Pure Sounds of Michigan is a soothing compilation album that invites listeners to take a virtual, sunrise-to-sunset tour of the state from coast to coast as interpreted by some of Michigan’s most talented musicians. Organically inspired, the album is composed using signature ambient sounds of nature captured from 10 Michigan State Parks throughout the peninsulas—from gentle streams to rolling waves and indigenous birds to a variety of Michigan’s natural elements. From Lighthouse at Sunrise to The Rock (Bridge to a New Day), Pure Sounds of Michigan will send you on a transformational trek to a pure state of mind. Now streaming on all major platforms. Visit https://www.michigan.org/puresounds to learn more.

Executive Produced and Mixed by Blair French. Mastered by Eddie Logix.

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/pure-sounds-of-michigan/1462360834
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/40PkHvzPNmVz9N7u59vRRd
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Various_Artists_Pure_Sounds_of_Michigan?id=Buniln76rdg6j6grl6ksvbu36ty
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B07RD52W2D?ref=dm_sh_cf54-0476-dmcp-a3be-f199d&musicTerritory=US&marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Official Website

Pure Sounds of Michigan

The sights and sounds of a summer afternoon converge to create the most memorable mental photos of a town where no one wants to leave, filled with the sounds no one will ever forget. Childhood laughter is accompanied by a distant surf crashing upon a pebbled shoreline under the occasional chimes of clock tower bells. Capture that place in time the entire family will remember for generations to come. https://www.michigan.org/kids-attractions

ABOUT JOHN BELTRAN: Composer of Childhood Memories, John was born in Lansing, Michigan and has been producing ambient electronic music since the early 90's. He first built his street cred with his techno dance single "Aquatic" for Carl Craig's label Retroactive in Detroit. In the mid-90's he would move on to record two seminal records in the ambient techno scene: “Earth and Nightfall” and “Ten Days of Blue.” https://johnbeltranmusic.bandcamp.com/ 

More Info: https://www.michigan.org/puresounds 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7FlJKXc6JHWI5en3wjj7as?si=1vRyrE6qTQmrIqVYAnEpQw
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/childhood-memories-single/1457924877 
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B07NTPK1CB?ref=dm_sh_76a1-1e1b-dmcp-35c9-7f8f3&musicTerritory=US&marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER 
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/preview/Bg5jydaefx4wdqelub4krdmvhf4

Executive Produced and Mixed by Blair French. Mastered by Eddie Logix.

Childhood Memories

John Beltran - Childhood Memories

After a few hours of absorbing the calm of the lake, you're welcomed back to shore by the sound of rustling leaves echoing along the shoreline as you make your way to the canopy covered campground. The mid-day sun periodically shimmers through the treetops lighting up the forest trail inviting you to go and discover. Find the perfect place to lose yourself along the thousands of miles of pristine Michigan trails. https://www.michigan.org/hiking

ABOUT WINDY & CARL: As composers of Forest Trails, Windy Weber and Carl Hultgren began writing music together in 1993. They have since released numerous LPs and singles with labels such as Kranky Records. Windy & Carl create imaginary film scores – music for the movies in your mind. These days, their time is split working on new music, walking their dogs and running Stormy Records – their 20 year old record store in Dearborn, Michigan. http://www.stormyrecords.com/

More Info: https://www.michigan.org/puresounds 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4IraxSJiP3P7561LUlNTrY 
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/forest-trails-single/1459913776 
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B07QLNYBP9?ref=dm_sh_e998-0bff-dmcp-c905-1aa13&musicTerritory=US&marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER 
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=Bwusinmexbpbemdrztikabx3g5i&tid=song-Tydfow3rnkt2foqspszgqgs4xdy 

Executive Produced and Mixed by Blair French. Mastered by Eddie Logix.

Forest Trails

Windy & Carl - Forest Trails

Start a brand-new day with the natural soul and sounds of the city beginning from Belle Isle, affectionally known as "The Rock" by locals, and metaphorically crossing over its historical bridge to the urban wonder and surprise emanating from the beating heart of Southeast Michigan. https://www.michigan.org/city/detroit

ABOUT WAAJEED: Hailing from Conant Gardens Detroit, Waajeed composed The Rock (Bridge to a New Day). His inventive and genre-defying career gained prominence when he formed hip hop’s Slum Village. Later, he created Bling47, a Motown inspired label which specialized in hip hop and soul. His current focus is expanding on Detroit’s electronic legacy on his DIRT TECH RECK label. https://dirttechreck.com/jeedo/

The Rock (Bridge to a New Day)

Waajeed - The Rock (Bridge to a New Day)

Nature awakens to the chirping, frolicking birds hitching rides along the brisk and gentle breeze. The distant sound of waves keep perfect time in a relaxing lull. The sun’s yawning rays fill the lake with floating diamonds of light while painting the edge of a distant lighthouse. Begin your day with the most breathtaking lighthouse views in Michigan. https://www.michigan.org/lighthouses

ABOUT DAVE GRAW: As the composer of Lighthouse at Sunrise, Dave is described as a curator of sound. Over the past 10 years, he’s poured considerable energy into collecting, assembling, building and mastering the perfect tools to craft evocative aural sculptures. The result of this intricate signal chain, he arranges, performs and records, with minimal or no overdubbing. https://davegraw.bandcamp.com/

Lighthouse at Sunrise

Dave Graw - Lighthouse at Sunrise

The ferry makes its gentle voyage drifting across the foggy glass lake. The breathtaking view of the approaching island fuels anticipation of horseback rides and cycling along hidden trails. The sounds of the passing breeze slowly yield to the laughter and excitement of families as you leave the mainland behind. There’s no better time to discover Michigan’s amazing Mackinac Island and simply drift away. https://www.michigan.org/city/mackinac-island

