you know what? I have no idea what I'm talking about.

I've consulted the best sleep masters to bring you peace in drifting among the stars, and create a warm sense of foreboding slumber. Don't be afraid to sleep, but rather let the music ease you into your state of letting go. This mix will guide you to and through the cosmos, and I've put it through rigorous (but stress free) tests and have reached the conclusion that it's safe with medications.

awaking silently before sunrise

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TRACKLISTING

“From A Solid To A Liquid” by Biosphere from Dropsonde (Touch), Released February 21, 2006 (Start Time: 00:00)

“After Rainfall” by Ora from After Rainfall (Fungal), Released 2003 (Start Time: 04:58)

“Breakwater At Dawn” by Cousin Silas from Geographics (Earth Monkey Productions Netlabel), Released Unknown (Start Time: 09:54)

“Geiss” by Igneous Flame from Oxana (Chillfactor10 Records), Released January 1, 2004 (Start Time: 11:21)

“Even If You’re Never Awake” by Stars Of The Lid from And Their Refinement Of The Decline (Kranky), Released April 3, 2007 (Start Time: 15:21)

“Between The Hours” by Rapoon from Tin Of Drum (Staalplaat), Released November 24, 1998 (Start Time: 24:26)

“A Dream Of A Spider” by Andrew Thomas from Pop Ambient (Kompakt Germany), Released February 17, 2009 (Start Time: 32:06)

“Flashing Emergency Lights” by Dave Preston from Soundtrack For Motion (CDBY), Released July 20, 2010 (Start Time: 36:12)

“Meditation 2” by Ishwish from Meditations (Magnatune), Released July 3, 2010 (Start Time: 40:17)

“The Clear Light” by Paul Avgerinos from Bliss (Round Sky Music), Released September 20, 2011 (Start Time: 45:04)

“Midnight Submersion” by Cluster Balm from 1.0 (Blue Water Records), Released August, 2004 (Start Time: 51:42)

“Ascent” by Arcticology from Haven (Earth Mantra Netlabel), Released 2009 (Start Time: 55:29)

navigating the hours of darkness

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TRACK LISTING

“In The Beginning” by Michael Stearns from Planetary Unfolding, (Sonic Atmosphere), Released July 1, 1991 (Start Time: 00:00)

“The Atomium Part 1” by Stars Of The Lid from Avec Laudenum (Kranky), Released October 29, 2009 (Start Time: 07:45)

“Mt. Fuji” by Stargarden from Ambient Excursions (Magnatune), May 20, 2004 (Start Time: 12:54)

“Stillness” by Paul Avgerinos from Bliss (Round Sky Music), Released Sepetember 20, 2011 (Start Time: 24:22)

“Hovr” by Anomalous Disturbances from Hovr (Disappearing Music), Released September 30, 2003 (Start Time: 34:06)

“Prismatic” by Igneous Flame from Oxana (Chillfactor10 Records), Released January 1, 2004 (Start Time: 40:54)

“Laika’s Last Orbit” by Dreamstate from A Decade Of Dreaming (e-SPACE Editions), Released August 7, 2009 (Start Time: 44:10)

“Orion Transfer 5” by Peter Namlook and Tetsu Inoue from Shades Of Orion (Ambient World), Released August  5, 2003 (Start Time: 48:59)

“Journey Of A Thousand Days” by Nunc Stans from Land (pingthings Netlabel), Released 2008 (Start Time: 53:52)

““Hiberner Toujours” by Stars Of The Lid from And Their Refinement Of The Decline (Kranky), Released April 3, 2007 (Start Time: 59:40)

mental stargazing (for the sleepers)

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TRACK LISTING

“Noise, Heartbeat, and Ambience” by Canton from Unknown, (N/A), Released Unknown (Start Time: 00:00)

“Mullholland” by Stars Of The Lid from The Tired Sounds Of, (Kranky), Released October 30, 2001, (Start Time: 01:21)

“All, Nothing” by The Inventors Of Aircraft from Unknown Language, (Serein Netlabel), Released September 1, 2008 (Start Time: 08:10)

“La Gouache des Temps” by Muhr from Poussière, (Serein Netlabel), Released September 24, 2007 (Start Time: 14:40)

“Drift” by Brian Eno from Apollo, (Caroline Astralwerks), Released March 21, 2005 (Start Time: 18:13)

