from 'The Last Garden' [CD|LP|DIGITAL]
Denovali Records · den366
available on all formats at http://denovali.com/birdsofpassage

After 3 years, New Zealand based Alicia Merz breaks her silence with her 5th Birds of Passage album ‘The Last Garden’. Alicia doesn’t share much with the public, except through her music, and so this album offers a rare glimpse into her secret world. Lose yourself in a universe of minimalist soundscapes, reinvented shoegaze, and the words of a poet who all too well knows the cold loneliness of the dark, but can find the breathless beauty in it also.

"Birds of Passage is humble and heartbroken. Her warm words are crimson berries that bear fruit in the cold depths of winter, hanging over crooked, bare branches where nothing else survives. Her dove-like vocals soar, but her introverted lyrics blossom with the fondness of love." (Fluid Radio)

"Alicia presents us with an endearing invitation into her fragile world, a captivating journey through the landscapes of her emotional euphoria and agony, a further commitment to musical experimentation… The cold minimalist-drones, distorted field recordings, and sparse instrumentation, illustrate an icy, desolate and dark world. It’s as if we are listening to the sound of winter itself; an audio exposure to the unforgiving elements of winter." (Headphone Commute)

The Last Garden

Birds of Passage - The Creed

from 'Heavy Light' [CD|LP|DIGITAL]
Denovali Records · den368
available on all formats at denovali.com/orsonhentschel

Three years after his last studio album, Orson Hentschel returns with a multi-outputted visual album. Heavy Light, the title of his fourth album project, consists of three parts - a 3-channel film installation, a visual live-performance and the album itself. Hentschel expands the format of the conventional album to an audiovisual experience by merging elements of film, dance and music in a synthesis of arts. The project evolved in the time of Corona, which first affected him visually when the city (Berlin) turned into a ghost town during the first lockdown. Light became the most vibrant element in the city, which influenced both picture and sound. Metallic, sometimes harsh and electrifying, surroundings of the urban life are landscaped into eclectic pulses.

Heavy Light

Antenna Window

Orson Hentschel - Antenna Window

from 'Everything Will Change (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' [CD|LP|DIGITAL]
Denovali Records · den373
available on all formats at https://denovali.com/garymarlowe

“This film is one of those revelatory experiences that make you want to get up and do something.'' (WIM WENDERS)

When a living legend like Wim Wenders ("Paris, Texas"; "The Million Dollar Hotel"; "Buenavista Social Club”) decides to appear as a future version of himself in a movie, there must be something outstanding about it. The idea of the film is brilliant: We see our time through the eyes of our grandchildren, many years ahead. By the means of a fable, disguised as a documentary from the future, we understand that the era we critizise so much will actually be seen as the good old days. A true eye-opener.

Gary Marlowe began playing piano at four, turned into a synthesizer prodigy and much respected “synth god”, shared the stage with Iggy Pop and The Ramones, became a No.1 hit songwriter, and Gold Record winning producer. He is an official Steinway Artist, and has won numerous international awards for his film scores, which combine synthesizers, piano, electronica and orchestra to create unexpected, beautifully human sound worlds.

The choice of instruments was crucial to elevate the overall impression of the movie. Almost mythical organs, like the Farfisa Compact Duo Deluxe (as once used in early Pink Floyd) or a Philicorda, both made in 1967, were brought out as well as vintage synthesizer icons like the Minimoog, the Arp Solina or the monstrous Oberheim OB-8. To help the narrative, Gary Marlowe integrated a new sound aesthetic in the music dramaturgy of the film, with the help of the research teams of manufacturers like Arturia in France, or Bristol-based Modal Electronics, who provided brand new instruments to the artist, to create mesmerizing sounds which no audience has ever heard before.

To maximise the acoustic quality, Marlowe called in one of his favorite mixing engineers, to finalize the score together. Hans-Martin “HM” Buff, formerly personal engineer of Prince, joined the composer again, to carefully mix all those wonderful, delicate or thundering sounds into an exciting musical landscape. A landscape of a fragile future, which is still in our hands to define.

“A science fiction film about exctinction? To me, this is one of the most pressing topics of our time, and it is dangerously late to be addressed. Making and watching this movie is better than signing a hundred petitions.” (Gary Marlowe)

Everything Will Change (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

The Journey

Gary Marlowe - The Journey

from 'Heide' [CD|LP|DIGITAL]
Denovali Records · den359
available on all formats at http://denovali.com/nanookofthenorth

Nanook of the North is back with their second album, following the enthusiastically received 2018 debut "Nanook of the North," (Denovali) The duo of a composer and violinist Stefan Wesołowski and electronic producer Piotr Kaliński were acclaimed by Boiler Room, The Wire or NPR. Bob Boilen of Tiny Desk Concerts called Nanook of the North's performance at the famous SXSW Festival in Austin, US "one of the wow moments of SXSW". Their new material is a raw and minimalist sonic landscape, practically devoid of percussive elements but featuring vocals by an acclaimed mezzo-soprano Margarita Slepakova. As with the debut, the music on "Heide" is rooted in nature and its primordiality. The title of the album alludes to wildness and untamedness, and the material was recorded last winter in a village located in the middle of forests in the northern Poland, which is clearly felt in the atmosphere of the 9 new tracks on "Heide". The publisher of the album (CD | Vinyl | Download) is the renowned German label Denovali.

Stefan Wesołowski is a Polish composer and violinist, author of critically acclaimed original albums and film music scores. Associated with publisher Mute Song and record labels like Important Records, Lakeshore Records, Ici D'ailleurs and Back Lot Music. He is an author of original soundtrack to „Listen to me Marlon” (Universal) - Oscar-shortlisted and BAFTA-nominated documentary on Marlon Brando directed by Stevan Riley and original soundtrack to Irish feature film by Nathalie Biancheri entitled „Wolf” (Focus Features), starring Lily-Rose Deep and George MacKay, premiered 2021 at Toronto Interational Film Festival.

Piotr Kaliński is na electronic music producer and guitarist. Based in Gdańsk, Poland. Associated with record labels like R&S Records and Instant Classic. Member of Hinode Tapes, Hatti Vatti and JANKA bands. One of the most active figures in Polish alternative scene - in last few years he performed live in many countries across Europe, Japan, Korea and United States. Kaliński is an author of original music for short films, fashion brands campaigns like Calvin Klein or Paul Smith and games (i.e. „Cyberpunk 2077”).

Margarita Slepakova is a coloratura mezzo-soprano specialized in the field of historical practices of early music. Based in Switzerland, she is a renowned opera, concert, and recital singer, collaborating with ensembles and orchestras all over Europe. Slepakova is a founder of Le Sommeil project, specializing in French music of the 17th century. She sang in many concert halls and opera houses including Carnegie Hall and Royal Albert Hall during BBC Proms. Margarita also performs contemporary music and has premiered pieces written especially for her voice.

Heide

Heide III

Nanook Of The North - Heide III

from 'Oscuras Flores' [CD|LP|DIGITAL]
Denovali Records · den369
available on all formats at http://denovali.com/mansur

MANSUR is the newly initiated project by Jason Kohnen (ex-The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble) joined by Dimitry El-Demerdashi (ex-Phurpa) and introducing Martina Horváth on vocals. The sound of MANSUR navigates between the waters of musical fantasy and reality - it morphs and blends traditional instrumentation with modern day electronica.

After the debut record "Temple", the debut full length "Karma" and the live improv recording "Minotaurus" MANSUR returns with the fourth record "Oscuras Flores". "Oscuras Flores" (Dark Flowers), the title derived from a Federico Garcia Lorca poem, and conceptually inspired by the works of Vandana Shiva, "Oscuras Flores" is a musical testimony for a return to organic and a healthier symbiosis with our planet. A hommage to the natural seeds of life, Mother Nature and planet Earth…

Jason Köhnen: Bass / Electronics
Dimitry El Demerdashi: Oud
Martina Horváth: Vocals

Oscuras Flores

Salome

Mansur - Salome

Check us out on: https://linktr.ee/legacyofthought

The album: Chasing Shadows

Introducing "Chasing Shadows," an ambient cinematic album following Symfaerā, the elf guardian of the Eladrin, on her quest to uncover the truth behind her fallen comrade in Easthaven. Through haunting melodies and evocative soundscapes, delve into Symfaerā's journey as she navigates the shadows of mystery and intrigue. Join us on this transcendent musical odyssey into the heart of Symfaerā's quest.
Read while listening: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSR6BaRENuS8PcUolTsNesblP04MxRVyd9qdrmKreG2gP0A15fzfAZXGRm6sAZp0yPecmD59ckafYJt/pub

Release date: 03-05-2024 on Legacy of Thought label:

The tracks:
01 Ambient Indigo - Symfaerā
02 Progeny-1 - Echoes of Shadow
03 Ambient Indigo - Beneath the Surface
04 Sonic Bodhi - Mysteries of the South
05 Ambient Indigo - The Flooded Forest

Artwork & mastering: Chris Held

Progeny-1: https://soundcloud.com/progeny-1-617773258
Ambient Indigo: https://soundcloud.com/ambientindigo
Sonic Bodhi: https://soundcloud.com/sonic-bodhi

Echoes Of Shadow  *Chasing Shadows*

Watch the film here: https://vimeo.com/198811503

Epoch is an experimental film intended to take you on a voyage through our solar system and beyond. It is a personal project orchestrated to share our enjoyment and admiration for science fiction films and literature.

To optimize your viewing experience, Epoch is best experienced with a full screen, no artificial light intrusion, ample sound speakers, and an open mind free of predictions or expectations in order to allow the film to guide you on its expedition and take you to another place entirely. Enjoy the journey. See you on the other side.

For more information and an in-depth breakdown please visit - ashthorp.com

Design/Production/Direction - Ash Thorp
Design/Production/Direction - Chris Bjerre
Score - Ben Lukas Boysen
Score - Yair Elazar Glotman

Epoch

Ben Lukas Boysen & Yair Elazar Glotman - Epoch

This my version of Fovea Hex's piece "All Those Signs" released on 21 June 2017. I was particularly inspired by the original song and was very pleased to contribute to this release.

This remix is contained on the Bonus Cd only which can be found here:
http://janetrecords.com/2017/buy.html

Their original version can be listened here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA0dEukZyfQ

The Salt Garden II

FOVEA HEX - We Dream All The Dark Away (Abul Mogard Remix)

Aloft

Mirall

Rauelsson - Sierra

Another week, another track premiere… but is it truly just ‘another’ track that bubbled up onto the top of this appending queue? I feel I know the work that goes in by composers. No matter if the track is short of stretched in time. Each little note, each pad evolving in its frequency band. Each slight adjustment to the volume curve, to carry forth the story in dynamics. Each atmospheric treatment with the reverbed textures. Each painstakingly placed sound in the stereo field – front, back, and center. Post-processed, mixed, and mastered; listened to on every speaker; then played and listened to again, again, and then some more, until the music feels just perfect for the only one who made it. And what about the others? Will they hear the small details, the carved out, guided path, the melodies that pierce the harmony in places, the melodies that hold the message of the piece? Who’s genuinely listening out there, consuming and appreciating the endless time and love poured into music? I know that I am. I hope you hear it too…

This is the sixth full-length for Bordeaux-based Franck Zaragoza, appearing, once again, on the beloved n5MD under his Ocoeur moniker, under which he’s been making music for over a decade now. The album embraces sound design with its melodic side of synthesizer music. So all the knob-twist-junkies of the analog and software emulations can marvel at the output that’s much more than just another jamming-late-night-sink-hole of their time. Here, Zaragoza brings it all together into a single cohesive package of an album that seeps with inspiration from its every nook. The sound is rounded and gentle, in many places very vital and organic, and then is structured in the architecture of complex rhythmic twists [check out “Glow” on the full album when it comes out tomorrow]. Meanwhile, the concept comes in with a message, of slowly fading and receding from reality, into our anti-social, virtual, and ego-feeding worlds.

"‘Everything’ is an expression of empathy towards our world that I feel is being completely neglected and abused. It is like a clock ticking reminding us the creation, the beauty and happiness trampled by emotionless people, blinded by their own greed and hatred." --Franck Zaragoza

Catch Everything on n5MD released tomorrow, February 28th. Available on all digital platforms, digipak CD, and 180 grams of ultra-clear vinyl.

Gary Marlowe - The Journey

Denovali

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