Gravity

Original score soundtrack by Christopher Willits for the music documentary "The Art of Listening"

The Art of Listening (Original Score Soundtrack) is a collection of 10 cinematic vignettes created to color the scenes of the feature music documentary The Art of Listening. As the film narrates the journey sound takes, from imagination and composition into a physical experience, the music embodies a sense of depth and reverence for the creative process. This work was composed as improvisations with Moog Guitar, analog gear, and a tape machine, while watching each scene in the film. The moody guitar lines, and rich chords, take on a kind of warm light in the film, expressing a timeless tone and texture of sound.

Composed, mixed and mastered by Christopher Willits at the Overlap Studio in Oakland CA. Track 2 "Winding" mastered by Scott Hansen and Christopher Willits. The Art of Listening (Original Score Soundtrack) is published by Overlap Music (ASCAP).

www.theartoflisteningfilm.com

The Art of Listening is a documentary film about the journey music takes to reach a listener’s ear, from the intent of an instrument maker and composer, to the producers and engineers who capture and preserve an artist’s voice. This journey is narrated by intimate conversations with artists, engineers and producers about the philosophy of their work and the intent behind each musical note they create.

This film is an invitation for music fans to rediscover the intricacies and details available in their favorite recordings. The Art of Listening is the beginning of a conversation of how the quality of our listening experiences define the medium.

"The Art of Listening" music documentary features - 
Andrew Scheps
Beacon
Christopher Willits
Dave Smith
Ethan Diamond
Hans Zimmer
Hiatus Kaiyote
Jack Douglas
James Brown
Jean Larrivée
John Luther Adams
John Storyk
Kaki King
Kamasi Washington
Mark de Clive-Lowe
Mike Milosh
Reggie Watts
Steve Vai
Scott Hansen (Tycho)
The Chainsmokers
Tim Westergren

--

Christopher Willits is a guitarist, artist, and producer based in San Francisco who believes that music and art can catalyze inner change. Willits creates meditative ambient electronic music with guitar and voice, that is designed to overlap with his own cinematic film and video work. These immersive audiovisual experiences speak to a global audience on a universal level. His music on labels such as Ghostly International has garnered critical acclaim, sending him on continuous tours around the world. Multiple solo albums and collaborations with the likes of Ryuichi Sakamoto, Tycho, and Taylor Deupree have accounted for a diverse catalog with over 25 releases over the last 15 years. Christopher is the founder of the creative collective Overlap, and also Envelop, a spatial audio platform that creates Ambisonic sound spaces and open source software tools. As a devoted teacher, Christopher strives to illuminate people’s creativity in music and art, and has lectured at many leading institutions in the world.

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The Art of Listening (Original Score Soundtrack)

Downloads / Support

Selected Works

Begin the music 15 minutes before sunset.

Sunset

Coast

Crescent

Unknown

Origin

Endless

Tunnels

Regrowth

Scene 02 / Track 02 from the album and film OPENING by Christopher Willits, out September 2, 2014.
Pre-order the full album from Ghostly International-
theghostlystore.com/products/christopher-willits-opening

Video of CLEAR - https://vimeo.com/100189066

OPENING (Album, Film, Photos) www.christopherwillits.com/opening

Subscription Service- drip.fm/willits
www.christopherwillits.com
https://www.facebook.com/christopher.willits.page
https://twitter.com/Willits

CLEAR is directed, edited and color by Christopher Willits. Shot by Christopher Willits and Andrew Binkley. Music composed, performed and produced by Christopher Willits with Scott Hansen on keys and Rory O'connor drums. Mixed and mastered by Christopher Willits and Ryan Kleeman. CLEAR cover art by Alingo Loh and Christopher Willits.

CLEAR

Gravity Remixes

Endless (Helios Remix)

Album and film OPENING by Christopher Willits, out September 2, 2014.
Pre-order the full album from Ghostly International-
theghostlystore.com/products/christ…willits-opening

OPENING - Album, Film, Photos - www.christopherwillits.com/opening

drip.fm/willits
www.christopherwillits.com
www.facebook.com/christopher.willits.page
twitter.com/Willits

Moog guitar / Voice / Baritone guitar / Keys / Drums / Percussion - Christopher Willits
Keys on 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 - Scott Hansen
Baritone on 6 - Zac Brown
Live drums on 2, 4, 6 - Rory O’Connor
Field recordings - Ryan Kleeman
Mixed and mastered by Christopher Willits and Ryan Kleeman at Overlap Studio
Engineered by Christopher Willits
Production consultants - Scott Hansen, Ryan Kleeman and Kenric McDowell
Artwork by Scott Hansen, Christopher Willits and Alingo Loh
Images sourced from the film OPENING by Christopher Willits

WIDE

Tides III is now streaming on all platforms. 🌊 Listen in spatial audio on Apple Music and see the video on Youtube.

The ocean moves in rhythm, its tides tracing patterns of gravity—grace embodied, gently pulled by the sun and moon.

Tides III is an immersive audiovisual piece inspired by the ocean's timeless motion and the study of tide charts. The music's three-dimensional movement mirrors the rise and fall of the tides, ebbing and flowing in harmony with nature's pulse.

With a binaural mix available on Spotify and full spatial audio playback in Apple Music, the sound is produced using E4L, the open-source immersive audio toolkit developed by Envelop. The accompanying visuals reflect the ocean's beauty and power, creating a meditative experience that connects the listener to the rhythms of the Earth.

Released December 4, 2024

COMPOSITION, PRODUCTION, MASTERING, GUITAR, SYNTH, FIELD RECORDINGS BY CHRISTOPHER WILLITS

COVER DESIGN BY CHRISTOPHER WILLITS + ALINGO LOH

Tides III

New Moon

Observe

Moonlight

Body

Crossing

Rest

Awaken

Embrace

Three Stars

Recurrence

Eclipse

Land

GOLD is a 24 minute and 17 second sound bath / ambient piece to soak into. 
Listen, relax and recharge.

Download here - http://shop.christopherwillits.com/album/gold

Credits:
Released November 1, 2011 
The piece was created entirely with processed guitar and voice and synth for low frequency vibrations. 
All sounds by Christopher Willits 
Created in San Francisco 
Mixed by Christopher Willits + Ryan Kleeman 
All photos and images by Christopher Willits

GOLD

Original score soundtrack by Christopher Willits for the feature music documentary "The Art of Listening"

The Art of Listening (Original Score Soundtrack) is a collection of 10 cinematic vignettes created to color the scenes of the feature music documentary The Art of Listening. As the film narrates the journey sound takes, from imagination and composition into a physical experience, the music embodies a sense of depth and reverence for the creative process. This work was composed as improvisations with Moog Guitar, analog gear, and a tape machine, while watching each scene in the film. The moody guitar lines, and rich chords, take on a kind of warm light in the film, expressing a timeless tone and texture of sound.

Composed, mixed and mastered by Christopher Willits at the Overlap Studio in Oakland CA. The Art of Listening (Original Score Soundtrack) is published by Overlap Music (ASCAP).

--

The Art of Listening is a documentary film about the journey music takes to reach a listener’s ear, from the intent of an instrument maker and composer, to the producers and engineers who capture and preserve an artist’s voice. This journey is narrated by intimate conversations with artists, engineers and producers about the philosophy of their work and the intent behind each musical note they create.

