The Peaks 1

Live session using computer generate melodies, using different algorithms and tools, interpreted in the Peak synth.

Computer Generated Melodies 1

Experimental track using sampling and resonance filtering.

Ascending

We explore the profound practice of self-reflection, delving into the depths of our minds and souls to uncover hidden truths and untapped potential. Through introspection, we gain clarity, self-awareness, and empowerment, guiding us on a transformative journey of self-discovery.

Reflections from within

In the realms of human imagination, countless tales have been woven about the concept of paradise—a realm of eternal bliss and serenity. While interpretations may differ, some legends speak of a mystical journey comprising seven levels, each filled with profound beauty and wisdom.

At the first level, one encounters a lush garden, vibrant with life. Exquisite flowers bloom in an array of colors, their fragrance intoxicating the air. Majestic trees stand tall, their leaves whispering secrets of ancient knowledge. Here, harmony reigns supreme, and the soul finds solace in the gentle embrace of nature.

Moving onward, the second level reveals a tranquil oasis, where crystal-clear waters cascade down silver waterfalls. Pools of rejuvenating elixirs are said to possess the power to heal not only the body but also the spirit. It is a place where weary hearts find solace and replenishment, washing away the burdens of existence.

As the journey ascends, the third level unveils a celestial symphony. Celestial bodies adorn the night sky, their twinkling light guiding the wayward traveler. Celestial melodies echo through the cosmos, stirring the depths of the soul. Here, the essence of music transcends mortal boundaries, resonating with the very fabric of creation.

Upon reaching the fourth level, seekers are met with a radiant temple of wisdom. Illuminated by a sacred fire, sages and enlightened beings share their profound insights, bestowing timeless knowledge upon those who seek understanding. In this realm, the mind expands, and profound truths illuminate the path towards enlightenment.

The fifth level presents a breathtaking vista, where soaring mountains pierce the heavens. These majestic peaks touch the clouds, granting an ethereal view of the world below. Here, seekers contemplate the grandeur of creation, their perspectives forever altered by the vastness of existence. It is a place of awe and transcendence.

The sixth level transports the traveler to a realm of pure love and compassion. Souls intertwine in an embrace of unconditional affection, radiating warmth and kindness. In this ethereal domain, every being is connected, and the barriers of ego and separation dissolve. It is a sanctuary where the essence of humanity blossoms and love pervades all.

Finally, the seventh level unfolds as a realm of ultimate enlightenment, where the seeker merges with the divine essence. Here, the illusions of duality vanish, and the soul basks in the pure light of truth. Boundless joy and serenity permeate every atom of existence, revealing the eternal nature of the soul's journey.

While the tale of the seven levels to paradise remains a myth, it serves as a reminder of the profound yearning within the human spirit to seek something greater. Whether we interpret paradise as a physical realm or an inner state of being, the journey towards it is a testament to our eternal quest for meaning, purpose, and the discovery of our true selves.

7 levels remaining to Paradise

In the intricate dance of existence, there are moments when we find ourselves going around, pointing nowhere. Like aimless wanderers in a vast expanse, we may feel lost or directionless. Yet, it is within these aimless motions that we often stumble upon unexpected discoveries and profound insights. For it is not always the destination that matters, but the meandering journey itself. As we embrace the uncertainty and open ourselves to the possibilities that lie beyond the pointed finger, we may uncover hidden treasures and forge new paths that lead us to the extraordinary destinations we never knew we sought.

Going around, pointing nowhere

In the grand tapestry of existence, there exists a profound and timeless truth: in the end, we all return home, but not necessarily to a physical place. Instead, it is a journey of the soul, a spiritual odyssey that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

Throughout our lives, we venture far and wide, seeking meaning and purpose, experiencing the highs and lows, and accumulating memories and lessons. Yet, as we navigate the labyrinth of existence, we often find ourselves yearning for something more profound, something that speaks to the very core of our being.

In this quest for meaning, we discover that "home" is not just a geographical location; it is a state of being, a sanctuary within ourselves. It is a place where our souls find solace, where our hearts resonate with harmony, and where we connect with a deeper understanding of our purpose in this vast universe.

The journey back to this spiritual home is a path of self-discovery, self-realization, and inner transformation. It requires us to shed the layers of ego, to release attachments to material possessions, and to cultivate qualities like love, compassion, and gratitude. Along this path, we encounter moments of enlightenment and clarity, glimpses of the eternal truth that reminds us of our interconnectedness with all living beings.

