WIth the almost unlimited sonic possibilities at the fingertips of today’s producers it’s refreshing to hear a composer go back to the basics of strictly expressive instrumentation and emotive musicality. And this is exactly what 27 year old Berlin based composer and pianist does with his recent track MMXV.
Originally written for a director friend’s film project with an imminent deadline, the track was quickly composed in 2015 over a single night of spontaneous creative composition. Afterwards, Jonas still felt that something was missing, so he recorded a synth and added a bassline to serve as the counterpoint to the stark, organic piano arrangement.
Although just a brief 2 and a half minutes long, MMXV serves as an excellent introduction into the music of the young German composer. Emotive piano notes fall like a blanket of fresh snow as the electronic counterpoint provides some synthesized heat. Excellent use of panning as the piano and synth lines communicate back and forth for a memorable lesson in sublime simplicity.
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A lesson in Minimalism from Swedish producer- Fabian Rosenberg
Fabian Rosenberg, is a Swedish artist located in Stockholm. He has roots in the jazz tradition as a trumpet player but he moves seamlessly between being a producer, pianist and composer. His intimate piano compositions and field recordings blend together with acoustic instruments and electronics, a hybrid process used to create his signature haunting ambiance and heartfelt melodies.
His pseudonym Klangriket has received international recognition as ”a breath of fresh air” in ambient and contemporary classical music circles. Among his soloworks there have been several international and local collaborations, with artists such as Sjors Mans, Dominique Charpentier and Jakob Lindhagen. Just earlier this year, Rosenberg and Mans recorded ”The Amsterdam Sessions” a beautifully delicate 5 track album that was the result of four days spent in Mans’ Amsterdam studio. During this time, they improvised and experimented as much as possible, while taking turns on different musical instruments. The result is a deeply personal sound that serves both as a conversation between two talented, creative minds and as an homage to the power of collaborative improvisation.
Continuing down this path of musical exploration and boundary dissolving sound experimentation, Fabian presents his latest offering in the form of a 4 track solo EP entitled: ‘Tjärn’. Written mostly in 2016, the release represents Fabian’s journey in finding his own voice as a composer and producer; creating a new identity away from his background as a jazz trumpeter. The closing track “Skogsrå” not only brings the riveting album to a contemplative conclusion, but also represents a kind of fresh shift in Fabian’s creative process. As he explains “Skogsrå is one of the first pieces of music where I explored beats and how one could make beats that wasn't locked in to being a drumkit. I couldn't let it get buried on a hardrive somewhere, so I decided to release it along with three compositions I made around the same time. It's been long overdue!”
Head over to Bandcamp and grab the ‘Tjärn’ EP. Out now on Peruvian imprint ‘Piano and Coffee Records’.
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Finnish film composer Kepa Lehtinen shares theremin serenade- 'Kontula'
Born in 1971 in Helsinki, Finland, Kepa Lehtinen has been deeply involved with music ever since he was a child. