This is the 2nd composition in my ongoing collaboration with artist and photographer Helena Whitten.

Helena uses the technique of slow-shutter exposure to capture the beauty and fragility of life in unexpected places. In her own words, "When the shutter on a camera is left open, there is the opportunity to capture a substantial segment of time. The action is then trapped in a two-dimensional image and can be viewed in its entirety, in an instant. The shutter rises like the curtain on a stage. A drama is played out and then the curtain falls. In that time, I see an opportunity to tell a story."

"The events and figures are almost living and breathing, they want to persist in the present and into the future. But the paradox of slow-shutter work is that these figures, with their disappearing arms, legs and heads, inescapably become ethereal and ghostlike, barely there and slipping away.

This photograph was taken at Poltimore House and is titled, "Forgotten".

To see more of Helena's stunning photography and our collaboration, follow our Instagram accounts:

www.instagram.com/helewhitty/
www.instagram.com/giftsfromcrows/

The Empty Mirror

just a blip in the multiverse in an air balloon

Belial Pelegrim is an electronic musician and producer known for crafting dark, cinematic, and experimental music. His work blends elements of ambient, glitch, IDM, and neoclassical styles, often creating immersive soundscapes that evoke a sense of mystery and introspection. Pelegrim's compositions are characterized by their rich textures and atmospheric depth. He frequently explores themes of surrealism, metaphysics, and the ethereal, drawing listeners into complex auditory experiences. Pelegrim's music often incorporates a hybrid of organic and electronic sounds, pushing the boundaries of conventional genres.​

UK based violinist and composer of modern classical, folk, ambient and filmic sounds with background experience playing in classical orchestras as well as performing and recording with contemporary folk/rock bands and as a soloist. 
I have written and recorded soundtracks for several independent films including  ‘Solitude’ and ‘Impulse’ and have co-written soundtracks for the 2024 Charles Netto film 'The Lily and the Scorpion' composed and performed the string parts for the Victoria pilot film 'The edge of the World' and on the Mariah Braun documentary 'Able' working alongside and guided by Canadian producer and composer Patrick Zelinski.
My music has also been used to accompany an artists work whilst on show at an exhibition
I regularly record as a session musician for other artists music and film media. This has included recording for 'Active Light Sound' on The EP ‘Dystopia’ and several singles such as 'Khala' with Amy Wallace and 'Lifeline' For Sadie-Lee
 I have also written and recorded several pieces with former San Francisco 49er and award nominated composer Eric Heitmann. Our track 'Ashes that Remain' is regularly used by TikTok and Youtube content creators. 
Most recently I have written and recorded with The German pianist and composer Juliano on the track 'Solace'

My music is dependent on where inspiration takes me. I hope you enjoy something here!

Richard Laurence is a composer of neoclassical and ambient piano music with a colourful background in post-rock and electronic studio projects.

Working under the name, ‘Gifts From Crows’, Laurence released his debut album, “Holding a Thought Forever”, in February 2021, a hauntingly beautiful collection of piano instrumentals augmented with samples, electronics and string arrangements. 

This was followed by a solo piano composition, ‘A Resolution’ which was released on Piano Day 2021 and also the E.P. ‘Northern Film Orchestra Sessions Vol. I’ which featured 3 tracks from the album arranged for a 20 piece ensemble recorded at Stoller Hall in Manchester.

The 2nd Gifts From Crows album, ‘Stories in Slow Light’ is a collaboration between composer Richard Laurence and photographer Helena Whitten. The project consists of 12 compositions all inspired by and composed around the themes depicted in Helena’s photographs. The album, along with 4 accompanying videos will be released progressively between now and February 2022.

The music of Gifts From Crows has been featured in Headphone Commute, Stationary Travels, York Calling, Music Dances When You Sleep and CutCommon Magazine. It has also been played on Classic FM, Scala Radio, Jorvik Radio and featured on the official Spotify playlist, Classical New Releases.

Upon him the contempt of three planets descended.

https://esslemont.bandcamp.com/