Configurations 13

Central Coherence (Gai Barone Remix)

Configurations 16

Games People Play (Vincenzo Remix)

Games People Play

Ego States (James Welsh Remix)

Configurations 18

Impulsivity (Vincenzo Remix) [feat. juSt b]

Dimensions of Human Existence, Pt. 1

The Spiritual Dimension (Nolan Remix)

The Social Dimension (James Welsh Remix)

Everyday Mysteries, Pt. 1

Sleep Disturbance

2024 will see a series of ten releases from configurations of self that is based on the theme of Everyday Mysteries and existential meaning influenced by Emmy Van Duerzen. The series emphasises the problems of everyday living and human dilemmas that develop as we navigate life and our own existence. Each release has a message attached and the message forms the basis of each of the tracks. I do not want to write about each track, as you can listen to it and make your own mind up about them.

Across the ten parts, artists such as James Welsh, Nolan, Vincenzo, Chris Cargo, Lloyd Barwood, Echomen, Tim French & juSt b will be collaborating, remixing and providing originals. The first three releases have been created using the SOMA Terra synthesiser due to its organic feel. The melodic content within the tracks has been recorded by Lakes and Mountains and processed in the studio.

The message in part 1 is by Kierkegaard who talks about how we as individuals sometimes do not accept ourselves, we are maybe able to appear in different ways, do different things and look different or even think in different ways, but deep down, essentially there is only one entity that remains the same. It is that entity that can be called ourselves and that is who we are at our core. Kierkegaard argues that we spend so much time avoiding who we are and trying to fit into a box that we feel is accepted in a materialist society. I am hoping the message in each release may help people think about their lives and ask questions to themselves about making any changes if needed.

It is important to me that configurations as a label stays true to its roots of creating music that has a psychological meaning and is connected to my work that supports people with their mental and emotional wellbeing.

This Mix was created by myself and includes all x 4 tracks from  part 1 EP and other tracks I am enjoying at the moment. 

Each future release of Everyday Mysteries will include a mix

Alexander Church - Everyday Mysteries Part 1 Mix

Moments on the Shoreline, Pt. 1

Derwentwater (Ranj Kaler Floating Remix)

Melia (Ranj Kaler 5am Sunrise Remix)

Moments on the Shoreline, Pt. 2

Es Vedra (Ranj Kaler Twilight Remix)

Cala D Hort

What lies beneath is a radio show broadcast once a month featuring a configurations mix along with a discussion with an electronic music producer. The discussion aims to offer the producer an opportunity to talk about their processes behind creating the music on both a technical an emotional level. Part 1 provides some insight into Chris Scott (Lexicon Avenue & Echomen).

What Lies Beneath Part 1 - A discussion with Chris Scott (Lexicon Avenue & Echomen)

Part 2 of what lies beneath features an in depth discussion with Tim French about his journey within the electronic music scene and processes as a producer. Really down to earth guy and it was pleasure speaking with him. Tim has done some great remixes and originals for the label and it is great to be connected with him

What Lies Beneath Part 2 - Discussion with Tim French

Moments on the Shoreline, Pt. 4

Interweaves (Ranj Kaler's 3rd Hour Remix)

Seascapes

Seascapes (Ranj Kaler's Velvet Remix)

Familiar Faces, Pt. 1

Silent Gaze (Ranj Kalers Stratos Remix)

Moments on the Shoreline, Pt. 5

Beneath a Winters Sky

Dawns Renewal

Familiar Faces, Pt. 2

No Expectations (Ranj Kaler Rising Sun Remix)

Radical Honesty

Familiar Faces, Pt. 3

Surreal Moments

Radical Honesty (Tim French Trio Logic Remix)

No Expectations

Reality Check (Ranj Kaler Distracted Remix)

Surreal Moments (Ranj Kaler Crystalised Remix)

Reality Check

Alexander Church is back on his Configurations Of Self label with four melodically driven cuts entitled ‘Confirmation Bias’.

Configurations EPs provide emotiveness and glistening sound design influenced by psychological theory.

Church is steadily leaving his mark on the electronic music world as he brings his open-minded and adventurous approach to production where he delves into varying styles fusing melodic soundscapes electronics and techno.

‘Confirmation Bias’ kicks off proceedings with dreamy chord progression, gentle vocas and emphatic melodies before ‘Social Construction’ maintains the warm vibrations through sweeping pads, euphoric textures and rhythmic bass grooves shimmering throughout.
On the flip, colourful sonic elements harmonioiusly balanced with uplifting synth waves and resonating kicks take the foucs in ‘Circular Casualy’ until ‘Psuedo Sciences’ rounds things off with rolling, organic percussion, breathtaking modulations and rumbling low frequencies to keep the energy flowing.

