In September 2015, I got swept away by the sonic tapestry of modular synthesis, deep textures, and fluid dynamics (the sonic composition, not the discipline of physics and engineering) coming out from a mysterious Serbian composer calling himself Abul Mogard. The story was that this Belgrade-based retired metal factory worker, with no previous music background, picked up a vintage Farfisa organ and self-build modular synthesizer and began recreating the sounds surrounding him for many years.  It was a great story, but I didn't buy it because the production quality was simply top-notch, and I knew that it would have come from an experienced electronic musician. I wasn't wrong, and years later, we learned that it was an alter ego of an Italian Guido Zen. "Great story, Mike, but what does it have to do with today's track premiere?" Well, as far as I know, Jan Nemeček _is_ from Belgrade, and he does indeed build rich layers of sound from "raw tonalities of partially defunct digital synthesizers." In this organic meets digital sound-generating chain of "neural" synth network, Nemeček reveals lovely hidden depths with low sub-bass, drony mutations, and granulated particles, which slowly evolve on this subtle horizon. It's an absolutely delectable track, which would keep many sound designers entranced with its tasty details. And yes, albeit I enjoyed that fable of Mogard, I am indeed delighted that Jan Nemeček is real. Lovinly mastered by Stephan Mathieu!

Dissolved

On Subtle Horizon

TRACK PREMIERE : Jan Nemeček - On Subtle Horizon

Bersarin Quartett is not exactly comprised of a group of four people but is actually a project of a single mind that is of a  German electronic musician Thomas Bücker. I have been a huge fan of Bücker’s gorgeous compositions since his 2008 self-titled debut, which he released on Lidar. Four years later, he was picked up by the beloved Denovali Records, which has consistently appeared on these pages with their unique aesthetic that spans a variety of genres. And so I covered and praised this follow-up simply titled II, and then, in 2015, III, and then, in 2019, [finally] with a more memorable name, Methoden Und Maschinen. Suffice it to say that every single one of these releases ended up on my respective Best of the Year selections. So it should be of no surprise that I’m excited about Bersarin Quartett’s newly announced 5th album, coming out on December 15th [hey, journalists and bloggers, hit that pause on the publication of your favourites of the year!] titled Systeme. I’ve listened to the album many times now, and I can tell you that as an entire package, it brings together all my favourite elements of this particular contemporary genre and, of course, that of Bersarin Quartett’s. “While it still sounds popularly symphonic here and there, there are also many soundscapes that have an observing, almost unmasking effect.” This is particularly fascinating in Bücker’s more than successful attempt at electronic bass music, where he joins the ranks of another favourite musician of mine, Ben Lukas Boysen, seemingly blending neo-classical with neo-electronic styles, as will be evident in today’s exclusive track premiere.

Systeme

Neuronen

TRACK PREMIERE : Bersarin Quartett - Neuronen

If, 20 years ago, you told me that I'd still be writing about ambient music, I think I would have simply laughed. How much could be said, not just with words but also with these sounds? But as the years appear to speed up, I find myself immersed in it much more (even as I see so many other publications slowly disappear), discovering new layers, space and people who have another story to convey, one that I am happy to be a part of. Regular followers of this site will, without a doubt, recognise my personal connection with the present moment, often hoping to convince myself and others that we should focus on what is instead of how it was before and certainly instead of how it could be. How could it possibly be any other way? How could we not be here and now, experiencing all that's happening around us as it could only be? Are there better times ahead of us, or is it only doomsdays? And does it really matter when we get there in the end? Okay, I'll pause here for a time and focus on the music, premiering for you a piece by Austin-based ambient artist TJ Dumser, who releases music under his Six Missing moniker. This piece is titled "Guidance", and it is taken from his upcoming full-length, Here For Now. Across the twelve pieces on the album, soft pads, swirls, and swooshes are echoed in a faint, reverb-drenched ambient calm, sometimes accompanied by the quiet acoustic guitar strums, sometimes allowed to simply expand into infinite indistinct space. It's in this space where I find myself writing these words. Here for now... and hopefully for a little bit more...

Here For Now

Guidance

TRACK PREMIERE : Six Missing - Guidance

Good morning, friends. I’m finally taking a little break and going away for a couple of weeks, reflecting on the last year [and all the gorgeous music, of course], but before I leave, I wanted to share with you this beautiful piece by ILUITEQ + Lorenzo Montanà who came together for a new collaborative album, KATÀ MÉTRON, scheduled to be released on the always forward pushing n5MD this March. The Greek expression “katà métron” means “according to the right measure”, which is all about balance, harmony and the right attitude towards everything around us. “More often than not, the dominant model is to go beyond our limits and have a “sense of measure” is not capitalistically profitable as we must nourish our constant desire to always wish for more, not caring for the consequences of such a “bulimic” attitude.” With this theme in mind, the group created a rich and textural ambient sound, underscored with rhythmic and percussive elements to drive the storyline forward, expanding outwards like a vaporous blanket of mist. There are ethos (and echoes) of the classic ambient passages traversed by Montanà, who is undoubtedly familiar with this sonic geography via his work on labels such as FAX with Pete Namlook (check out the Labyrinth series). Here, the Italian ambient duo of Sergio Calzoni and Andrea Bellucci, whom I profiled before as ILUITEQ, apply a modern electronic twist to what becomes a perfect fit for Mike Cadoo’s meticulously curated label. Check out this track, as well as the accompanying video (published on the site), which captures the movement.

Katà Métron

Noesi

TRACK PREMIERE : ILUITEQ + Lorenzo Montanà - Noesi

In the fall of last year, I was asked to participate in Bigo & Twigetti's fifth volume of the Perceptions compilation series, which explores various approaches to piano music. Complimenting the sound of the solo piano, these compositions also utilise nominal processing, sound effects, synthesis, and binaural recording techniques, all aiming to create an immersive listening experience while still showcasing my beloved instrument. As the clock ticked away and the deadline approached, I realised I hadn't found time to compose my contribution. For a few weeks, I've experienced a gnawing feeling of self-imposed pressure, mixed with anxiety and procrastination, that looped on itself and left me fatigued. I'm sure plenty of composers who are reading these words, especially those working on a deadline (like film soundtracks), know what I'm talking about. This, in itself, gave me a taste of this process at work. I learned that I simply cannot try and force things or make them appear. For me, music, as Victor Hugo once said, "expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent…" I needed to have something special to say...

As the end of the year approached, I found myself in that "usual space" of December, where the dark and the cold seemed to mix with my mood, and I recount the days and the moments of passing. There's always reflection on what I've achieved, and of course, I look back at my favourite albums of the year. Somewhere around this time, I arrive at the acceptance of failure, preparing to message the label and withdraw from the project. I think I'm too busy with "all other stuff". Perhaps I'll start over as the new year turns. Perhaps I'll become a bit more organised or not commit myself to the deadlines. In the very last days of the year, I find myself investing time in consoling my friend whose mother has passed away. As always, besides the grief for another, we find ourselves reflecting on our own mortality... and the meaning of it all... As the clock strikes midnight, I am deep asleep. But the morning comes, as it does every morning. And we're at it again, starting fresh and anew. The windows open, and we breathe in and out. Maybe this time, it will be slightly different. Maybe this time we have learned... On the morning of January 1st, I find myself sitting at the piano and playing this simple melody. I hope that you'll hear what I'm saying in music...

Perceptions Vol​​​.​​​5

Morning, January 1st

Mike Lazarev - Morning, January 1st

This may be the first time that Dawn Chorus and the Infallible Sea are officially appearing on Headphone Commute, but I assure you, I have been listening all along, starting from their self-titled debut release on Past Inside The Present to the more established Liberamente out on Jonas Munk's (aka Manual) Azure Vista imprint in 2019. Of course, besides the solo works by these monumental ambient composers, Zach Frizzell (aka zakè) and Damien Duque (aka City of Dawn) have previously collaborated together, and their 2023 album on PITP, Ash, was picked as one of my favourites of the year. Here, they are joined by Marc Ertel to round up the project, which appears to spearhead the "dronegaze" genre, this time forward driven by orchestral textures, guitar swells, and bass ("Cadere" is my particular favourite piece). Today, I am sharing the last track from their upcoming new album, Reveries, rounding off three-quarters of an hour spent in tranquil waves, sunny rays, and drifting bliss. It's an overall positive and soothing experience, approaching cathartic and restorative treatment as if pointing something towards your entire being, which releases vital healing energy and something you can drown in, becoming one with everything at once. Maybe "curegaze" or "ambientonic" is a better term for that...

