Can The Past Be Cleaned By A Storm?

It is undeniable that we are living in uncertain times. For those of us failing to fit the patriarchal neoliberalist mould, we have lost hope in the future. We can see capitalism is not working but we cannot yet envisage an alternative. In a world where security is no longer feasible, the only constant we can rely on is change. Regardless of one’s point of reference, we can understand that every aspect of life, physical and mental is in flux and perhaps this transience is the only thing we can depend on.

For this episode of Transience we have invited research musician and composer, Demetrio Cecchitelli @cecchitellidemetrio, to create an hour of anxiety alleviating music. Demetrio is mainly active in the fields of ambient and electroacoustic music, with a focused interest for active and deep listening to his compositional approaches. Released worldwide on numerous record labels across Europe, United States/North America, Russia and Japan. He has the follwoing to say about the piece he created ~ While doing this mix for Transience I was wondering to rediscover hidden states of relief within the listening experiences I had in the last ten years. A will to recreate a soft and comfortable zone, where the listener can dive at its leisure, moved by gentle textures and profound/emotional harmonies.

Photography by Micki Rosi Richter

transience #47 with Lou Drago

transience #47 with Demetrio Cecchitelli

For this episode of Transience we have invited expert improvisor and cosmic angel, Dan Nicholls to create a 90 minute journey to alleviate our physical realm anxieties. I've been following Dan's work for many years and am very happy that the stars finally align to host them live from the Cashmere Studio to begin the weekend's programmation. I love the way Dan is able to create such detailed sound worlds that invite us to meander about in them, sway like spores or lay gently nestled in their foliage. For this occassion we sat on the floor of the Cashmere Radio studio in the same space as the audience with a few cushions and Dan’s live setup. Having spent the previous night dancing we were super relaxed and ready to continue the adventure. We arrived at the studio with no real plan, wondering about how to start and what kind of sounds the set might begin with. Despite the not knowing, we both had total trust and a willingness to surrender to the moment.

Dan sees improvising as a way to bypass certain tendencies we might have to control and rationalise; to get in the way of the story or the energetic flow. A personal process of deconstructing, unravelling and healing – but more importantly an experience of playful sharing, creating sonic spaces that the listener can inhabit. The set features an improvised text by Dan’s child Liv, which touches on our origins in the cosmos and the vital need to listen to our bodies. This monologue is spoken in a dream-like imaginary voice, refracting some of the ideas that Liv has been exposed to and has intuitively felt. A different kind of truthful speech. So in a sense, it does with a child’s freedom and clarity of thought what this collection of improvised sounds and imaginary landscapes also hopes to do.

We invite you all to listen to your bodies and your hearts, and lay down to embark on this journey back to our stars.

Photography by Micki Rosi Richter

transience #48 with dan nicholls (live)

It is undeniable that we are living in uncertain times. For those of us failing to fit the patriarchal neoliberalist mould, we have lost hope in the future. We can see capitalism is not working but we cannot yet envisage an alternative. In a world where security is no longer feasible, the only constant we can rely on is change. Regardless of one’s point of reference, we can understand that every aspect of life, physical and mental is in flux and perhaps this transience is the only thing we can depend on.

For this episode of Transience we have invited multimedia artist, Synthtati, who finds their outputs through spatial installation, set design and video art, which is highly influenced by their ongoing passion and keen attention to sound. They are the founder of Moons, an ongoing event series at Kwia, that focuses on a range of experimental and ambient music, striving to accomodate a niche for more challenging sounds – engaging audiences in a process of active listening. About their contribution to Transience, they say: "This mix was born as a self-therapy response to an extended Berlin winter hibernation period. Layering through three decks combining both digital and analogue formats, the mix strives to combine a various palette of sound ranging from experimental, whispering and somewhat tense into to extremely soothing musical textures, craving for a notion of safe space."

To hear more from Synthtati, check @synthtati or @moonsberlin on soundcloud

Photography from Micki Rosi Richter <3

transience #49 with Synthtati

Welcome beloved listeners, tonight's episode is slightly different to usual.

This piece was recorded live at Whole Festival during the transience takeover which featured sets by incredible prismatic~entities: Fairy Queen of Elves; Titania otherwise known as Synthtati, The Butterfly~Sorceress, Sybil and a live set by the cosmic angel, Dan Nicolls under the caress of breezes. Nine winds carrying all the temptations, delights, and perils that come with such a field as bass throbbed on in the distance. Hence, this set is a liiiiiiittle more wild that Lou's usual transience selection, as they channelled what was needed for that particular brew of listeners, at that particular point on earth, a process in spontaneity revealed itself. An 'ego death' experiment in trusting the process, the habits and tools they have learned. They experimented with dissonance and the harmonic relief that can come when such dissonance is removed. The length of time one can stand a sound… and so on.

Lou offers this mix as a guide for others who would like to listen back and join their journey~wormhole.

find an environment that feels right, some trusted friends, decent speakers and ....

Enjoy

☁️

🌿

🐛

transience #52 with Lou Drago live at Whole Festival

Give your ears a story to hear.