In the end, returning home

In the wake of the devastating fire, all that remained of the once-stalwart house were skeletal ruins, blackened timbers reaching for the sky in silent supplication. The air hung heavy with the acrid scent of charred memories, as if the very essence of the home clung desperately to the scorched earth. Among the rubble, fragments of cherished mementos lay strewn, their significance now lost to the merciless flames. The future, once a beacon of promise, now seemed shrouded in uncertainty, a blank canvas marred by the cruel strokes of fate. Yet, amidst the ashes, there lingered a quiet resilience, a glimmer of hope that whispered of the strength to rise from the embers and rebuild anew, for even in devastation, the human spirit finds its steadfast roots.

After, little remais

In the heart of summer, amidst endless green cornfields, youth knew no bounds. Time held no dominion, allowing for stolen moments of wild abandon, where every step declared freedom and every laugh echoed unbridled joy.
Running through the fields was an ode to liberty, a promise of adventure with every step. The earth beneath bare feet was a tactile symphony, a patchwork quilt of life and growth, caressed by the sun's tender touch.
Worries became distant echoes, drowned by the rustling leaves and distant calls of birds in flight. Time slipped through fingers like sand, leaving only sweet memories etched in the heart. Those days of boundless youth were a treasure beyond measure, a sanctuary where time dilation and warm weather wove a realm of eternal magic. They stand as a testament to the enduring power of youth's boundless spirit, forever green in memory.

Green cornfields

In the symphony of life, there is often a moment of profound transformation—a passage where the essence of existence is distilled, where all that remains is the raw, unyielding core.
This ephemeral juncture is the driver for this musical composition which delves into the enigmatic beauty of what endures after the two main parts are removed.

Inspired by Steve Reich's magnum opus, "Music for 18 Musicians", this conceptual piece pays homage to the enduring essence that lingers in its aftermath. It draws from the delicate traces of the two pianos, weaving a tender musical canvas that remotely remind us of the original masterpiece.

This composition is the result of the delicate dance of piano phasing, birthing overtones, textures, and minimal melodies from the original voices of the two pianos that are no longer present, leaving behind what was previously unheard.

Phasing, a compositional technique akin to the rhythmic interplay of two waveforms, manifests through the steady yet not entirely synchronous tempos of two instruments. They gradually shift out of unison, initially creating a subtle echo as one instrument lags behind the other. This evolves into a doubling effect, where each note resonates twice, followed by a rich and intricate ringing resonance. Eventually, the cycle brings the instruments back together, merging echoes and doublings into a unified whole.

Here only what was left is still with us.

18 minutes of what was left

There's something oddly mesmerizing about watching the world go by from the passenger seat of a moving car. It's like stepping into a parallel universe, where everything takes on a surreal, almost artificial quality. The houses, the trees, even the people seem to exist in a slightly different dimension. It's as if we're spectators to our own lives, peering into a scene that's both intimately known and strangely foreign.
In those moments, as the scenery rushes past, it's easy to slip into a reverie. Thoughts drift and dance, unhindered by the constraints of the everyday. The mundanity of the commute gives way to a canvas of contemplation, where dreams and reality mingle in a curious tango. It's a gentle reminder that life, even in its most routine moments, holds a touch of the extraordinary.

Watching the world go by

Dancing, as a response to uptempo music, transcends mere physical motion. It becomes a language of its own, a conversation between the music, our bodies, and the surrounding space. Through each step, sway, and spin, we communicate emotions, desires, and narratives that words often fail to convey.
This form of expression is a testament to the power of music as a universal language. It knows no bounds of culture, language, or background. Regardless of our individual experiences, we find common ground on the dance floor, where the music unites us in a collective celebration of life.
Uptempo music and dance offer a cathartic release, a channel through which we can channel our energies and emotions. It becomes a therapy, a means of rejuvenation, and a source of pure, unadulterated joy. In the midst of the pulsating rhythms, we find a moment of respite, a sanctuary where we are free to be wholly and authentically ourselves.

122BPM

Children live in a world of simplicity and trust. They approach each day with wide-eyed wonder, unburdened by the complexities that adulthood brings. Their hearts are open, believing in the inherent goodness of people and the limitless possibilities life has to offer.
Yet, as time passes, reality sets in. Disappointments, betrayals, and the harshness of the world chip away at that initial innocence. The once unquestioning trust evolves into a more guarded form of understanding. We learn to navigate the intricacies of human nature, sometimes with a touch of skepticism.
But this transition isn't solely a loss; it's a transformation. With experience comes a deeper understanding of the world and the people in it. We learn to appreciate the nuances and complexities of life. Our perspectives broaden, and we develop a sense of discernment that only comes with time.

Fading innocence

In this relentless march towards progress, some of us find ourselves caught in the crossroads of a world that demands perfection at every turn. It's as though we're hurtling towards an elusive ideal, leaving behind the raw, imperfect essence of humanity. The inevitability of this dehumanization looms, casting a shadow over our once simple existence.
The quest for perfection imposes chains that bind us, restricting our ability to breathe, to err, to simply be. We're molded into contorted shapes, conforming to a standard that is as unattainable as it is suffocating. The pursuit of flawlessness has led us to forget that it is our flaws that make us truly human. Welcome to this brave new world.

The relentless march

The future unfolds before us, a tantalizing promise of what lies ahead. It beckons with the allure of untapped potential and uncharted territories.
Beside us, the present stands in silent companionship. Its presence can be easily overlooked, overshadowed by the pull of what's to come. Yet, it is the now that anchors this whirlwind, grounding it in the tangible realities of the moment. 
Meanwhile, the past trails behind, a quiet shadow of memories and experiences that shape us. The rearview mirror offers glimpses of where we've been, a reminder of the roads we've traveled and the milestones we've achieved. It's a testament to resilience, a testament to growth.

Racing Forward

Often in life, the most impactful forces are those that remain unseen, unfelt, and undetected by our primary senses. Yet, they hold within them a power to shape, change, and influence our behavior, emotions, and perceptions.
Sound, in its essence, is not something we can grasp or see; it is a vibration, a dance of molecules that ripples through the air and reaches our ears. But it has the potency to penetrate deeper than our eardrums. It permeates our psyche, our emotions, and even our physical being.
Certain frequencies can even have healing properties, a concept explored in sound therapy, while others can induce stress or discomfort. In essence, sound is an unseen sculptor of our emotional landscape.
Moreover, the ubiquity of sound in our modern age has perhaps made us more susceptible to its influences than ever before. From the omnipresent hum of city life to the curated playlists that accompany our daily routines, sound is an omnipotent force that can either enhance or disrupt our equilibrium.

Invisible Force

The resistance to accept the inevitable is not merely a denial but a poignant part of our journey. It is characterized by a deep-seated desire to assert control over our destiny, to mold our story with our own hands, even in the face of overwhelming odds. This internal conflict is both tragic and beautiful, a testament to our perseverance and the quintessential hope that defines human spirit.

Yet, there is a transformative power in eventually embracing what we cannot change. In acceptance, there is a quietude and a profound strength that emerges. It does not signify defeat, but rather a courageous surrender, a decision to move forward despite the unmovable. This acceptance enriches our lives, allowing us to focus on what we can influence and find peace with the rest, crafting a narrative of resilience and understanding in the face of life's unalterable truths.

Trying to escape the inevitable

Leaving a mark

Love is the unifying essence of all things—the force that dissolves boundaries, heals separation, and reveals our shared truth. It is the mirror in which we recognize ourselves in others, the bridge between the finite and the infinite, the sacred rhythm that moves through all of existence.
To love is to remember. In love, we return to the wholeness that has always been, finding not only each other but the divine within ourselves. Love is the path, the journey, and the destination.

In love, we find us

The wind is an invisible force, elusive to our eyes yet profoundly present in our surroundings. We cannot see it directly, but its existence reveals itself in the gentle flutter of leaves, the sway of branches, and the dance of trees against the sky. Leaves become the storytellers of the wind, translating its invisible movements into visible signs. They ripple, twirl, and quiver, offering a fleeting glimpse of a force that otherwise remains unseen. Through this quiet partnership between wind and foliage, we are reminded of the beauty in things that are felt, not seen—of how the intangible shapes the tangible, whispering its presence in subtle yet undeniable ways.

When the wind speaks through the leaves

This composition draws its inspiration from the personal challenges faced by individuals with hyperacusis, where ordinary sounds become unrelenting intrusions. The piercing high-pitched layer reflects the sharp, often painful sensations triggered by unexpected noises, while the omnipresent background noise and heavy drone evoke the constant struggle to find calm amidst a chaotic auditory world.
The piece conveys the isolating experience of hyperacusis—the difficulty in navigating daily life, the avoidance of social settings, and the sense of vulnerability in a world that feels too loud. As the layers intertwine, the music mirrors the internal conflict: the yearning for silence, the burden of overstimulation, and the delicate balance required to endure the overwhelming soundscape of existence.

