Chill Study Lifestyle

Delving into the Depths

Look, I know that many of my opening words often begin with “Today, I am thrilled to share with you a new piece by [so and so]”, but how can I not use the exact same opening line when one of my all-time favourite piano composers reaches out to me to premiere a piece from his newly-announced long-awaited album? This Norwegian musician’s first proper solo studio release appeared on the beloved Sonic Pieces in 2014, which we only later learned to be part of a trilogy of albums. But that doesn’t mean that I spent only the last decade listening to Otto A. Totland – together with his school friend Erik K. Skodvin, the duo has been making beautiful music as Deaf Center, releasing Neon City EP in 2004 on Type. We now see him being backed by Nils Frahm, who not only shares the production credits on his upcoming new album but also releases Exin on his very own Berlin-based LEITER imprint, which he founded with his manager Felix Grimm only a few years ago. This also means that the album was recorded at Frahm’s studio at Funkhaus complex, offering the most beautiful-sounding piano in the hands of the most beautiful-sounding mind. The emotionally charged and sometimes melancholy sound is still present in Totland’s collection of sixteen solo piano pieces, but there is also an upbeat and vibrant tint on a few, including the first single, “Marka”, which follows a classical staccato harmony that I can envision being played on a harpsichord. Yet pieces like “Lys” take me back to that particular flavour of Totland’s sonic tenderness to pull on my heartstrings, allowing me to get lost in those barely audible reverberations of the keys. The piece I’m sharing with you today is called “Rift”, an introspective and sombre reflection in just a few pensive chords.

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Rift

TRACK PREMIERE : Otto A. Totland - Rift

The first release of a compilation of remixes from artists of the Ambient Cat label.

Mastered by Dionis Afonichev (Dionisaf)
Cover picture by Dionis Afonichev with AI
Cover design by Dionis Afonichev (Dionisaf)

Ambient Cat Remixes, Vol. 1

Shimmering Lights (Le Code Remix)

Vetrnætr

Silent Fjords

Winter Memories

The 'Noise Print' project began from a desire to create deep, earthy textures. I had an image of walking along a narrow forest path and being very present in the moment. For this album I changed my usual approach by setting a one-hour time limit for each studio session. As soon as I set this limitation my ‘chattery brain’ started stirring up doubts about my ability to work under these confines- an hour wasn’t long enough to create ‘amazing music’ and that setting such restraints would be stopping me from producing quality work. However, once I started working, a diﬀerent, more grounded version of myself emerged-more sure footed and less neurotic and anxious, focused on the present moment rather than getting anxious over future outcomes. And the outcomes were good, I was really happy with the material I was creating and the whole of Noise Print was made in these sessions.  

While I made the album I started to think about identity, shadow selves, unconscious selves, versions of ourselves that are quite diﬀerent from the everyday person we think we are. In many ways this was quite comforting, the thought that my everyday self could take it’s hands of the wheel and let a grown up much more capable person could get on with the work. On reflection I realise that making music is one situation in my life where I’m able to tap into this state without too much diﬃculty (most of the time) but it was during the making of Noise Print that I actually noticed it was happening.  

This led me to think about the concept of shadow selves-alternate versions of our subconscious selves that operate beyond our everyday distractions and influences. Like the image of the forest track-a space where the noisy mental clutter fades, and a deeper, older self takes over.  

To sum this one up-it’s like a walk along a narrow forest path and the present moment is very much alive-your mind is right in ‘the now’ with past and future losing any meaning. The ‘Noise Print’ title came about by me thinking if you could print to tape the sound of your psyche/consciousness when your are in this present focused, deep state.  

- Phil Tomsett - April 2024

Noise Print

Phil Tomsett - Noise Print (Preview)

Cosmos and Clouds

Cosmos And Clouds

Sound Ambient v8

thanks to everyone who listens and supports.

Floatation Airwaves

Cluer 7

First singles from my upcoming album Hanuš. 


Amazon

Dreone - Hanuš Pt. II End

Experimental ambient music label.

Surreal music for a deep listening experience.

Shimmering Lights (Le Code Remix)

Chitra Records