ABOUT TODD MODES: Todd is a Detroit-based producer comfortable laying in the shadows while releasing mythic vinyl projects with labels like FIT Sounds, Golf Channel Recordings, M1 Sessions and Going Good Records. He has many side projects that have shown Modes compositions to be extremely diverse and imaginative. As shown on his composition of Island Drift, Todd’s passion for electronic music is centered on exploration and perfecting his unique sound. https://soundcloud.com/todd-cochell

Island Drift

Todd Modes - Island Drift

An early afternoon calls for a hike along the copper-tinged falls unceasingly cascading over the towering sandstone cliff to the nearby river which could not become a more picturesque spot to kick back and take in the sight, the sounds and the unique aroma of the surrounding cedars. Fall in love with all of Michigan’s postcard waterfalls. https://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/list-enchanting-michigan-waterfalls-visit-year-round

ABOUT BLAIR FRENCH: A veteran producer of both dance and ambient music for over twenty years, Blair is well known for winning a “Best Original Score” from Cinema Eyes Honors in 2012 for his soundtrack for the acclaimed independent film “Detropia.” Acting as executive producer on this project, Blair handled all field recordings and mixing responsibilities, in addition to composing The Cedar and the Falls. https://blairfrench.bandcamp.com/ 

ABOUT AHYA SIMONE: A Detroit-based harpist, singer, artist and organizer, Ahya earned her degree from Wayne State University, where she was the principal harpist for the Wayne State University Wind Symphony. Beyond performing on The Cedar and The Falls, she has brought Detroit international exposure. Ahya’s versatile approach to harp and vocal artistry crossed the genres of classical, jazz and soul. http://www.kresgeartsindetroit.org/portfolio-posts/ahya-simone

The Cedar and the Falls

Blair French feat. Ahya Simone - The Cedar and the Falls

The moist breeze from a distant silvery lake turns dry as it makes its way over the rolling dunes and through your hair on its way to nowhere. The faint roar of dune buggies in the distance create the backdrop for a walk through the city of sand and sun. Discover the many ways to experience the dunes throughout Michigan. https://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/discover-amazing-sand-dunes-michigan

ABOUT NUNTHELESS: AKA Detroit drummer and producer Erik Washington composed City of Sand drawing upon his wide spectrum of genres to create atmospheric soul music that is grounded with a heavy, danceable backbeat. Working more like a composer, Nuntheless flexes his live instrumentation and producer chops on every project and often collaborates with fellow Detroit musicians. https://yhsrecords.com/nuntheless

City of Sand

Nuntheless - City of Sand

As evening begins to transform the silhouettes of the mountains, one can almost visualize the deepening hues of nature as they create a painterly drama over the trees and clouds that magnificently reflect into a mirrored lake, taking you in and never letting go. Discover the Porcupine Mountains and their undeniable beauty Michigan has created for us. https://www.michigan.org/hot-spots/porcupine-mountains

ABOUT EDDIE LOGIX: As an anchor in Detroit’s underground hip-hop, electronic and ambient scenes, Eddie was highly involved in this project from field recording to mastering. In addition to composing Lake of the Clouds, his work has been featured in countless commercials. He is currently preparing to release a debut full-length album with his dance music side-project “Mega Powers.” https://eddielogix.bandcamp.com/

Lake of the Clouds

Eddie Logix - Lake of the Clouds

Sunsets are a glorious punctuation to those seemingly endless summer days. What makes them even more unforgettable is the anticipation of the star-filled sky that follows as you lay upon the cool sand of the dunes waiting for the sun to slowly melt into the lake. Find more star-studded skies than you can count all across Michigan. https://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/magical-destinations-chase-northern-lights-pure-michigan

ABOUT GREATER ALEXANDER: Composer of Dark Sky Dunes, Michigan folk artist Greater Alexander was named Metro Detroit’s best songwriter by the city’s alt weekly. His original piano and guitar works have been featured in ads for Amazon, Jeep, and Dodge, as well as the Comedy Central series “Detroiters.” Alexander’s full-length release “Positive Love” was re-released on vinyl in Japan where it sold out. http://www.greateralexander.com/

Dark Sky Dunes

Greater Alexander - Dark Sky Dunes

The magic and music of a crackling campfire is both timeless and therapeutic especially when surrounded by family, friends, stories and songs that continue to stoke memories that burn bright years after the last ember has said goodnight. Keep campfire rituals alive and well all over the great state of Michigan. https://www.michigan.org/campgrounds-rv-parks

ABOUT STERLING TOLES: Composer of Campfire Rituals, East-side-bred, Cass-Corridor-educated Detroiter, Sterling views himself as a healer using sound. Initially a rapper in hip hop groups, he transitioned into music production in 1997, and has since worked with the likes of Invincible, Boldy James and Finale. Sterling holds open space in his home studio for Detroit artists to experiment and was named a 2016 Kresge Artist Fellow. http://www.kresgeartsindetroit.org/portfolio-posts/sterling-toles 

ABOUT RAFAEL STATIN: On the Bass Flute in Campfire Rituals, Rafael hails from Detroit, attended Detroit School of Arts and began to seriously study jazz at age 15 with Detroit's own Sax Master George Benson. He also studied and played with the Detroit Symphony Jazz Orchestra and is considered one of those rare young jazz instrumentalists who can combine great passion, intellectual discipline and a spiritual fire of creativity. https://leafar.live/bio/

Campfire Rituals

Sterling Toles feat. Rafael Statin - Campfire Rituals

Welcome to the Pure Michigan SoundCloud channel where you’ll discover uniquely pure content created to highlight, inspire and invite you to visit the unspoiled nature and thousands of cultural experiences that lie between the nation's longest freshwater coastline that is Michigan. Your trip begins at Michigan.org. Subscribe now!