This month, we welcome our dear friend Shimon Danziger to the series, aka Celeryman.

Born and raised in Sydney, Shimon cut his teeth on the city’s club and warehouse scene. As 1/3 of the Innerspace collective, he ran a series of techno parties, hosting the likes of Peter Van Hoesen, DJ Nobu, Haruka and Wata Igarashi.

Having regularly attended and been influenced by outdoor festivals such as The Labyrinth, he moved to Japan during the pandemic and now lives with his wife in the countryside of the Oita prefecture. He has become an active member of the burgeoning Oita music scene, centred around a very special club, Azul, where this mix was recorded.

“This mix is a meditation on my recent musical journey. The move to Japan, coupled with the pandemic, has given me a stronger connection with nature and accelerated a shift in my listening habits away from the dance floor. I threw in a bunch of old favourites, some new finds, tracks from friends and quite a few Japanese artists who I have become familiar with since moving here. The scene here is unique, in that the deeper you look, there’s always more to find. And it makes me happy to be surrounded by people who take music so seriously.”

Mix mastered by Holosuite Mastering 
Design by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - Celeryman

Patricia Wolf is a musician, sound designer and DJ, residing in Portland, Oregon. Wolf uses electronics, voice and field recordings to produce non-linear compositions that draw listeners to a hypnotic inner world. Her use of melody and repetition manipulate the listeners' perception of time, conjuring vivid textures and atmospheres. In 2022 she released her first two solo albums, “I’ll Look For You In Others” and “See-Through”.

“For this mix, I set out to create a flowing stream of music that one could put on at bedtime. My hope is that this music can help others drift into a vivid dreamland.”

Tracklist:

ABADIR - Reminiscence [Injazero Records / Phantom Limb, 2023]
Zane Trow - Phase Shift [Room40, 2021]
Startrails - Light [self released, 2023]
Miguel Isaza - Continuidad [Dragon's Eye Recordings, 2015]
Tujiko Noriko - A Meeting At The Space Station [Editions Mego, 2023]
Perila - Amorphous Absorption [VAAGNER, 2021]
Hatis Noit - Inori (William Basinski Rework) [Erased Tapes, 2023]
Nyokabi Kariuki - Subira [cmntx records, 2023]
Saloli - Sarabande Dream [self released, 2022]
James Heather - Immortal Beloved [Ahead Of Our Time, 2022]
Megan Alice Clune - Puffy [Room40, 2023]
Shō - Gummy [Never Anything Records, 2023]
Meg Mulhearn & Belly Full Of Stars - Orbital Resonance [Fallen Moon Recordings, 2023]
Eric Olsen - Calmoso [Bruma Del Sur, 2022]

Design by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - Patricia Wolf

Toner was first introduced to underground music while studying abroad in Taiwan, where he was awakened by modern techno.

After returning to Japan, he became captivated by Tokyo’s club and rave scene, and naturally progressed to become involved with numerous events as both a supporter and music journalist.

Together with Toss and Kaana, he now runs "LIMINAL DREAMS”. A community of enthusiasts, deeply focused on electronic, ambient and experimental music. "LIMINAL DREAMS" pays homage to the psychedelic chill-out culture that has been prevalent since the 60’s.
--
“Uneven Beauty”

“Recently, I had the opportunity to be surrounded by the beautiful port city of Keelung, Taiwan. It was a very calming and tranquil experience.

During this time, I reflected on a variety of musical experiences in recent years, to explore various sounds for this mix. I wanted to capture the beauty and tranquility of an outdoor music festival and combine it with the beauty of an intimate smoky venue.

I often find beauty in the ephemeral and feel a strong connection between music and the natural world. I hope you can enjoy this mix as a session that transcends time and space between great musicians.

I pay my respects to all of the artists.”

Mix mastered by Holosuite Mastering
Design by Clayton Ciolac
--
Tracklist:

Kruispunt - Kyrie [self-released, 2023]
Steve Good - Another Wave [self-released, 2022]
Aiôn Lazura - Solstice [LIMINAL SPACES, 2023]
Lewi Boome - Brooklyn [Warning, 2022]
Current 93 - The Magical Bird in the Magical Woods [Durtro, 2000]
Quiet Places - Track 2 [A Strangely Isolated Place, 2020]
Pavel Milyakov - Unreleased (Available via Pavel’s Patreon page)
Jo Johnson - The wave ahead of the wave ahead [Mysteries of the Deep, 2023]
Grand River - Human [Editions Mego, 2023]
Deep Glistening 1 - Beta Whisper [Indole Records, 2016]
Seltene Erden - Rising Core [Kassem Mosse, 2020]
KMRU - U9 [Euphonic Rhythms, 2020]
Brian Eno - We Let It In [Opal Records, 2022]

The Observatory - Toner

Jo Johnson has been releasing music and organising events since the early 90s. She is a regular performer at Freerotation festival in the UK, and organises electronic music events with Bleep43 in London. Her debut solo album, Weaving, was released on Further Records in 2014 and has been described as a modern classic.  Her latest solo release, The Wave Ahead, came out earlier this year on Brooklyn-based label, Mysteries of the Deep. Jo also collaborates with pianist and composer, Hilary Robinson, and they have a live album, Session One, on 9128.live (a sub-label of A Strangely Isolated Place).

“It's been a pleasure to spend time listening to someone else’s music rather than my own! I've been writing and playing out much more this year, which has been amazing, but it's not left as much time for listening, so it's been refreshing and inspiring to delve into some of the great music that's been coming out recently. I've created a Buy Music list – please support the artists and labels included by paying for their work, if you can, and helping them to keep making great music." - Jo

Tracklist:

Luke Sanger - Ghosts of the Uranium Forest (Frequency Domain, 2023)
Jo Johnson – Untitled (unreleased, 2023)
Xenia Pestova Bennett - King of Cats (Pomeranian Snout/TakuRoku, 2023/2020)
Bana Haffar -  Save This Manual For The Future (Touch, 2023)
Ryan J Raffa - All At Once (Group Tightener, 2023)
Cate Brooks – Tapeworks I (Café Kaput, 2023)
Imaginary Softwoods – Chalked Outlines Of A Polybius Square (Field Records, 2023)
D1G - Drawing 1 (self-released on Bandcamp, 2022)
Bea Brennan – Everlasting (Old Technology, 2022)
Simon McCorry – Full Circle (Polar Seas, 2021)
Florian Fricke – Spirit of Peace I-III (Celestial Harmonies, 1983)
KMRU – MR4 (self-released on Bandcamp, 2022)
Field Lines Cartographer – Sunrise Through Wires (Castles in Space, 2023)
Jo Johnson – Orbit (Mysteries of the Deep, 2023)
Patricia Wolf – People Moving Freely (i u we records, 2021)

--
Buy Music Club: https://www.buymusic.club/list/werkhouse-the-observatory-mix-jo-johnson

Also, Jo recently launched a Bandcamp subscription service. If you love her music as much as we do, please consider supporting her and subscribing. The first offerings to subscribers are two stunning improvisations recorded just recently.

Subscribe: https://jojohnson.bandcamp.com/subscribe

And catch Jo playing at IKLECTIK on 16th June, supporting Luigi Tozzi, Laura BCR, and Luke Carter.

IKLECTIK: https://iklectikartlab.com/luigi-tozzi-live-jo-johnson-live-laura-bcr-dj-luke-carter-dj/

The Observatory - Jo Johnson

We’re feeling very honoured to welcome A Strangely Isolated Place and 9128.live head honcho, Ryan Griffin, aka ASIP.

Ryan's ear for label curation and his mixes under the ASIP moniker have really inspired us over the years, so it's exciting to get an insight into what he's been listening to lately.

Some words by Ryan about the mix:

"This mix came together over a 2/3 month period, as I've spent a large part of the summer between Oregon and California with family and haven't had much dedicated time to focus on a mix. Normally I approach mixes more conceptually, but this one came to life organically in pieces, over time. In hindsight, the mix reflects a specific period in time for me and a lot of my life musically over the past few months. From the unfortunate passing of Brian McBride (Stars of The Lid) and revisiting those brilliant albums nearly every evening; anticipating the new Lord of The Isles album after his standout isolatedmix this year; our latest label addition from Mary Yalex; music being sent to my inbox from new artists; and of course, a couple of upcoming ASIP releases that are keeping me busy lately. Thank you for having me as part of the series."

Tracklist:

1. Mary Yalex - Snowy Avenue (Excerpt) (Yalex Recordings) [Forthcoming]
2. Stars of The Lid - Down (Kranky) [2001] 
3. Monolake - Mass Transit Railway (Field Records) [2023]
4. nthng - Unlimited () (Excerpt) (Transatlantic) [2023]
5. Liai - A-A (Quiet Time) [2022]
6. Terre Thaemlitz - Liebesmachine (Comatonse) [2019]
7. Biosphere - Antennaria (Alternative Version) (Biophon) [2022]
8. Vernal Equinox - Six Figures In A Landscape (Clover Recordings) [1997]
9. hoyah חיה - BB walk [10129] (Mellia) [2022]
10. Andy Aquarius - Kyrie (Constellation Tatsu) [2022]
11. Romance & Dean Hurley - Still Lives (Ecstatic) [2022]
12. Chihei Hatakeyama - Insects Chirping (Field Records) [2023]
13. Lord of The Isles - Last Day (AD93) [Forthcoming]
14. Alex Israel - Octonions (Somnambulant Drift) [2023]
15. Shīdo - Denial (Unreleased)
16. Owl - Moonshine Haze (Silent Season) [2021]
17. Not Glass - Fallite Fallentes (Ecstatic) [2019]
18. Carl Stone - Lim 1974 (Unseen Worlds) [2016]
19. Stars of The Lid - Preludes (In C Sharp Major) (Kranky) [2001]
20. Arovane - Yord (Quiet Details) [2023]
21. Markus Guentner & Arovane - Utopian Fragment (A Strangely Isolated Place) [Forthcoming]
22. Salvatore Mercatante - OPEN, OPEN (A Strangely Isolated Place) [Forthcoming]

Website: https://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/
Bandcamp: https://astrangelyisolatedplace.bandcamp.com/
Radio/ Sublabel: https://9128.live/

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - ASIP

This month we welcome Tokyo-based electronic sound artist and lyricist, Yumi Iwaki.

Yumi is an extraordinary talent, who layers her voice, acoustic instruments, field recordings, modular synthesisers, and small synthesisers, as if travelling through an imagined landscape.

Her mix takes us through a selection of music she likes to listen to when she wants to relax, but at the same time add something spicy. The flow of sounds take her to different places while in a daze.

Tracklist:

1. Zane Trow - a call from minyon falls [Room40, 2021]
2. IDRA & Hiroshi Ebina - IV [Mystery Circles, 2022]
3. Jonny Nash & Suzanne Kraft - Hanging Glass Structure [Melody As Truth, 2017]
4. Suso Saiz - Scrub Your Ego [Music From Memory, 2019]
5. Ryan J Raffa & Yumi Iwaki  - Rains of Keelung [泊人ANKR, 2023]
6.  |||||||||||||||||||| - Outlook Remains Untouched [self-released, 2021]
7. Valance Drakes & Ivan Shopov - Our Choices Are Prepaid [Etheraudio Records, 2018]
8. Ann Annie - By Morning [self-released, 2022]
9. Carlos Ferreira - Imaginary Soundscape I (Postcard Six) [Past Inside the Present, 2020]
10. Andrew Pekler & Giuseppe Ielasi - Trebizond [Shelter Press, 2021]
11. Bana Haffar - Sit Still [Touch, 2023]
12. Federico Durand - Salvia [laaps, 2021]
13. r beny - alone in the pavillion [self-released, 2020]
14. J Foerster / N Kramer - Four Glass Steps [Leaving Records, 2021]
15. Shuttle358 - Can you prove I was born [12k, 2015]

Mix mastered by Holosuite Mastering
Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - Yumi Iwaki

It’s our pleasure to welcome Sufar to The Observatory.

As 1/3 of the Eora/ Sydney-based collective, Translate, Sufar’s passion for sonic frequencies spreads wide, curating a podcast series and events via Transitions, building beautifully hand-crafted sound systems and studio monitors via Translate Sound, and DJing across Eora/ Sydney’s underground music scene.

In this mix, Sufar draws us into a deeply emotive, psychedelic listening session which he describes as, “a collection of tracks to help clear my mind, and maybe yours too”.

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/whysufar

Transitions
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/transitions_ts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transitions.ts/

Translate Sound
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/translate.sound/

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - Sufar

For our second last mix of the year, we welcome Taipei-based musician and artist, Ryan J Raffa. 

Some words by Ryan:

"However today’s mind-heart-soul crushing violence in the streets or vapid cultural lacquer that distracts and divides may make it seem, we’re fortunate when we’re surrounded by others who are equally passionate about initiating and participating in sustainable, creative communities. A huge thanks to Jay and The Observatory for the opportunity to celebrate some music together and listen to some sounds I’ve been enjoying and supporting recently. 

A huge shout to these and the innumerable musicians and artists who continue to make and create amazing work in the face of climate disaster, war, economic instability, and the continual reframing of sound’s relationship to society. It’s an ecosystem, and if you're reading this, you can be assured you’re part of it. Supporting music and the artists who create it is vital, so consider picking up a physical copy or dropping some change in the digital tip jar of your favourite track or artist. It all makes an impact. Best wishes and much love from Taipei."

Thank you so much, Ryan <3

Tracklist:

Luurel Varas - Phantom Island [Crash Symbols, 2023]
Pulse Emitter - Temple in the Mountains [Hausu Mountain Records, 2022]
Ki Oni - Plant Life III [Sound As Language, 2022]
Papiro - Romeo on the Beach [Marionette, 2021]
Splash Blade - Theme From Mythica [Precision Audio, 2023]
Sam Prekop - Community Place [self-released, 2021]
Mary Yalex - Bridge Over Troubled Water [A Strangely Isolated Place, 2023]
Chie Otomi & Hirotaka Shirotsubaki - Lunar Cruising [Muzan Editions, 2023]
Jo Johnson - Live at Going In [Going In, 2022]
Nick Tsai - Aechmea Chantinii + Neoregelia Turmoil [self-released, 2021]
Per Barfot - Livstycken [Mystery Circles, 2023]
a wave, a mouth - Concurrence Waltz [Dragon's Eye Recordings, 2023]
yolabmi - Circulation [Vaagner, 2022]
Julia Gjertsen - Restive [Moderna Records, 2021]
Purelink - We Should Keep Going [Peak Oil, 2023]
SG - Sentimental Guitar Dream [Faitiche, 2023]
Aura Gaze - Spanda Rain Monk [Aural Canyon, 2023]
Mind over MIDI - Tap [Shimmering Moods Records, 2021]
Whatever The Weather - 25°C [Ghostly International, 2022]
Awakened Souls - Paint The Sky [Stereoscenic Records, 2020]
Carlos Ferreira & Luke Elliott - Holding Hands [A Red Thread, 2022]
Ryan J Raffa - Fall Jackets Of Unknown Origin (ft. Andrew Weathers) [self-released, 2023]
William Selman - Tropical Doxa [Mysteries of the Deep, 2023]
Loris S Sarid - Start Of A Spring? [Moon Glyph, 2023]
Ryan J Raffa - Spirits Of Menghuanhu [Group Tightener, 2023]
M. Sage - Bendin' In [RVNG Intl., 2023]
Felbm - Fruit [Soundway Records, 2021]
Colloboh - Mystic You [Leaving Records, 2023]
Yumi Iwaki - Reverie [Kankyō Records, 2023]
Ibukun Sunday - Root [self-released, 2023]
Niecy Blues - Bones Become the Trees [Looking Glass, 2023]

Spoken Word:

Ruth Draper - Doctors And Diets [1962]
Josef Albers - Reason for painting [date unknown]
Ruth Draper - The Actress  [1962]
Red Jen - Life [1999]
Brian O'Doherty - Invitation to Art [1959]
Ruth Draper - Doctors And Diets [1962]
Ethel Waters - Last Wish, His Eye Is On The Sparrow [1977]
Richard Brautigan - Phone Call [Harvest, 1970]
Mahatma Gandhi - Speech [1931]

Bandcamp: https://rjraffa.bandcamp.com/music
Website: https://www.rjraffa.net

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - Ryan J Raffa

For our last mix of the year, we warmly welcome a very talented synthesist, DJ, and co-founder of Frequency Domain, Ali Wade.

Some words by Ali:

"The Observatory has had a really great first year, hosting many go-to mixes for me, so I feel humbled to round off the series in 2023. Thanks to Jay for the invite and to all the previous contributors for setting the bar so high.

As the world grows exponentially more complex and unjust, music is ever the stabilising force. In November this year I was invited by the Bleep43 crew to DJ alongside some incredible artists at an event in east London - this mix pulls together a lot of the music I played that day, including many tracks from the label I co-run, Frequency Domain. Recorded one afternoon while in bed with a cold, I hope it puts you in a good place."

Tracklist:

Southfacing - The Marking Song (Frequency Domain)
Sync24 - Replicant (Ultimae Records)
Hula Om - Raul Lovisoni / Francesco Messina (Cramps Records)
Marja Ahti - Chora (Hallow Ground)
Pauline Anna Strom - The Unveiling (Ether Ship Records)
Alva Noto - Xerrox Rin (Raster-Noton)
Arovane - Rotor (Quiet Details)
Tetsu Inoue - Sour Cloud (DiN)
Autechre - Nine (Warp Records)
Stars of the Lid - Even (Out)+ (Kranky)
LF58 - Rituale (Astral Industries)
Alva Noto - Xerrox Monophaser 1 (Raster-Noton)
Ali Wade - Imbolc (Frequency Domain)
Jonathan Fitoussi - Triangulum (Further Records)
William Selman - Umami Lagoon (Mysteries Of The Deep)
Aleksi Perälä - UK74R1619010 (AP Musik)
Jürgen Müller - Jenseits des Stromes (Digitalis Recordings)
r beny - eistla (Self-released)
Golden Shields - Radiance (Frequency Domain)
Imaginary Softwoods - Almond Branch (Field Records)
Fields We Found - Shifts (Handstitched)
Hinako Omori - Levitation (Houndstooth)
Mücha - Spectral Interference (Frequency Domain)
Southfacing - Opt Out (Frequency Domain)
Chris Watson - Cima Verde (Fondazione Edmund Mach)
Ian Hawgood - For Distance Brings Us Closer (Handstitched)
Linnley - Filiform (Space Surgeries)
Chris Watson - Soffi di Vento (Fondazione Edmund Mach)
Papiro - Romeo on the Beach (Marionette)
Imaginary Softwoods - Parterre (Field Records)
Polypores - ECCO (Frequency Domain)
Southfacing - Out of the Park (Frequency Domain)

Frequency Domain: https://frequencydomain.bandcamp.com
Space Surgeries (Frequency Domain Sub-label): https://spacesurgeries.bandcamp.com/music

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - Ali Wade

The next chapter begins…

We are so pleased to welcome one of the most prolific artists in the field of ambient and experimental music. An unstoppable creative force, whose music has deeply inspired us over the years..... Ishq…

A mix composed entirely of his own music, and mostly forthcoming releases, Ishq takes us on a mind-bending journey through unknown environments.

“In the winter months, as darkness falls, I tend to gravitate more towards deeper and immersive music. Often themes based around space, science fiction, the other-worldly, and the imaginary.

I tend to work on a lot of music this time of year that’s more about painting a landscape or creating a journey, and it’s also an excuse for me to explore the synthesis of sounds, and in particular, the idea of other dimensions of mind or reality. 

It’s all in the imagination, and the mind is free to explore these things. Thats what art is about, in part, and so there is some escapism to the music, as well as a focus on creating moments of peace for the listener.

This mix ends a long period of working on this particular form of sound, as I now move back into more structured music and other forms, so it's been a nice way to bring an end to a phase of creative work. I'm now ready for the new year, and a new energy." - Ishq

Thank you, Matt. It’s truly an honour <3

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

Bandcamp: https://ishq.bandcamp.com

The Observatory - Ishq

For our second offering of the year, we welcome a very talented artist and event organiser, based in Osaka, Japan..... Loe...

After meeting Loe in Osaka last year, and witnessing her perform a mind-bending techno set at a beautiful Muzan Editions x Astral Industries event, we connected through our mutual interest in the power of ambient music and its unique way of processing emotions. A form of therapy, if you will…

This mix is a beautifully woven narrative for cold nights and deep introspection…

Thank you, Loe <3

~~

“My hometown, where I was born and raised, is Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The city is rich in nature, with a view of the Japanese Alps mountain range.

It is a cold area, and when I was a child, it was not unusual to have heavy snowfalls. At night, when there is a lot of snow as far as the eye can see, it is quiet. The snow reflects the moonlight, and the sky becomes bluish and faintly bright.

The big tree that I could see from my room, which was usually swaying in the wind, was covered with snow and quiet on such a day.

It was a very lyrical scene, even to my childish mind, and I felt a sense of awe and fear mixed with affection, which made me wonder. But I felt somewhat lonely, and I didn’t want the morning to come. I was more inclined to bury myself in the silence forever.

I put the original landscape of my heart into this mix. Please enjoy.” - Loe

~~

Mix mastered by Yori
Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

~~

~~ About Loe ~~

Loe was born in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and is the grandniece of avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama. She started her career as a techno DJ in the Kansai region in 2005, and after appearing at DOMMUNE supporting techno heavyweight Reeko's first solo gig in Osaka, she expanded her activities to the whole of Japan. She organises an ambient event known as "SLOWMOTION", in collaboration with AOKI takamasa and Endurance. Her storytelling development and layering techniques are her specialities, and her play style, which maximises the trippy immersive feeling that is the real appeal of techno music, has gained enthusiastic support from the scene.

The Observatory - Loe

So pleased to welcome our next guest...

An incredibly talented producer and DJ, who captured our heart and has gifted us with so much inspiration over the years..... ma lo...

“A collection of personally significant & beautiful works from various incredible artists. Layered with field recordings from time living in the mountains on magical Dharug & Gudungurra Country”

This mix is very special to us. Feelings of nostalgia. It takes us back to when we first fell in love with ma lo’s sound… <3

Dive deep…

Composed and recorded on Dharug Country 🌱

https://soundcloud.com/mahlomusic

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - ma lo

Our mid-week listening session comes courtesy of multi-disciplinary Japanese artist, Makiko Iwaki, under her DJ alias, Iwamaki.

Aside from gracing the world with beautifully woven, introspective DJ sets, she performs live, and produces stunning drone and deep techno sounds under her alias, Menou. Having performed live at Barcelona’s Mostra festival, and releasing music on a string of labels, such as Orbitando, Initiate, and Accents, Iwamaki’s journey as an artist is one to keep your eyes on.

This mix is a live DJ set, recorded just three-weeks ago from MIMINOIMI at Polaris Tokyo, where she layered many sounds, and a unique fusion was born in that very moment.

Tracklist:

Abul Mogard & KMRU - Drawing Water on Matching Teal Surfaces
VAGALLY VAKANS - 852Hz + Pink Noise + Womb Sounds + (宮崎・天安河原の自然音)
Anthony Child - Turn on to the Hall of Perpetual Rotation
Patricia Wolf - Lay to Rest
Night Sea - Off Grid
Material Object - Exit
Rod Modell - Side B
William Selman - Frigidaire Idylls
Celestial Seed Sound - Pain and Tension Relief (174hz)
Individuo Atemporal - Abyssal Rhythms
Kali Malone - Living Torch II
Ancestral Landscapes - Old Timer
Ishtadi - Subheccha 01
Respira - Luminescent Lunar Master

https://soundcloud.com/makiko-iwaki

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - Iwamaki

Very excited to welcome our next guest…

Timnah is one of our favourite artists, and a true master of her craft. Not a week goes by without listening to one of her immersive sonic creations. They hold a special place in our heart <3

Over the years, she has crafted a very unique sonic language that transcends the dance floor, into subliminal rhythmic, ambient, and experimental territories. She has a gift for conjuring dynamic narratives that evoke powerful emotions and otherworldly visualisations.

Timnah has a unique way of drawing the listener into her world, rather than guiding them through their own….. and it’s a beautiful place to be.

https://soundcloud.com/timnah-sommerfeldt

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - Timnah

For our next offering, we welcome Experiment Intrinsic founder, Nathalia, who takes the reins of all four channels, seamlessly layering field recordings, spoken word, delicate textures, and subtle electronics.

https://soundcloud.com/nathaliapetkova
https://soundcloud.com/experimentintrinsic

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - Nathalia

Nestled away in the heart of Osaka, Japan, lies a very special community of artists who nurture the cities unique ambient and experimental sound. It is here that you’ll find Andreas Holderbach, aka Dérive, co-founder/ curator of one of our favourite labels and biggest inspirations, Muzan Editions.

Last year, we had the pleasure of seeing Dérive perform a stunning ambient DJ set in the early hours of the morning at a Muzan Editions x Astral Industries event. Listening to this mix has been a really special way of revisiting that moment <3

https://soundcloud.com/derive_ambient
https://soundcloud.com/muzaneditions

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - Dérive

So happy to welcome Osaka-based ambient musician, co-founder/ label curator of Muzan Editions, and one of the loveliest humans on the planet… Joshua Stefane, aka Endurance, who has gifted us with a very special live recording.

“This set – like a lot of my material – was recorded in a single take. At home in the studio, I have been trying to work on tight, focused sounds that I could recreate in a live setting at a festival or ambient party, and this set is the result of those efforts. I like how the initial intensity of the set slowly recedes, evolving into other, more serene forms of the same sound.
Recorded in March 2024 with a Moog Mother 32, modular synths, and processed field recordings.”

Mastered by Yori
Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

https://soundcloud.com/joshua-stefane
https://soundcloud.com/muzaneditions

The Observatory - Endurance (Live)

We are honoured to welcome Lynne to The Observatory. An immensely talented DJ and producer who is known for bending the minds of dance floors and listening rooms, traversing the outer realms of DnB, ambient, experimental, and obscurities.

Music for a voyage through frozen waters, under a new moon…

https://soundcloud.com/lynne-tokyo

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - Lynne

"One day, without thinking, I mixed and recorded what I felt..."

For our next offering, we warmly welcome Tokyo-based DJ, Qmico, who gifts us with a very special listening session. Pure emotional expression through sound. Something that words cannot describe...

Last year, we had the pleasure of hearing Qmico perform an incredible techno set at Annahme festival in Japan, surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Kochi, and bathed in the bright light of the hunter's full moon. A very profound, psychedelic experience. Listening to this mix over the past week has been a really special way of revisiting those memories. It's an honour to now welcome her to the series <3

https://soundcloud.com/qmico

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory - Qmico

We are honoured to welcome one of the most remarkable minds of modern electronic music... Samuel van Dijk, aka Multicast Dynamics.
--
Artist Support:

https://soundcloud.com/multicastdynamics
https://soundcloud.com/mohlao
https://languageofcolours.bandcamp.com/music
https://chaindata.bandcamp.com/
https://www.patreon.com/chaindata
https://www.instagram.com/vc118a/
--
Artwork by Clayton Ciolac
https://www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

The Observatory - Multicast Dynamics

For our next offering, we warmly welcome Mara, a remarkably talented musician, composer, curator, and prominent member of Eora/ Sydney's experimental community. 

Mara recently released a stunning new album on https://soundcloud.com/purespacefm, "At Every Corner", which is absolutely worth treating your ears with.

Tracklist:

Fursaxa – Bells of Capistrano
Lyra Pramuk – Witness
[Field Recording] Tour of Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, September 2024
gi – knots
Laurie Anderson – My Right Eye
[Field Recording] Street movements, Jakarta, September 2024
Mara – Code Switch
Arvo Pärt – My Heart’s in the Highlands
[Field Recording] Morning in the garden, Bingie, July 2024
R.Beuzeville – Earthside
Smerz – Craig
[Field Recording] Listening to tapes at M Bloc, Jakarta, September 2024
Waljinah – Dadi Ati
Caterina Barbieri – How to Decode an Illusion
[Live Recording Excerpt] Tobira Records, 07 October 2023
[Field Recording] Street movements, Jakarta, September 2024
Tashi Wada – Revealed Night
Colin Stetson and Sarah Neufeld – And still they move
ugne&maria – Healing
Mara – Tokyo in 30,000 Steps
Astrid Sonne, Hvad – Light and Heavy (Hvad Edit)
[Field Recording] Bells in the wind, Itoshima, September 2023

Artist Support:

http://maraschwerdtfeger.com/
https://maramaramara.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/maramaramusic
https://www.instagram.com/mara.mara.mara/

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac
https://www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

The Observatory - Mara

It's an absolute pleasure to welcome one of the most prolific members of Madrid's electronic music community... Alfonso Pomeda, aka F-on, who gifts us with a special long-form masterclass, traversing the deepest of experimental oceans.

Artist Support:

https://soundcloud.com/f-ondj
https://www.instagram.com/apomeda/
https://www.heed-agency.net/roster/f-on
https://alpengluhen.bandcamp.com/

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac
www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

The Observatory - F-on

Drawing the curtains on 2024 with a gentle, introspective entry, courtesy of Emile Facey, aka Plant43, who has spent the past 20-years gifting the world with some of the finest electro and ambient records.

Tracklist:

Matthew Bourne - This Is Not For You (self-released, 2024)
https://matthewbourne.bandcamp.com/track/this-is-not-for-you

Main - Liquid Reflective (Kling Klang) (Psychedelic atmospheres in Ambient, 1994)
https://psyambient.bandcamp.com/track/liquid-reflective-kling-klang

Bea Brennan - Rushing In (self released, 2024)
https://beabrennan.bandcamp.com/track/rushing-in

Luz1e - Sensory Perception (Mechatronica, 2023)
https://mechatronica.bandcamp.com/track/sensory-perception

Doltz - Akatsuki (Doltz Remix) (Muzan Editions, 2023)
https://muzaneditions.bandcamp.com/track/akatsuki-doltz-remix

Loula Yorke - the stream sent forth such sallies of glad sound (quiet details, 2024)
https://quietdetails.bandcamp.com/track/the-stream-sent-forth-such-sallies-of-glad-sound

KMRU - moving sleep (Seil Records, 2024)
https://kmru.bandcamp.com/track/moving-sleep

Jo Johnson - Inside Eyes Sparks Fire Under Ice (Castles In Space, 2024)
https://jojohnson.bandcamp.com/track/inside-eyes-sparks-fire-under-ice

Michael Tanner - Charioteer (Objects Forever, 2022)
https://iamplinth.bandcamp.com/track/charioteer

William Selman - Outshone the Sun (Old Technology, 2024)
https://old-technology.bandcamp.com/track/outshone-the-sun

Galya Bisengalieva - TULPAR (NOMAD Music Productions, 2018)
https://galyabisengalieva.bandcamp.com/track/tulpar-2

Wanz Dover - The Morning Walk (Stereo on Strike, 2017)
https://stereoonstrike.bandcamp.com/track/the-morning-walk

Teleplasmiste - Radioclast (House of mythology, 2017)
https://teleplasmistehom.bandcamp.com/track/radioclast

~~

Artist Support:

https://plant43.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/plant43
https://www.instagram.com/plant43/

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac
https://www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

The Observatory - Plant43

Really happy to welcome our next guest... Adam O'Hara, aka The Vision Reels, whose 2020 ambient-drone debut, "Eyes Open" (Kizen Records), captured our heart <3. 

Over the years, Adam has crafted a very beautiful sonic language, with releases on re:st and Huinali Recordings, and a more recent collaboration with UK's Barefoot as CVOIA. Together, they also run Captured Visions, a label exploring the liminal spaces between ambient and dance music (highly recommended !)

~~

https://thevisionreels.bandcamp.com/
https://capturedvisions.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/thereelvison
https://soundcloud.com/captured-visions
https://www.instagram.com/thevisionreels/
https://www.instagram.com/capturedvisionslabel/

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac
www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

The Observatory - The Vision Reels

Our first inter-dimensional carpet ride of the year comes courtesy of Mysteries of the Deep head honcho, Grant Aaron <3

Tracklist:

Ana Roxanne - A Study in Vastness
https://anaroxanne.bandcamp.com/album/because-of-a-flower-2

Sophia Zhuravkova - Interior Music 004
https://interiormusic.bandcamp.com/album/interior-music-2

Taylor Deupree - November
https://taylordeupree.bandcamp.com/album/northern-re-issue

korrē - Potions
https://perimeterjunk.bandcamp.com/album/oizys

Skee Mask - Terminal Z
https://iliantape.bandcamp.com/album/itlp19-resort

COH - NAKED MOONLIGHT RESURRECTS FORGOTTEN POETS
https://coh-official.bandcamp.com/album/music-vo

Loscil & Lawrence English - Indigo 
https://lawrenceenglish.bandcamp.com/album/chroma

Celer - Remaining Stretches
https://celer.bandcamp.com/album/engaged-touches-expanded-and-remastered

Quiet Places - Side A
https://astrangelyisolatedplace.bandcamp.com/album/volume-2

Mor Air & Luke Elliott - Cathode
https://frostilabel.bandcamp.com/album/the-beautiful-late

Hiroshi Yoshimura - Time Forest
https://hiroshi-yoshimura.bandcamp.com/album/surround

~~

Artist Support:

https://www.mysteriesofthedeep.net
https://mysteriesofthedeep.bandcamp.com
https://birdsofpreymusic.bandcamp.com/music
https://soundcloud.com/insideout
https://soundcloud.com/mysteriesofthedeep
https://www.instagram.com/mystofthedeep/

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac
https://www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

The Observatory - Grant Aaron

It's with great pleasure that we welcome Spanish maestro ABSIS to The Observatory, who gifts us with a special live ambient set, performed and recorded earlier this month at Human Club's third anniversary celebrations in Barcelona.

Thank you, Salva. Stunning <3
~~
Artist Support:

https://soundcloud.com/absismusic
https://rededge.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-alpengl-hen
https://hiverndiscs.bandcamp.com/album/found-ritual
https://affin.bandcamp.com/album/silent-voices
https://www.instagram.com/absis_music/

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac
https://www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

The Observatory - ABSIS (Live at Human Club, 2025)

It's an honour to welcome the lovely Joan Gila to The Observatory <3

A passionate music lover and record collector for over half his life, Joan is the curator of HOC Radio and a really beautiful label known as red edge (highly recommended if you're not familiar! stunning releases by ABSIS and Bastien <3). Alongside Javi .apart and his friend Jordi, with whom he runs the Binomi project, he co-hosts MostRadio.

https://soundcloud.com/joan-gila
https://soundcloud.com/hoc-radio
https://soundcloud.com/red-edge-label
https://soundcloud.com/binomi
https://soundcloud.com/mostrabcn
https://rededge.bandcamp.com/music

Some words by Joan about the mix:

"I always like to conceptualize my mixes. It helps me set boundaries and avoid falling into the endless musical rabbit hole - which, frankly, can be overwhelming. This particular mix took me time to find its definitive form. After my latest vinyl purchases over the past few months, as well as an exploration of CDs (a whole fascinating world in itself), I was finally able to define its premise.

The mix unfolds across four movements. Three of them are based on a deconstruction of a long-form minimalist drone composition, layering elements of field recordings, electroacoustics & musique concrète, or additional drones. Each movement explores textures, dialectics, and microtonalism respectively. In between, the remaining movement serves as a purely experimental interlude.

This time, I can’t provide a tracklist - I couldn’t even say exactly what I used or in what proportion. The selection flows together in a way that’s hard to pinpoint, with a mix of works and pieces that come together naturally. That said, I can share that it features a strong presence of musique concrète and electroacoustic works from the '70s and '80s, including artists like Jep Nuix, Olly Wilson, Hans Roosenschon, and Anne Ben Hammou, along with revered names in drone and minimalism like Éliane Radigue, Bernhard Günter, Sarah Davachi, or Toshiya Tsunoda. There are also more recent sonic experiments and compositions – names like Richard Chartier, Steve Roden, Pablo Diserens, Jana Winderen, ENA, or Lotus Eater - some of which we’ll have the chance to experience at Mostra. And of course, there are also tracks from friends - this time, Oisatsana, ABSIS, and Menhir."

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac
https://www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

The Observatory - Joan Gila

This contribution is a very special one, as it marks a new chapter in The Observatory’s sound… 

We will always be a home for ambient and experimental sounds. But, moving forward, we will also be exploring our love for dance music, with a particular focus on the deep end.

To begin this new journey and warm things up, we are so happy to welcome back Timnah, who gifts us with a two-hour recording of her set at Omen Wapta, ADE’24. A mind-bending traversal through ambient, drone, and halftime experiments, exploring the liminal spaces between the listening room and the dance floor.
~~
Timnah lives, works and feeds the cats in the Northwestern extremities of Switzerland. Brought up in her parents’ jazz clubs and deeply influenced by her brother’s love for dub and soundsystem culture, she started DJing just after the massively feared Millenium Bug had threatened to offset our relation to time and space. Dedicated to drawing her own map of late 20th century sonic landscapes, she spent the early 2000s exploring 90s electronics including breakbeat, triphop, ambient techno, drum&bass, house and jungle. After a short but sweet excursion into producing in the early 2010s, Timnah dedicated herself fully to spinning the wheels and transversing genres, gravitating towards her current signature sound that spans immersive sound baths and intergalactic carpet rides in half-time. Timnah is a member of Amenthia Recordings and a recent addition to the A Walking Contradiction Collective.
~~
Artist Support:

https://soundcloud.com/timnah-sommerfeldt
https://ra.co/dj/timnahsommerfeldt
https://www.instagram.com/timnah_amenthia

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac
https://www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

The Observatory - Timnah @ Omen Wapta, ADE, 2024

For our next offering, we warmly welcome o.utlier to The Observatory, who takes us on a journey through some of the finest horizontal selections and low-lying rhythms, mixed and recorded last month at Om Being's Deep Listening Lounge in Hackney Downs, London. 
~~
Artist Support:

https://soundcloud.com/o-utlier
https://outlier.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.instagram.com/outlier_rory/
https://soundcloud.com/titraterecords
https://titrate.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.instagram.com/titraterecords/
https://soundcloud.com/pagan_red
https://www.instagram.com/pagan_red/

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac, inspired by megalithic art found inside Newgrange, a passage tomb built during the Neolithic period in the Boyne Valley, Ireland, around 3200 BC.
https://www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

https://ombeing.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/om_being_/

The Observatory - o.utlier @ Om Being - Deep Listening Lounge, 2025

Two hours of blissful, atmospheric, dubbed-out grooves and sound system pressure from Kizen Records' head honcho and one of our favorite selectors... Romi.
~~
Artist Support:

https://soundcloud.com/romi808
https://ra.co/dj/romi
https://www.instagram.com/___romi_/
https://kizenrecords.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/kizenrecords

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac
https://www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

The Observatory - Romi

Mix series exploring ambient, drone, experimental…

Curated by Jay Keegan

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac

The Observatory

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