Would you like to explore a unique genre of piano music?

Neo-Contemporary Ethereal Fusion music is an attempt at an extraordinary and intricate musical journey that incorporates an array of innovative elements and artistic influences. Drawing inspiration from Neo-Classical, Avant-Garde, and Contemporary music, it stands as a tribute to the limitless possibilities of sonic exploration. 

This track showcases relentless commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression beyond the musical rules. 

Its Experimental nature invites listeners to embrace the unknown, as it delves into uncharted sonic territories. The result is an intricate tapestry of sound that challenges traditional norms and expectations. 

The Ethereal and Ambient qualities infuse the music with an almost otherworldly aura, creating an immersive and transcendent listening experience. 

The Minimalist approach adds depth and complexity through simplicity, allowing each note and sound to carry profound significance. The Fusion elements weave together a rich and diverse sonic palette, transcending genres and conventions. This Fusion not only tries to captivate but also provoke thought and emotion, making the musical tracks truly Expressive in its storytelling. With a Cinematic flair, this music may transport the listener to distant realms and evokes vivid imagery and emotions. It's Evocative in its ability to paint sonic landscapes that spark the imagination. 

The Abstract and Melodic interplay within the composition balances the avant-garde with a sense of familiarity, ensuring that listeners remain engaged throughout their auditory journey. The Atmospheric quality of the music immerses the listener in a rich sonic environment, making it an ideal choice for moments of reflection and introspection. Its Tranquil and Meditative essence invites contemplation and introspection, providing a serene backdrop for inner exploration. 

Enigmatic and Reflective, the music invites listeners to explore the depths of their thoughts and emotions. It serves as a catalyst for introspection and self-discovery, leaving an indelible mark on the soul. 

Ultimately, this Neo-Contemporary Ethereal Fusion music track is a testament to the power of sound as it melds genres, defies conventions, and invites listeners on a profound and Inspirational journey through the realms of imagination and emotion. 

This freshly created music is not generated by an AI program, it was composed by a human, and as such, is automatically protected by copyright law, but is available for your personal use.

Scalar Field II

It is transience's aim to create a temporary suspension of reality where listeners can recenter and reflect with a supportive sonic environment. During the current g3noc1de in G a z a and the surrounding areas, many of us are feeling massive amounts of grief, anger, and all manner of other emotions that it's hard to know what to do with. In Germany, and in particular in Berlin, we're witnessing new levels of state repression on freedom of movement and expression. It's really important during such times to take care to regulate ourselves and help care for one another, so that we can organise and continue the ongoing work of fighting for freedom. 

For this episode of transience we are glad to welcome  to have sound artist + designer, DJ and radio host, MINQ @soundslikeminq as this month's guest. transience host, Lou Drago met MINQ at the ambient floor at Whole Festival 2022, and soon bonded through their shared interests in sound-based mindfulness practices such as Deep Listening. MINQ has been facilitating workshops with the aim to discover what lies at the intersection of mindfulness, movement and sound in QTBIPoc-centered spaces with their research project and workshop series Sonic Utopias | Research Lab. They also have a monthly show on Refugee Worldwide called Sonic Utopias.

To hear more from MINQ you can visit https://soundcloud.com/soundslikeminq

Photography from Micki Rosi Richter <3

Thank you to all of you who are continuing to raise your voices for a ceasefire and to free Palestine

transience #54 with MINQ

transience #54 with Lou Drago

We're delighted to share with you Synthtati's set recorded during the transience curated night at Whole Festival last year. During these three hours, Synthtati takes us on an incredible journey through moments of dubby, glitchy percussions into surreal atmospheres and more playful moments all emerging from a bi-directional drone setting a pschedellic mood for the rest of the night. 

Synthtati has the following to say about their set : 
This soundscape was manifested for the ambient stage opening, invoking memories of an ecstatic atmosphere in the woods under the stars, flamboyant queer people celebrating life on a hot July night.
I had 3 hours to envision a spectrum of sonic nuances: refined elegance of distorted rhythms, cinematic nostalgia, mysterious organics, musique concrète, spoken word, ASMR whispers, and intricate textures.
Initiating with the ethereal resonance of the Shepard's tone as a countdown point, this mix collages 3 musical channels complimenting one anoher simultaneously and merging into one sonic tapestry resonating with me deeply.