Hyperacusis

There’s a moment when something stirs inside—a quiet pull toward meaning, direction, purpose. We set out not knowing exactly what we’re looking for, only that we must move. Along the way, we try, we fail, we adjust. We chase patterns, lose them, begin again.
Frustration builds. Expectations clash with reality. There are times when everything feels out of tune—too much, too loud, too uncertain. We climb the mountain of doubt and stand in the heat of our own disappointment.
And then, something softens. Not a solution, but a shift. A sense that beginning again is not weakness, but rhythm. That peace isn’t in arriving, but in moving forward without needing to arrive.
Life doesn’t resolve. It flows. And in that flow—in the repetition, the trial, the error, the trying again—we find something quietly enduring. Something worth looking for.

Neverending

There is a moment when everything that was held back can no longer be denied. When the weight of what’s been silenced, postponed, or forgotten gathers into presence. This is the reckoning—not an end, but a crossing.
It arrives without announcement. Something breaks, something clears. A tension long carried finds its edge, and in the sharpness of that edge, a choice appears: to remain in the half-light or step into the unknown.
What follows is not resolution but return. A slow movement toward life, not as it was, but as it could be—more bare, more real. It’s not a rebirth, but a reorientation. A turning toward truth, even when it’s incomplete.
The Reckoning is the threshold where the old self loosens and a new rhythm begins. It is where the past ceases to define the present, and the present begins to make room for something more.

The Reckoning

In every fading echo lies a quiet invitation — not to mourn what disappears, but to witness its soft unraveling. This music dwells in that delicate threshold where endings become openings. Like the hush before a storm or the light that lingers after dusk, it reminds us that every conclusion hums with the promise of what’s next. Nothing truly ends — it only changes shape, clearing the way for something yet unnamed to begin.

The beginning of the end

Through the train window the city unfolds like a story without chapters. The Yamanote Line, a perfect loop circling Tokyo, runs from dawn until after midnight—an endless rhythm carrying millions of footsteps through Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno. Every 59 minutes or so the journey completes itself, only to begin again, clockwise or counter-clockwise, outer circle or inner circle.

Somewhere between Ōsaki and Shinagawa, between the precise intervals of two and four minutes, time begins to dissolve. The city passes by in fragments—neon reflections on glass, the hum of conversations, the quiet presence of strangers who may never meet again. Trains move on the left, just like the cars, as if reminding you that even loops have their own direction.

It is less a commute than a daydream: a meditation on repetition, on lives intersecting for the briefest of moments, on the idea that a circle has no end—only the promise of return.

Yamanote Line

Warping time

Looking through

Leftovers from another time

Collapsing skies

What comes after the storm

Some day, it will be known

Helder Luis is a designer, photographer, multimedia artist and musician.

Studied graphic design and typography and since 1996 has worked for numerous companies and institutions inside and outside Portugal while working freelance or through his studio. His graphic design work has been exhibited at various national and international events and published in numerous publications. As a multimedia artist and musician he developed numerous works individually and in collectives. He also collaborated, as an artist, multimedia designer and consultant, with several artists, and presented his work in individual and collective exhibitions and in events and institutions in Portugal and elsewhere. In 2018, he presented the installation MAR at the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves, which opened the doors to the exploration of the theme of the sea and fishermen and since then he has photographed, filmed and captured sound on board of several vessels offshore the Portuguese coast and around the Açores islands. In the same year he presented the installation Under the Above at Solar, exploring the theme of drowning and the feelings of abandonment and loneliness in high sea. In July 2019, he launched the documental photography book entitled Atlântico, which documents the voyages aboard the Iris do Mar fishing boat in the Açores islands. In 2021 he finished his Master of Documental Photography and Cinema and in early 2023 he published the book Sardinha, his largest documentary photography project to date, documenting the fishing of the sardine in Portugal. In April of the same year, he presented the exhibition "Sleeping Giants," a photography project that looked at trees during one of the lockdowns of the recent pandemic as potential guides for difficult times.
At the beginning of 2014, he presented the sound installation "Búzio," a reflection on memory and our relationship with the sea. Recently, he published the book "Rumo à Pesca," a book about a purse seine fishing boat.
Currently, he is involved in various documentary and artistic projects within maritime culture and other areas of his personal interest. He also continues to compose and produce music.

Helder Luís

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