This film is an invitation for music fans to rediscover the intricacies and details available in their favorite recordings. The Art of Listening is the beginning of a conversation of how the quality of our listening experiences define the medium.

http://www.theartoflisteningfilm.com

"The Art of Listening" music documentary features - 
Andrew Scheps
Beacon
Christopher Willits
Dave Smith
Ethan Diamond
Hans Zimmer
Hiatus Kaiyote
Jack Douglas
James Brown
Jean Larrivée
John Luther Adams
John Storyk
Kaki King
Kamasi Washington
Mark de Clive-Lowe
Mike Milosh
Reggie Watts
Steve Vai
Scott Hansen (Tycho)
The Chainsmokers
Tim Westergren

--

Christopher Willits is a musician, artist and teacher based in San Francisco who believes that music and art can catalyze inner change. Willits creates meditative ambient electronic music created with guitar and voice, that is designed to overlap with his own cinematic film and video work. These immersive audiovisual experiences speak to a global audience on a universal level. His music on labels such as Ghostly International has garnered critical acclaim, sending him on continuous tours around the world. Multiple solo albums and collaborations with the likes of Ryuichi Sakamoto, Tycho, and Taylor Deupree have accounted for a diverse catalog with over 25 releases over the last 15 years. Christopher is the founder of the creative collective Overlap, and also Envelop, a spatial audio platform that creates Ambisonic sound spaces and open source software tools. As a devoted teacher, Christopher strives to illuminate people’s creativity in music and art, and has lectured at many leading institutions in the world.

Download / Support

Winding

Nucleus

Making

Original score soundtrack by Christopher Willits for the feature music documentary "The Art of Listening"

The Art of Listening (Original Score Soundtrack) is a collection of 10 cinematic vignettes created to color the scenes of the feature music documentary The Art of Listening. As the film narrates the journey sound takes, from imagination and composition into a physical experience, the music embodies a sense of depth and reverence for the creative process. This work was composed as improvisations with Moog Guitar, analog gear, and a tape machine, while watching each scene in the film. The moody guitar lines, and rich chords, take on a kind of warm light in the film, expressing a timeless tone and texture of sound.

Composed, mixed and mastered by Christopher Willits at the Overlap Studio in Oakland CA. The Art of Listening (Original Score Soundtrack) is published by Overlap Music (ASCAP).

--

The Art of Listening is a documentary film about the journey music takes to reach a listener’s ear, from the intent of an instrument maker and composer, to the producers and engineers who capture and preserve an artist’s voice. This journey is narrated by intimate conversations with artists, engineers and producers about the philosophy of their work and the intent behind each musical note they create.

This film is an invitation for music fans to rediscover the intricacies and details available in their favorite recordings. The Art of Listening is the beginning of a conversation of how the quality of our listening experiences define the medium.

http://www.theartoflisteningfilm.com

"The Art of Listening" music documentary features - 
Andrew Scheps
Beacon
Christopher Willits
Dave Smith
Ethan Diamond
Hans Zimmer
Hiatus Kaiyote
Jack Douglas
James Brown
Jean Larrivée
John Luther Adams
John Storyk
Kaki King
Kamasi Washington
Mark de Clive-Lowe
Mike Milosh
Reggie Watts
Steve Vai
Scott Hansen (Tycho)
The Chainsmokers
Tim Westergren

--

Christopher Willits is an artist, guitarist, and producer based in San Francisco who believes that music and art can catalyze inner change. Willits creates meditative ambient electronic music created with guitar and voice, that is designed to overlap with his own cinematic film and video work. These immersive audiovisual experiences speak to a global audience on a universal level. His music on labels such as Ghostly International has garnered critical acclaim, sending him on continuous tours around the world. Multiple solo albums and collaborations with the likes of Ryuichi Sakamoto, Tycho, and Taylor Deupree have accounted for a diverse catalog with over 25 releases over the last 15 years. Christopher is the founder of the creative collective Overlap, and also Envelop, a spatial audio platform that creates Ambisonic sound spaces and open source software tools. As a devoted teacher, Christopher strives to illuminate people’s creativity in music and art, and has lectured at many leading institutions in the world.

Words

A piano interpretation of Christopher Willits' "Now" from the album “Opening" (Ghostly International), performed by Alejandro Bento. 
The two artist’s exchanged remixes, Willits' remix is out now via Subtempo. You can listen to his interpretation here: https://soundcloud.com/subtempo/7-alejandro-bento-heartbeat-1

Christopher Willits
http://christopherwillits.com/
https://www.facebook.com/christopher.willits.page/
https://soundcloud.com/willits
Twitter / IG: @willits

Follow Alejandro Bento
https://www.facebook.com/axeltoben/
https://soundcloud.com/axel-toben

Now (Alejandro Bento Cover)

Taken from 'Horizon' by Christopher Willits, out May 19, 2017.

Order Links:
The Ghostly Store: https://goo.gl/iD00zE
Retailer of your choice: https://Ghostly.lnk.to/horizon

Horizon

Christopher Willits - Comet

OPENING

GROUND

Comet

VISION

Pacific 2

Transpire

Pacific 3

Order Sunset at: https://ghostly.com/products/sunset
or at the retailer of your choice: https://ghostly.lnk.to/christopher-willits-sunset

Christopher Willits - Coast

Order Sunset at: ghostly.com/products/sunset
or at the retailer of your choice: ghostly.lnk.to/christopher-willits-sunset

Christopher Willits - Pacific 1

Music Inspired by the book "The Outlaw Ocean" by Ian Urbina.

"Music can express the unknown, like feelings beyond words. This music reflects the mystery and magnitude of the ocean, but below the surface of the sound is a story of heartbreak and healing. For me, this music is about grieving problems beyond our control while inspiring change within ourselves in order to make a difference." - Christopher Willits

The book, "The Outlaw Ocean", reveals the dark secrets of the high seas and, in doing so, illuminates hope for change. Author Ian Urbina listens to the voices of the unknown, salvaging stories and mapping their ethical murmurs for others to discover.

Download: https://shop.christopherwillits.com/track/the-unknown-sea
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7iZrVACezmJTAP5BF3tSbD?si=t8XKUvKKTIuaaXeh_7JMfg
Website: 
https://www.christopherwillits.com/

Viola - Charith Premawardhana
Guitar - Christopher Willits
Production - Christopher Willits
Mixing and mastering - Christopher Willits
Produced at Overlap Studio in Oakland, CA
Inspired by The Outlaw Ocean by Ian Urbina

The Unknown Sea

Immersive ambient composer, guitarist, and producer. Co-founder & Director of Envelop. https://christopherwillits.com

Christopher Willits is an artist, musician, and guitarist who creates immersive ambient music. As one of the core artists on the Ghostly International label roster since the early 2000s, Willits has continually evolved his craft, producing one of the most diverse and prolific catalogs within contemporary ambient music. Releases span introspective solo albums, widescreen audiovisuals, and unbridled collaborations. His process is an expression of love, inspired by an international audience of listeners, and the conviction that music can catalyze personal transformation and spiritual awakening.

Willits began his career with a string of critically acclaimed albums on the 12k label. The minimal sound introduced on those recordings remains at the core of his work: warm guitar tones woven into smooth, harmonic surfaces. Willits made his Ghostly International full-length debut with 2006 landmark Surf Boundaries. He’d expand his vision next through collaboration, working with Ryuichi Sakamoto (2008’s Ocean Fire and 2012’s Ancient Future), Zach Hill of Death Grips, Taylor Deupree, and, for 2014 LP Opening, with the whole band of Tycho. He also lent a hand in mastering the latter’s album Awake, composed the original score for documentary The Art of Listening, and continues to lead music production and meditation classes in San Francisco.

In 2017, Willits put forth Horizon, the first ever spatial audio release on Ghostly International. The album’s innovative 3D mix is mapped to surround listeners and align with sleep patterns, meditation, and other mindful practices. Willits is also the director and co-founder of the nonprofit, Envelop; leading a mission to amplify the connective power of music through immersive audio venues and spatial audio production tools. Like Horizon, his 2019 album Sunset utilizes Envelop’s cutting-edge technology to encourage listening from within. The five compositions move from warm to cool designed as a soundtrack to embrace the day's end; a collective letting go. Another skyward, pioneering project from an artist who occupies a unique corner of the electronic music universe.

Christopher Willits

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