Pseudo Sciences

Alexander Church continues to establish his vital Configurations of Self label with a new collaborative project with James Welsh, focussing on the theme of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Church is an adventurous artist who has been in the scene since the mid-nineties. He has made everything from melodic soundscapes to industrial techno under a range of aliases and always draws inspiration from his own deep thinking and desire to tell a personal story. This new project is an introduction to a series of collaborations between Church and Welsh that spotlight PTSD. 
This is Part 1, with Part 2 coming a month later and two further EPs later in 2020, all on the same PTSD

"Each track in this series aims to propel the listener into different thoughts and experiences aimed at exploring our own fears and sadness."

The EP opens with 'Grief & Loss', a superb piece of elegant techno with lithe synths, cosmic chord sweeps and the sort of late night energy that defines early Detroit sounds. It is musical techno of the highest order.

James Welsh has been making inventive electronic sounds on labels like Phantasy Sounds, among others for many years. He always layers up enveloping bass and skyward synths into highly intoxicating and avant garde tracks. 

Here he reworks 'Grief & Loss' into a cosmic techno
adventure with hi-tek soul and intricately layered synths all soaring and gliding.

'Conditions Of Worth' then builds up bleeping synth sounds into molten layers of Millsian techno that will carry you deep in on yourself to ruminate. It is timeless techno that oozes class. 

Welsh's version is more uptempo, with skittish lines shooting about the mix over cantering, rubbery drums that get you into a real state of hypnosis.

Once again here, Configurations of Self offers up thought-provoking techno from the very sharp end.

Grief And Loss

Exploring Fear & Sadness Part 2 is the second instalment of a new series from
Configurations of Self boss Alexander Church once again featuring versions from James Welsh.

This project is a series of collaborations between Church and Welsh that explore the deeper
recesses of the mind through electronic music . Part 2 comes a month after the first chapter and later in the year there will be two further EPs that delve into the theme of PTSD through music and an immersive VR experience.

Kicking things off here is the brilliant 'Nature & Nurture', a lush techno track layered up with rubbery bass, sleek synths, deft percussion and shimmering lines that all bring real dynamism.

Long time studio wizard James Welsh shows off the skills that have landed him on labels like Phantasy Sound and in the record crates of the likes of Laurent Garnier. His version is a driving one with a real sense of urgent techno funk that is riddled with an acid bassline and crisp hi hats that mean it brims with future soul from start to finish.

Church then offers 'Graded Exposure', a darker, more insular techno track with a real sense of pain. The rumbling drums and bass and the melancholic chords all build to a peak that is stripped back but enthralling and filled with sonic detail.
Welsh then rebuilds the track in harmonic layers that get deep under your skin and add up to brilliant musical meditation.

Nature Vs Nurture  (James Welsh Version)

Use Of Self (Jody Barr Remix)

Welcome To My World

Dragi Tanya (Jussi Peka Remix)

☆ NEW Configurations 22 | Blackheart Pt.2 https://www.beatport.com/release/blackheart-pt-2/4114312

🗿 Configurations of Self

We are a niche imprint, established in 2019 by producer & sound designer Alexander Church, fusing academic teachings, music, & passion for visual media.

The concept is based on psychological theories & ideas, with each piece of music representing emotional responses to the processes, feelings, and self-awareness that label boss Alexander Church has experienced through his study of psychology and counselling. The track titles are a direct reflection of these, allowing for greater awareness of the multiple defences, behaviours, and personality traits one has.

Each EP, some of which are vinyl-pressed, is themed around a particular part of Church's life and academic journey, with accompanying media showcasing Church's own photography of rural & empty places, lakes, and the coast. Melodic, atmospheric and expansive sounds paired with deep, futuristic dub, breaks, & techno that connect on both the mental & physical level is what we strive for. 

For more please visit: https://configofself.com/

"a configuration of self is a hypothetical construct denoting a coherent pattern of feelings, thoughts, and preferred behavioural responses symbolised or pre-symbolised by the person as reflective of a dimension of existence within the self" (Thorne and Mearns, 2000) 

🗿 Life Scripts

As an off-shoot of Configurations of Self, the new Life Scripts imprint will focus on more experimental, ambient, minimal, and breakbeat sounds, inspired by the use of boutique analog synthesizers from Buchla, Black Corporation, Portabella, and Erica Synths, including the Syntrx and Sky Dada System. It stems from the collaboration of Church & frequent studio partner, James Welsh, who together make up the newly formed duo, Common Factors. A name and idea which arose from the two producers’ first encounter and the realization of their many common interests, particularly synthesizers. 

While most of the releases will be from Church & Welsh, they are also open to other stand-out producers with whom they may collaborate.  

Already receiving outstanding early support from the likes of BBC's Erol Alkan & Tom Ravenscroft, NTS Radio, John Digweed, Sasha, Nick Warren, Jamie Stevens, and more, the label has seen 7 EPs since its inception in Jan. '21, including the latest 2022 release with @just-b-4.

"Life Scripts are unconscious relational patterns derived from childhood reactions and experiences. They begin at birth, are reinforced by parents, justified by subsequent events, and culminate into a chosen alternative, outside of awareness, for the remainder of adult life. They can be either extremely empowering or severely limiting."

Popular tracks by Configurations Of Self || Alexander Church