the slow drift (episode 034)

Every now and then I really get the bug to host something that just completely wraps me up in a cocoon created of sound, light, and depth. Without fail once again, I have to give a huge tip of the hat to Mr. Andrew Hoffman at THE SLOW DRIFT for having the delicate touch to create such an ethereal and melancholic journey into the sublime. I really can't put my finger on it, but the color and beauty in EPISODE 034 moves me in a way that a few rare mixes do. Something about the way the entire piece flows feels like a very subtle trickle that forms an ocean, all without effort or worry.

To me, Andrew defines and refines ambient radio. Taking in Andrew's mixes drive home the fact that he absolutely loves what he's surrounded by, and can find such beautiful pieces to weave into heartfelt epics. Take in more from Andrew through his MIXCLOUD page, or on THE SLOW DRIFT website. You can also stream Andrew's broadcast on Tuesdays (guest what day it is for me?) from 11:00-12:00 P.M. EST from the WRFI.ORG website. Thanks for turning colors into portraits of sound, Andrew! Turn on, tune in, sleep...

[DOWNLOAD EPISODE 034]

guest mix: the silent project (part III)

I've been dragging my feet on this way too long as I've been wrapping things up on my latest release, I've been on tour, and I'm taking a class on technical business writing that is keeping my mind humming. Now I'm ready to bring you one of the most amazing pieces of ambient- and mood-enhanced sonic pleasures brought to you by none other than THE SILENT PROJECT.

MÉANDRES by The Silent Project is the new standard by which all mixes will (and should be) measured up to. It becomes increasingly difficult for many (myself included) to not be humbled by such a perfect piece that is laid out so logically, with each color lining up to set up the next. It's almost depressing to hear something that is so above and beyond that will inevitably send me to the drawing board wondering how I could even hold a match to one of the greatest things ever. The opening is dark, and the gravitational pull of it takes in your full mental awareness, twisting your mind around and around while dropping bits of shadow and light onto it without stopping its momentum. 

headspace

Finally got this all mixed (to the best of my ability, not sure if that says much) and put out the door. I've been working on this for months, no kidding. I've learned a lot about the entire recording process (always do), and about organizing myself (biggest nightmare ever). Anyhow, to everyone, here is my gift to you. There is over an hour's worth of music on this, and I was very meticulous in creating the right sounds, getting everything to line up really nice, and having a very large diverse bit of music to satisfy every type of ambient music lover. I did post this up on Soundcloud a while back, but the songs have evolved quite a bit since then and have had much better treatment. 

from the darkness comes light

I've been tuning into a lot of new music lately, and catching some speeches by Neil deGrasse Tyson (whose voice appears in the intro of this mix) who is somewhat of a astronomy genius. Very deep mind. I wanted to put a bit of the new music into this mix (as well as some familiar faces that have graced Spaceman's Transmissions in the past like Ben Woods [my favorite!], Hammock, and, well, a few original compositions). I want to point you to Ben Woods' BANDCAMP page as I lean on him heavily to create the mixes that I do. Also, you can download the original compositions that I did with Petal from the Rusted Sun Collective BANDCAMP page. You may also download my latest release entitled HEADSPACE from Bandcamp (put it up today!).

guest mix: mantraman

I'm very proud to be bringing the music of MANTRAMAN to the masses for this outing on Spaceman's Transmissions. I've been digging on Mantraman's mixes for a bit now, and I finally get a chance to show the love. I've been blessed with having the opportunity to host 3 mixes. 

Within his mixes you will find a colorful mindtrip of perfectly balanced moods, reflecting his quest for peace and solitude. Even his profile picture exudes tranquility and is the epitome of chill. When I'm in need of a deep mental massage or that escape pod that houses my turbulent mind for intergalactic travel, I look no further than Mantraman's mixes. His quest for the perfect mix to calibrate the soul is not without merit.

guest mix: faction (part II)

I got contacted recently by FACTION (Ben Selby) about a new mix that he's created. Out of all of the artists that I follow, Ben is probably one of the guys that blow my mind in the biggest way. His sonic tapestries are a huge journey into the subconscious, stopping at the various synapses which bring light and sound into focus. Given the vast amount of influences and music, Faction flawless (and consistently) pieces together the most seamless mixes ever.  I can never seem to find edits in his mixes. His canvases are a perfect blend of light and dark colors that are pleasing, challenging, and ever shapeshifting. Not only are they musically gratifying, but the work ethic that he displays is unrivaled and unparalleled.