Photography from Micki Rosi Richter <3



tracklist ~~

Shepard - Tone          
Jakub Kubica - January 23 B         
Matteo Coffetti & P I T - Xenology      
Andrew Pekler - Sounds From Phantom Islands    
Salar Ansari, Salakastar - Observation          
Unstable Matter -Monolake      
KAKUHAN - MT-SS1          
warrigal dub interlude - Dentistry      
emer - kaili          
Rhythm & Sound - Roll Off      
 Max Loderbauer, Claudio Puntin, Samuel Rohrer - Tund 
Papiro - Latana Supurea          
bdw  - Dentistry      
Objekt - Nervous Silk     
Lussuria - Fear Does Not Make Lasting Peace          
Bérangère Maximin - Day 41        
Salar Ansari, Rafael Leafar - Opening  
Alien Mutation vs Indigo Egg - Another Trip In The Forest   
Luc Ferrari  L'œuvre Électronique  Presque Rien N°2 Ou Ainsi Continue La Nuit Dans Ma Tête Multiple 1a
Starlit Mire - Zero Karma      
Sugai Ken - Outousen          
Scotch Rolex and Shackleton - Asterids (Enter Life)    
Anjou - Greater Grand Crosing    
Arthur Baron - kvinn-ur_master          
Native Instrument - Waldfest          
Atavism Dream  -  Zero Karma      
Andrew Pekler - Onaseuse / Crespo / Rica de Oro 
Tomaga & Pierre Bastien - Paper Ritual  
Ayilara - Emeka Ogboh  6°30’33.372”N 3°22’0.66”E    
Papiro - Incom    
Luc Ferrari Presque Rien N°2 Ou Ainsi Continue La Nuit Dans Ma Tête Multiple 1b    
Sugai Ken - Underwater Sounds At Tone Canal        
CoH + Cosey Fanni Tutti - Closer        
Gregg Kowalsky - Ritual Del Croix          
6, 8  Powell + LCO - 26 Lives    
Giuseppe Ielasi - Aix    
Laurie Anderson - Walking and Falling        
Terre Thaemlitz - Trucker (Burnt By The Muffler Edit)          
Lussuria - Fear Does Not Make Lasting Peace          
Carmen Villain - Subtle Bodies          
Lussuria - Boneblack          
Rashad Becker - Themes V          
Jean-Claude Risset - Mutations (1977)          
Katatonic Silentio - Suspension Mécanique      
Les Chemins De L'inconnu    
Budhaditya Chattopadhyay - Indecent Whispers          
Fibre Optixxx - Present Dub          
Big Hands - Selvatico 
Salar Ansari, Rafael Leafar - Opening        
Kalimba Rough    Bérangère Maximin      
Presque Rien Avec Filles 1b    
Luc Ferrari - L'œuvre Électronique  
Don't DJ - Disparata 69         
Big Hands - A Square, A Circle    
Perila - Sound of a space between body and object on the left      
Some Truths - Acid & Prozac          
Diffractions 2    Mark Fell & Will Guthrie    
emer - through the earth          
John Kameel Farah & Thomas Brinkmann - Sans Titre        
Once Upon a Time (collab. with Elsa M'Bala & Nicole L'Huillier)    
Ale Hop  Why Is It They Say A City Like Any City?  
Andrew Pekler, Giuseppe Ielasi - Simferopol      
Klara Lewis - Beaming          
Moritz von Oswald Trio - Blue Dub
Suemori - mekashikomu
Valentina Magaletti - She, her, gone

transience #55 with Synthtati live at Whole Festival

This is the archive of our regular show on Cashmere Radio, Berlin. 

It is undeniable that we are living in uncertain times. For those of us failing - or refusing - to fit the patriarchal, racist, neoliberal mould we have lost hope in the future. We can see capitalism is not working but we cannot yet envisage an alternative. We discover that the stability we were instructed to obtain whether it be financial, political or ecological, is fleeting, if at all. The resulting anxiety is an instrument of neoliberalism that prevents many of us from being able to raise consciousness of the structural injustices that alienate us.

In a world where security is no longer feasible, the only constant we can rely on is change. Barad teaches us that the world is a dynamic process of intra-activity and materialisation, an ongoing ebb and flow of agency. The Buddhist Law of Impermanence proves that nothing in this world is eternal. Regardless of ones point of reference we can understand that every aspect of life, physical and mental is in flux and perhaps this transience is the only thing we can depend on.

Each month host @lou_drago invites an artist to ruminate on these ideas and create an hour of relief from these anxieties. A temporary suspension of reality, where the listener can speculate on alternate futures free from all systems of oppression.

Photographs 1-30: courtesy Ángela de la Serna
(except 25: courtesy of Sybil @syberkid)
Photographs 31 onward: courtesy Janusz Lorent (except from 37 with is a digital colourfield work by @ligovskoi) 
42 until now’s photographs are from Micki Rosi Richter (except 43 which is another digital colourfield work by @Ligovskoi.)

Cover art by Micki Rosi Richter

Contact: lou.drago @ pm.me

past listening occasions: 

kwia, berlin ~ 19 january 2025
with :
olle holmberg
marum
yuri shimaoka 
lou drago

kwia, berlin ~ 9 may 2024
with: 
ligovskoï
dan nicholls
yuri shimaoka
lou drago

[They | Them]
Booking: tobha (at) tobha (dot) net

Joyfully queer, unapologetically non-binary, and proudly smiling on pictures, tobha is a neuro-diverse dj, producer, label manager, curator, and moderator. Sometimes full of energy, sometimes inviting you to rest, sometimes bubbly, sometimes dark, their music is always a way to resonate with their deepest feelings.

Co-runs @nosuitrecords
Member of @iamscaarlet
Member of @room4resistance

New tracks tagged #experient