Reveries

Aufero

TRACK PREMIERE : Dawn Chorus and the Infallible Sea - Aufero

Today, I am happy to share with you a new piece of music that will serve as the opening to the upcoming mini-album that I will self-release later this summer. To be honest, with all these written words for many years, talking about all this music by many of my favourite composers, I'm actually pretty shit at self-promoting myself. This is why I usually leave this "job" to the many wonderful labels to spread the word. And then I amplify and filter. "Saturated Signals" is a continuation of my sonic journey initially explored on Sacred Tonalities, which was put out on the amazing Past Inside The Present in February of 2023. Initially, it was conceived as a bonus or a follow-up track until it evolved on its own, as music usually does. I then invited a few of my dear friends to rework the piece and add their special touch to the heavily layered synthesized and organic textures which I provided as a foundation for this piece. Each distinct interpretation offers a perfect tint of the individual composer's aesthetic to create a collective whole that you can experience as a unified journey in half an hour's time, connected by an interweaving theme. I will share Saturated Reworks with the world in just a couple of weeks, followed by the full mini-album, but first, here's the single.

Saturated Signals

TRACK PREMIERE : Mike Lazarev - Saturated Signals

~ IIKKI 024 ~

music : Tomotsugu Nakamura
artwork : Simone Kappeler
album : For A Fleeting Moment
duration : 35.10 mn
date : July 01st 2024

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All sounds produced by Tomotsugu Nakamura. 
Recorded between March 2024 and April 2024

Mastered by Taylor Deupree 
Artwork by Simone Kappeler 
Design by Sprflxgrfzm

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edition :
• vinyl: limited to 250 copies / hand numbered  / selective UV varnish / black inner
• cd: limited to 150 CD / hand numbered, hand-made / pantone
• book: limited to 700 copies / hand numbered / embossed / selective UV varnish / hand stamped / 

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pre-order : May 28th, 2024 / official release : July 01st, 2024

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Links :
https://iikki.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.iikki-books.com/
https://www.instagram.com/iikki_laaps/
https://tomotsugu.bandcamp.com/

For A Fleeting Moment

Tomotsugu Nakamura - Reflections

Taken from "Marking A Boundary With The Turning Point"

Pre orders start 31.5.2024 / Release date: 7.6.2024 

All tracks played, recorded, mixed, edited and mastered by Ard Janssen & Radboud Mens 

Artwork by Aldje van Meer and Radboud Mens / Design by Ard Janssen 

https://shimmeringmoodsrecords.bandcamp.com

SHM 302
Shimmering Moods Records

This album explores the interplay between horizontal and vertical musical elements, where subtle acoustic events challenge perceived stillness. In the realm of drone music, these nuanced occurrences shape its immersive nature, injecting unpredictability into sustained tones. They blur the distinction between stasis and movement, fostering diverse listening experiences. Ultimately, these tiny acoustic events enrich the sonic landscape, challenging conventional musical narratives.
 
Creating electronic music blends sound design and composition. For this album, we've incorporated sounds from our experimental installations, emphasizing exploration over virtuosity. This process of crafting instruments and sounds enriches our music, capturing the essence of sonic exploration.

Ard Bit & Radboud Mens - Projection

Æther #003 by Runaway Horses
Dronarivm Guest Mixes Series

The next installment in our guest mix series belongs to the Italian artist Andrea Morana, also known as Runaway Horses. We asked Andrea to compile his favorite ambient tracks, and he came up with this ultra-relaxed and minimalistic mix, in which you can definitely hear the roots and inspirations of his own project.

We were pleased to release his EP "Recollected in Tranquility" last month, which you can discover here: https://dronarivm.bandcamp.com/album/recollected-in-tranquility (a few copies of the physical edition are still available). Sit back, relax, and enjoy the calmness of these sounds!

Tracklist:

00:00. Ian Hawgood - Fractural (from '朝', Home Normal / Folk Reels)
11:52. Sonmi451 - Valavond (from 'Foundations 2', Dewtone Recordings)
17:52. Federico Durand - Cedrón (from 'Herbario', LAAPS)
25:29. Valotihkuu - Soft Focus (self-released)
28:41. Purl - Under Isen (Sunset Ocean) (self-released)
34:01. Anthéne - Amber (from 'Infinity Lines', Stereoscenic)
39:38. Alva Noto + Ryuichi Sakamoto - Uoon I (from 'Vrioon', Raster-Noton)

Explore more...

Aether #003 by Runaway Horses

secrets of the sands

some original solo piano pieces...  some mixes from my podcast... some exclusive track premieres...  and some tracks from the albums I review for Headphone Commute... Enjoy!

TRACK PREMIERE : Mike Lazarev - Saturated Signals

Headphone Commute

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