For this guest mix, I am absolutely honored to be a part of hosting [ TIME IS WHAT KEEPS THE LIGHT FROM REACHING US ]. Make sure that you are well prepared with open ears and open mind. This will allow the music to ebb and flow into your mind's ether, penetrating the pores that drink color and taste sound. If you choose to only listen, you will miss the finer points of the mix. The best option is to experience the mix while fully disengaging distractions and fully engaging undivided attention. Upon taking in the mix, your sense of gravity will calibrate, your senses will be renewed with extreme precision, and you mental state will have increased to absolute efficiency. Or your money back.

memories of the unknown

Deja vu (sorry for the lack of correct characters over the letters) can be described as a sensation of realizing the remembrance of a certain event or place, whether you've actually experienced it or not. We see things, and we remember. We hear things, we remember. Our entire lives are based upon memories, and how they stitch us up shapes who we are. We are formed like clay from the sights and sounds that were with us longer than we can remember.

I spent a bit of time this summer at my childhood hometown, and seeing so many familiar things brought back floods of intense feelings. But for the life of me, I couldn't quite put my finger on why. Everything was very much a part of my life, but at the same time very distant from me. I tried to recapture and revive the initial moments of certain landmarks that had meant so much to me many years ago. But in the end, I gave in, retiring the fuzzy thoughts to my gray matter as balloons that I had let go so many years ago. Like most, I could spend all of my time and energy seeking the puzzle pieces that have long turned into a wind-torn memory. 

ben woods

I'm about 90% done with my next mix as I'm finishing up some transitions and searching for the last epic closer. I really wanted to share some music of a musician that I've been using a bit and that has really been drawing me in with some of the best compositions that I've been coming across. 

For those of you that dig into the track listing, you'll see that I'm been taking advantage of sharing the amazing compositions of Ben Woods, and ambient pianist that weaves pure gold. The more that I listen, the more I'm really pulled into his colorful universe of sound and light. His music is highly inspiring, soothing, and created with such honesty and intensity. The most unreal part of it all is that his music if free from BANDCAMP (above is his latest release). Highly unbelievable. Pay Ben a visit, and take in his unrivaled mastery channeled through beautiful compositions. 

Also, be sure to follow him on TWITTER and FACEBOOK as he posts new music every now and then. Like Christmas all year round. Peace.

//tonepoet//

collaboration: fading light (part I & 2)

Tonepoet: 
I can say that for me, it's a dream come true to have finally been involved in a collaboration with a mix-artist that is without a doubt one of my favorites. I've been digging on JUNKYARD ANGEL's mixes since he first started uploading mixes on Mixcloud. I've hosted his mixes here quite a bit (more than anyone else), and have had such candid and (dear I say?) brotherly contact with him despite our differences in time, culture, and location. All of his music lives on my media player, and accompanies me on my bike rides, in my car, or anywhere else that I use it (which is everywhere) for getting my fix of great new music. I save his comments, and mark his emails as 'unread' so that I can take in his wit and gather the positive vibe that he exudes again and again. 

We've talked long about our musical interests, and lives in general. We've actually bounced a few original ideas (that we'll get to at some point) back and forth. This, hopefully, serves as a springboard for that. I have to say, that after listening to so many of his mixes repeatedly, I would definitely have to bring my 'A' game with a mix. His vision for melding the bizarre, accentuating the awe-inspiring, and conjuring the twist of fear is something that marvels me. I brought the suggestion of a sort of final swan song or opus, as I've had mostly lighthearted mixes, and I knew that he would be able to pull out his magic wand and develop such a great story. Hence the name 'fading light'. It could mean the close of a day, a final breath, a dying thought, or a moment that has expired. While I could ramble on with all of this, I'm passing the torch over to Junkyard Angel for the remainder of the narrative. One last thing: if feels good to ride on the backs of angels.

rusted sun collective

Just did a collaborative EP with 2 other musicians (Javier Bilbao and Jon Wheeler aka PETAL) in a group effort entitled RUSTED SUN COLLECTIVE. We call the release 'Communicate'. With the download comes all the artwork that tags the files (each song has a different set of artwork tagged to it). We were blessed by CARAS IONUT to be allowed to tag our song 'For The Father We Never Found' with his artwork entitled 'Fresh Air' (many, MANY thanks to him for that!). Please pay him a visit on his website! To quote the narrative from the Bandcamp page: