This track is bittersweet for me now - one of my first studio-picture-synch tracks.   I went to Art College with John Kuisma - who plays drums on this track (acoustic, electric & miscellaneous) on a number of my first studio recordings, and I really appreciated his ideas on this track.  We were aiming for that feeling of driving West, lazily racing the setting sun. This piece was composed as underscore, and I appreciated the inventive lead guitar of Stephen Iley.  But John was first of us to capture the groove, and he used sound textures + rhythms that felt - to me - kind of perfect. John was taken, tragically, recently by cancer at the young age of 46 on August 7, 2024.  He leaves behind his beloved wife, Suvi, and his young daughters Satu and Eila.  John was a creative force of nature and was self employed for the past several years. He was unable to work for the past 10 months as he battled his cancer, undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries.   In order to be by his side this past summer, Suvi was also not working.  To allow Suvi time before returning to work we are creating this gofundme www.gofundme.com/f/suvi-kuisma-in…source=copy_link to help with expenses during this difficult time.   Any remaining funds will be used for an education/support fund for his daughters Satu, who has special needs, and Eila. Should you wish to make a donation to another cause, funds can be directed to the Sault Ste. Marie Special Olympics in John’s memory.  John was an amazing, kind, and wonderful man who would be happy to know that his wife and children are taken care of after his tragic passing. ❤️  www.gofundme.com/f/suvi-kuisma-in…source=copy_link

SolarFreedom | Remaster

Nicholas Arnold Longstaff, a composer and sound designer with a keen artistic sensibility, is recognized for his impactful contributions to the realms of film and audio art.

Having earned awards at film festivals across the United States and Canada, Nicholas has demonstrated his skill in creating evocative music compositions and sound designs across various genres, including drama, action, comedy, children's, and horror. His recent success with the sound design and music for the 2023/24 feature "A View From Above" https://stage.leeds.ac.uk/events/the-view-from-above/ has garnered positive reception in Leeds, UK, and is set to continue its journey at festivals across Europe in 2024.

As an alumnus of the Ontario College of Art and Design and the Canadian Film Centre, Nicholas Longstaff has showcased his audio expertise at notable venues worldwide, including The Harbourfront Centre, the Fleck Theatre, ArtSystem, Circa Nightclub, Luminato, Nuit Blanche (Toronto/London), and LOLA Fest. as well as on-air with CBC Radio, CBC TV, BRAVO!, TWN, TMN, CIUT, CHRW, CKLN and ResonanceFM: https://www.mixcloud.com/Resonance/clear-spot-2nd-march-2016-the-violent-justice-in-our-hearts/ .

Beyond film and theatre, Nicholas has composed and presented touring productions for children, staged musicals and straight plays, across Ontario, Québec, and BC. You can see his annual live musical performances at events like the Richmond Maritime Festival in Steveston, BC, Canada.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Nicholas is actively involved in education, coaching creative expression at Nobel Academy in Vancouver, BC. His commitment to education is further demonstrated through his work with Innovative Arts in Oakville, ON, where he developed collaborative musical theatre works. During the 2000s, he ran ArtsCore school for drama and music in London, ON, and conducted workshops for educators on teaching with sound and music in Québec, China and Brazil through O.A.C.S. I.D.E.A. and C.O.D.E. 

Nicholas' music underpins the official drama/movement curriculum for the A.I.C.S., and during the pandemic, Nick wrote the bilingual French/English school song for Bastion Bobcats at Bastion Elementary in Salmon Arm, BC.

Nicholas invites you to discover the recent release of Pierrette Requier’s audiobook (which he had the honour of mixing and mastering): Les Petites nouvelles du Last Best Ouest (Published in French/English by La Nouvelle Plume https://plume.refc.ca/livres/fiche-livre/?titre=petites-nouvelles-du-last-best-ouest&ISBN=9782924237786)

Experience the artistry of Nicholas Arnold Longstaff, a seasoned composer and sound designer, and elevate your film and audio projects with his creative touch.

New tracks tagged #Ocad