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SERA028: Satellite Era presents "Soft Soil EP" - the debut project of queer multi-instrumentalist néel, formerly known as Boris Donskoff.

Out now on all major platforms: https://ffm.to/sera028

Trekking through long and humid days of a lively summer, we find ourselves yearning to take the longer route more frequently. In an effort to capture slowed moments of the expansive world around us, we turn to an eccentric up and comer to help us master meditation through downtempo and space.

It was only a couple short seasons ago that French artist néel introduced themselves to us, bringing forth handmade audio relics like a merchant traveling across the mountainous internet. We were enticed hearing the byproduct of computerized sounds blended with organic field recordings - a stark yet memorable contrast. We were then astonished to hear that these demos would only mark the beginning of this contemporary guitarist's journey into our sonic niche. With a little help from our vibrant and welcoming community, we planted their compelling seedlings into the damp dirt of our musical garden.

We are proud to unveil the latest strain of our creative harvest - one as sentimental as it is inventive. Welcome to "Soft Soil EP," the debut project of néel and a field guide to their search for a newfound sonic identity. The composition was mainly developed in an isolated countryside home, utilizing its calm yet hollowing ambiance as an instrument. This stripped-down site, sometimes lacking electricity, was then filled with recordings of various social encounters on the bustling streets of urban sprawls around Europe. This juxtaposition is celebrated throughout the EP, combining both realms into one that thoughtfully expresses how their heart splits in two. The introduction serves as a synopsis of the journey ahead, mashing environmental sounds drenched in reverb under their careful guitar plucks. "Antha" brings out a more synthesized approach to néel's overall intention, yet still sounds like electronica indulged in nature. "Softly Pushed" and "Restlessness" stand out as songs with city origins - recordings of mindless chatter and flailing metal coincide with the franticness of modern drum 'n' bass. The two are split by "Sagittarius," a ravishing track that effortlessly demands attention like an unforgettable live solo. "0011" allows the project to fade out with rustic trip-hop wielding an undeniable groove - it concludes with a captivating guitar piece that softly tops off the soil blend.

"Soft Soil EP" tells the story of an artist searching for their footing, breaking the tender ground beneath them with each cautious step toward the vast ecosystem of experimental electronic music. In néel's case, the allegory digs deeper as it unearths their harmonious roots and intertwines them with the tangible world. The mixture is equal parts personal as it is musical, paving the way for what will surely be a thrilling sonic adventure. 

Written & produced by néel
Mastered by Amir Mashayekhi
Designed by y3000w & Nic Juister

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