“Expanding Area” by Between Interval from Autumn Continent, (Spotted Peccary), Released August 8, 2006 (Start Time: 21:07)

“Poa Alpina” by Biosphere from Substrata, (Touch), Released June 25, 2006 (Start Time: 31:47)

“Chapter 3” by Ex-Confusion from Small Reality, (Netlabel), Released June 15, 2011 (Start Time: 35:51)

“The Last Leaf (Excerpt)” by Aloof Proof from Piano Text, (Infraction), Released November 12, 2007 (Start Time: 39:02)

“A Word With The Vine” by Jon Jenkins from Flow, (Spotted Pecarry), Released October 6, 1998 (Start Time: 49:54)

“The Clearing Fog” by Jeff Pearce from Soundscape Gallery Series Vol. 2, (Lektronic Soundscapes), Released May 5, 1998 (Start Time: 52:22)

“The Other Room” by John Foxx and Harold Budd from Drift Music, (Edsel Records UK), Released September 1, 2003 (Start Time: 58:02)

as the night pulls you in

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TRACK LISTING

“Past The Noise” by Ben Lovett from The Signal Soundtrack (Lakeshore Records), Released February 19, 2009 (Start Time: 00:00)

“A Smaller World” by Isol from Unkown (Unknown), Released Unknown (Start Time: 03:58)

“Not A Soul, Not A Sound” by David Helpling and Jon Jenkins from Treasure (Spotted Pecarry), Released June 12, 2007 (Start Time: 08:22)

“Craft (Dimensional Release)” by Michael Stearns from Encounter: A Journey In The Key Of Space (Hearts of Space), Released July 1, 1991 (Start Time: 18:35)

“Glacial” by Les Landes from Spatial Correlation (Netlabel), Released 2008 (Start Time: 24:50)

“The Evil That Never Arrived” by Stars Of The Lid from And Their Refinement Of The Decline (Kranky), Released April 3, 2007 (Start Time: 29:18)

“Isolation” by Steve Roach and Vidna Obmana from Innerzone (Projekt Records), Released May 14, 2002 (Start Time: 34:10)

“Envelopes” by Macabro from Envelopes (Magnatune), Released June 11, 2011 (Start Time: 39:35)

“Corsair” by Boards Of Canada from Geogaddi (Warp Records), Released February 18, 2007 (Start Time: 41:45)

“Gate” by Ken Ikeda from Merge (Touch), Released July 31, 2003 (Start Time: 44:13)

“Pleroma” by Zero Ohms from The Glass Bead Game (Zop Opus), Released 1999 (Start Time: 48:20)

“Chi Filter/Coming Down” by Masters Of Psychedelic Ambiance from Mu (Rather Interesting), Released April 1995 (Start Time: 52:47)

mother earth, she breathes

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TRACK LISTING

“The Lost Sun” by The Birdtree from Orchards And Caravans (Last Visible Dog), Released 2003 (Start Time: 00:00)

“Spinning Away From The Earth” by Dave Preston from Soundtrack For Motion (CDBY), Released July 20, 2010 (Start Time: 02:04)

                                                                                

“Avenue Of Trees” by John Foxx And Harold Budd from Drift Music (Edsel Records UK), Released September 1, 2003 (Start Time: 07:08)

“Oxygen” by Tomorrowland from Sequence Of The Negative Space Changes (Kranky), Released January 1, 1998 (Start Time: 08:35)

“Above The Mellow Earth” by Vidna Obmana from Memories Compiled 2 (Projekt Records), Released July 6, 1999 (Start Time: 12:00)

“Wheel Of Earth (Excerpt)” by Robert Rich from Trances And Drones CD 2 (Relapse) Released July 4, 2000 (Start Time: 18:10)

“Exosphere” by Carbon Based Lifeforms from Hydroponic Garden (Ultimae Records), Released June 25, 2003 (Start Time: 24:26)

“Summertimes” by Stars Of The Lid from Carte-De-Visite (Stars Of The Lid / Cobraside), Released November 14, 2007 (Start Time: 29:24)

“Earth Energy (Excerpt)” by Satori from Healing: Rhythm Of The Earth (Magnatune), Released November 20, 2010 (Start Time: 34:39)

“Obera Sundown” by Bark Cat Bark from Cittadinanza (N/A), Released Unkown (Start Time: 37:02)

“Summer In Your Mouth” by SubtractiveLAD from Life At The End Of The World (n5MD), Released February 9, 2010 (Start Time: 39:38)

“Dopamine Clouds Over Craven Village” by Stars Of The Lid from And Their Refinement Of The Decline (Kranky), Released April 3, 2007 (Start Time: 44:40)

“Nightliner” by Popnoname from Pop Ambient 2009 (Kompakt Germany), Released February 17, 2009 (Start Time: 50:14) 

cosmic drift

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TRACK LISTING

• “The Sky Is Silent” by Adam Fielding from Lightfields (Distinctive Records), Released December 12, 2010 (Start Time: 00:00)

• “Goldstone” by Jonn Serrie from The Stargazer’s Journey (New World Music), Released August 19, 2003 (Start Time: 02:41)

• “Within (Choir Of The Ascending Spirit)” by Michael Stearns from Encounter (Hearts Of Space), Released July 1, 1991 (Start Time: 10:41)

• “Inner Refuge” by Conelrad from Five Automatic Landings (N/A), Released 2011 (Start Time: 14:27)

• “Orion Transfer 12” by Peter Namlook and Tetsu Inoue from Shades Of Orion 2 (Ambient World), Released August 5, 2003 (Start Time: 19:34)

• “Live At SEL I-S-C; Part 4” by Atom Heart from A Thousand Petals (Unknown), Released April 11, 1994 (Start Time: 24:22)

• “Atrium” by Between Interval from Autumn Continent (Spotted Peccary), Released August 8, 2006 (Start Time: 29:36)

• “Be Something” by Dave Preston from Be (Iedima Records), Released June 1, 2010 (Start Time: 35:22)

• “The Tension Was Beautiful” by Koda from Movements (Infraction Records), Released December 28, 2004 (Start Time: 40:40)

• “Requiem For Dying Mothers Part 2” by Stars Of The Lid from The Tired Sounds Of (Kranky), Released October 30, 2001 (Start Time: 44:50)

...and breathe

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TRACK LISTING

• “Low Light” by Peter Gabriel from OVO: The Millennium Show (Real World Records), Released August 8, 2000 (Start Time: 0:00)

• “Alchemist” by Philip Pickett from Alchemist (London), Released July 21, 1989 (Start Time: 6:36)

• “Don't Bother, They're Here” by Stars Of The Lid from And Their Refinement Of The Decline (Kranky), Released April 3, 2007 (Start Time: 9:35)

• “The Great Silence” by Bombay Dub Orchestra from Bombay Dub Orchestra (Six Degrees), Released February 28, 2006 (Start Time: 19:36)

• “Empress You Are” by Paul Avgerinos from Words Touch (Round Sky Music), Released November 21, 2001 (Start Time: 25:50)

• “World Of Sleepers” by Carbon Based Lifeforms from World Of Sleepers (Ultimae Records), Released November 27, 2006 (Start Time: 36:20)

• “The Deep And Lovely Quiet” by SubtractiveLAD from Life At The End Of The World (n5MD), Released February 9, 2010 (Start Time: 39:08)          

• “Falling Down A Dam Of Mashed Potatoes” by Lawrence from Childish Music (Staubgold), Released April 25, 2005 (Start Time: 44:20)

• “Lead Lined” by Conelrad from Community Shelter Planning (“no label”), Released 2007 (Start Time: 47:51)

reflection

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TRACK LISTING

• "Ignacio" by Vangelis from Ignacio/Entends-Tu Les Chiens Aboyer (Egg/Barclay) Released 1975 (Start Time: 0:00)

• "10 12 18" by Global Communication from 76:14 (Dedicated/BMG Records/Arista/Legacy/SME) Released June 1994 (Start Time: 4:10)

• "Requiem For Dying Mothers Part 1" by Stars Of The Lid from (Kranky) Released October 29, 2001 (Start Time: 16:15)

• "Always With You" by Paul Avgerinos from Words Touch (Round Sky Music) Released November 21, 2001 (Start Time: 22:52)

• "Kobresia" by Biosphere from Substrata (Touch UK) Released January 1, 2004 (Start Time: 34:33)

• "Thunderstorm" By Unknown from Unknown (Start Time 41:14)

• "Memories Of Green" by Vangelis from the Blade Runner Soundtrack (Atlantic/Wea) Released June 21, 1994 (Start Time: 42:55)