SE 16 // AAKAARA - OBSIDIAN PROMISES LP (12")

RELEASES

Bandcamp: https://aakaara.bandcamp.com/album/obsidian-promises
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/aakaara

        Lost in the depths of space, AAKAARA takes listeners on a journey to the outer limits of the sonic universe with their latest album “Obsidian Promises”. Blending influences from punk and metal, EBM, architectural design and certain celestial objects, AAKAARA offers a fresh take on industrial techno. This body of work is dark and brooding, full of haunting and thought-provoking soundscapes. Metallic and cold one moment, blisteringly hot the next. Pounding drums create searing rhythms, acid-drenched synths weave abrasive textures, and noise permeates the stereo field.

        Inspired by the mysterious and alluring world of black holes, the producer explores the beauty of extremes through sound.

        "If you know my work or me," AAKAARA says, "it's no secret that I have a spiritual connection to, and an obsession with, black holes. It's not about doom and gloom, but about beautiful extremes: infinite calmness, ultra-high energy, being deeply centered, and inevitable attraction.”

        “I try to sonify this in a naive sense. It isn't an attempt at science; it's a way for me to practice a makeshift spirituality about these entities through craft and functional dance music for people."

        Spirituality and stellar inspiration were essential to AAKAARA's life during the three years they spent between Los Angeles and London, while writing this album. It provided a sonic home during a period of transition, when they didn't feel at home and didn't have access to a studio. Everything was made "in the box" using only Ableton 10. After collecting guitar pedals and amplifiers for years, AAKAARA has shifted away from a hardware-focused mindset and is now more invested in the conceptual framework, narrative, and cultural implications of their work.

        Visuals also play an integral role in this maximalist experience. The outer sleeve (front and back cover) conveys the “big ideas” visually, while the companion poster includes custom typography, detailed drawings, symbol design, and poetry. The poetry provides a textual counterpoint to the lyric-less music, written in parallel but later stages of the production process. The visual identity of this work is inseparable from the music, describing it in an integral way. It’s the other side of the coin, not simply an accompaniment.

        With its spiritual connection to the infinite and mysterious, “Obsidian Promises” harnesses the beauty and intensity of celestial entities as musical inspiration, transforming the science into mystical, narrative-driven sonic . Get ready for a ride through the unknown as AAKAARA's latest offering takes you on a high-energy trip through the black hole's playground.

SE 16 // AAKAARA - "OBSIDIAN PROMISES" (12")

Lost in the depths of space, AAKAARA takes listeners on a journey to the outer limits of the sonic universe with their latest album “Obsidian Promises”. Blending influences from punk and metal, EBM, architectural design and certain celestial objects, AAKAARA offers a fresh take on industrial techno. This body of work is dark and brooding, full of haunting and thought-provoking soundscapes. Metallic and cold one moment, blisteringly hot the next. Pounding drums create searing rhythms, acid-drenched synths weave abrasive textures, and noise permeates the stereo field.
Inspired by the mysterious and alluring world of black holes, the producer explores the beauty of extremes through sound.
"If you know my work or me," AAKAARA says, "it's no secret that I have a spiritual connection to, and an obsession with, black holes. It's not about doom and gloom, but about beautiful extremes: infinite calmness, ultra-high energy, being deeply centered, and inevitable attraction.”
“I try to sonify this in a naive sense. It isn't an attempt at science; it's a way for me to practice a makeshift spirituality about these entities through craft and functional dance music for people."
Spirituality and stellar inspiration were essential to AAKAARA's life during the three years they spent between Los Angeles and London, while writing this album. It provided a sonic home during a period of transition, when they didn't feel at home and didn't have access to a studio. Everything was made "in the box" using only Ableton 10. After collecting guitar pedals and amplifiers for years, AAKAARA has shifted away from a hardware-focused mindset and is now more invested in the conceptual framework, narrative, and cultural implications of their work.
Visuals also play an integral role in this maximalist experience. The outer sleeve (front and back cover) conveys the “big ideas” visually, while the companion poster includes custom typography, detailed drawings, symbol design, and poetry. The poetry provides a textual counterpoint to the lyric-less music, written in parallel but later stages of the production process. The visual identity of this work is inseparable from the music, describing it in an integral way. It’s the other side of the coin, not simply an accompaniment.
With its spiritual connection to the infinite and mysterious, “Obsidian Promises” harnesses the beauty and intensity of celestial entities as musical inspiration, transforming the science into mystical, narrative-driven sonic . Get ready for a ride through the unknown as AAKAARA's latest offering takes you on a high-energy trip through the black hole's playground.

https://aakaara.bandcamp.com/album/obsidian-promises

https://soundcloud.com/aakaara
https://soundcloud.com/silvaelectronics

OBSIDIAN PROMISES

PREMIERE: AAKAARA - ANCIENT SINGULARITIES [Silva Electronics]

Embarking on a thrilling sonic departure, Michael Claus resurfaces with "Dark Forest," a 12" EP that's sure to incite movement on dance floors everywhere. Shifting away from the chill, down-tempo vibe of his previous release "Lavender Palace," Claus dives headfirst into the realm of breakbeats, heavy synth lines, and distortion. The two original tracks, "Dark Forest" and "Paranoia," bear witness to the innovative producer's penchant for exploration, as he navigates the new BPM range and sound palette with fearless curiosity. Designed for the sub-heavy club sound systems, this EP is destined to reverberate with unbridled energy and intensity.
As if the original tracks weren't enough, the EP also boasts two outstanding remixes that add their own distinct flavor to the mix. Force Placement takes the reins with a jungle-inspired rework, infusing a groovy bass line that rolls beneath a vortex of mind-bending sound effects. This percussive adventure will undoubtedly captivate the senses, transporting dancers to an immersive world of rhythm and intrigue.
Further enhancing the EP's allure, Lara Sarkissian delivers a hazy and psychedelic remix, blending sub-heavy rhythms with mesmerizing sound design. This ethereal concoction showcases Sarkissian's deft touch and mastery of her craft, as she seamlessly weaves together entrancing elements that complement Claus' original vision. "Dark Forest" is a testament to Michael Claus' ever-evolving artistry, and with these remixes, the EP promises to leave a lasting impression on all who dare to enter its enigmatic domain.

SE 17 // Michael Claus - "Dark Forest" (feat. Lara Sarkissian & Force Placement) (12")

Bandcamp: https://silvaelectronics.bandcamp.com/album/psychic-diffraction

@nervous-operator

Embark on a sonic odyssey with Nervous Operator's latest album, "Psychic Diffraction," an audacious nine-track collection where the pulse of syncopated rhythms and psychedelic synthcraft meet the ethereal realms of ambient melodies and hypnagogic dreamscapes.

Forging a path that diverges from the digitally-centered composition of his last album, "Chronostasis" released on Dreamtone in 2021, Nervous Operator, who is based in Vancouver, embraces the raw energy and imperfections of live performance. "Psychic Diffraction" has its roots in two dynamic live PA sets, which served as the creative essence for the album. The original performances were recorded, only to be reworked through a studio process that refined and enhanced the compositions without sacrificing the spontaneous spirit of the live experience. Utilizing an impressive array of hardware, including an Octatrack, Rytm (gratitude to Josh Rose aka Derivatives for lending the device), Syntakt, and the Mopho, Nervous Operator ensures each track delivers a palpable and vibrant auditory experience that is tinged with tactile warmth.

“Psychic Diffraction” is also a homage to the influence Chicago, where Nervous Operator previously lived, had on the artist’s creative process. “Much of my inspiration came from my time in Chicago and the musicians and DJs I met through various shows and parties. I greatly appreciated the freedom of exploration and melding of genres”. As a result, the album boasts an eclectic blend of industrial, electro, breakbeat, and techno. “I always aim to create small ‘worlds’ for the listener to explore sonically and to layer textures in such a way that allows the listener to discover new elements on repeated plays,” Nervous Operator reflects. "Psychic Diffraction" indeed offers a multilayered auditory odyssey that becomes richer with each listen.

SE 18 // Nervous Operator - "Psychic Diffraction"

Buy: https://silvaelectronics.bandcamp.com/album/liminal-point
Releases on February 27th, 2024
==========
Introducing Slow Blink, the latest sonic venture from acclaimed producer Michael Claus, who this time pivots to a more raw, club-centric sound. Under this new moniker, Claus unveils a 5-track EP that radiates raw, rave-inspired energy, marking a stark contrast to his typically more ambient and introspective creations. This release is a resonant journey through overdriven drum machines and subaquatic electro, meticulously crafted for the pulsating heart of the dance floor.

The EP showcases two original tracks by Slow Blink, where Claus delivers a frenetic concoction of saturated rhythms and kaleidoscopic melodies, interwoven with iridescent atmospheres that pulse with vibrant intensity. These are complemented by a special rave edit, a high-energy rendition that intensifies the originals' dynamic energy and is perfect for peak club moments.

Complementing Claus' originals, the EP features two striking remixes by Farsight and Pteron, adding an extra layer of depth to the EP. Farsight's interpretation infuses a bass-heavy rhythm, transforming the original into a breakbeat-driven powerhouse, enriched with a new dimension of funk and bounce. Meanwhile, Pteron accelerates the tempo, reimagining the track as a sub-heavy drum and bass odyssey. This version layers swift percussion over deep basslines, evolving the original melodies into a captivating, rhythmically complex soundscape. Together, these remixes not only pay homage to the essence of Slow Blink's debut but also push it into thrilling new realms.

Slow Blink (aka Michael Claus)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mikec187/
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/michael-claus
BandCamp: michaelclaus.bandcamp.com

Farsight:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/djfarsight/
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/djfarsight
X / Twitter: twitter.com/DJFarsight
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/2gTyZstDbbmkkohxLNchlj

Pteron:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pteron/
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/pterontracks
Club Moniker: clubmoniker.bandcamp.com

Silva Electronics:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/silvaelectronics/
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/silvaelectronics
Bandcamp: silvaelectronics.bandcamp.com
Website: www.silvaelectronics.net
Spotify: open.spotify.com/playlist/11glIMvFlbpftSVUPrVLB0?si=8356319043d240c9&nd=1

SE 19 // Slow Blink - "Liminal Point" (feat. Farsight & Pteron)

🔮🌿 Silva Electronics is excited to announce the 20th entry in our catalog: Part II of solotape's 'Days on End' album—A series of vignettes where simplicity breeds authenticity, delivering smoked-out jams perfect for late-night introspection. 🌃🌌

Pre-order is now available for both digital and cassette formats! Purchasing the tape includes a digital download of Part II and Part I (you'll receive a digital download code for Part I when the tape ships).

SE 20 - Silva Electronics, November 2024

Music: solotape (@tapes_and_moire )
Mastering: Mark Pistel (@mark_pistel )
Cover render: @hydra_v0id 
Design: Saish K (@saishk___ )

SE 20 // solotape - "Days On End (pt. 2)" (cs)

https://soundcloud.com/michael-claus
https://michaelclaus.bandcamp.com/album/gradient-dreams-ep

Drawn from live performances in San Francisco and Sacramento between 2022 and 2023, Michael Claus’ latest 4-track EP distills the energy, experimentation and atmosphere of those sets into a focused studio release. Loops, textures, and rhythmic sketches originally crafted for the dance floor and shaped in real time by crowd energy, space, and intuition have been reshaped into four fully realized tracks—each one carrying traces of the environments and moments that first gave them life.

From the high-velocity percussion and drive of “Gradient Dreams” to the low slung and staggered swing of “Plastic Soul,” Claus weaves together a palette of saturated percussion, hazy atmospheres and pixelated melodies. “AI Instinct” locks into a hypnotic and machine-link churn of syncopated 909s and a minimalist 303, while “Invisible Beach” closes things out with a groovy melody that feels half dream, half machine. There’s a distinctly cybernetic mood running throughout—neon-tinted and lo-fi, like glimpses of a decaying city’s sprawl refracted through smoke and chrome.

Influenced by the retro-futurist visions of authors like William Gibson, Claus taps into a sound both worn and futuristic, pulsing with motion yet heavy with atmosphere. The result is a collection that feels lived-in and cinematic. Whether heard in a club or in solitude, the EP offers a snapshot of Claus’ creative loop between performance and production, memory and reinvention.
credits
releases June 13, 2025

UPDATE on our upcoming release pre-order, “Gradient Dreams” EP.

We have decided to donate all proceeds of this release to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, whose mission it is to supply medical aid, treatment, food, water, and necessities to families affected by the ongoing crisis. They also focus on rebuilding healthcare facilities, and funding trauma counseling and mental health services to foster healing in the community.

From the BBC ( https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz63jnx52l0o ):

“The IPC assessment, released on Monday, found half a million people - or one in five - were facing starvation in Gaza. It said nearly 71,000 children under the age of five are expected to be acutely malnourished over the next 11 months to April 2026.”

From PBS ( https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/as-israels-blockade-pushes-gaza-towards-famine-aid-workers-say-they-feel-helpless ):

“After months of trying to raise alarm, humanitarian workers are overflowing with anger, frustration and horror over Israel’s nearly three-month blockade of Gaza. The Associated Press spoke to over a dozen aid workers, some with years of experience in emergencies around the world and Palestinians who have worked through this and other wars.

They say what is happening in Gaza is a catastrophe, among the worst they have ever seen. It’s more painful, they say, because it’s man-made, caused by Israel cutting off all food, fuel, medicine and other supplies to the territory nearly 11 weeks ago.

The world’s top authority on food crises last week warned of famine unless the blockade ends. Almost the entire population of around 2.3 million is acutely malnourished, and one in five Palestinians are on the brink of starvation, it said.” (from PBS)

Please consider making your own contribute to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.  You can make a donation and learn more about their work on their website: 

https://www.pcrf.net/
--

Composition, production, mixing: Michael Claus
Mastering: Russell E. L. Butler

SE 21 // Michael Claus  - "Gradient Dreams" EP

====================
🔊 San Francisco based Record Label
📡 Introspective Dreamscapes and Dystopic Beats
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Demos, promo, mix submissions and inquires: 
thesilvatapes@gmail.com
@michael-claus
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Distribution:
EU: Ready Made Distribution
US: Email directly 
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est. Oct 2017 - San Francisco, CA
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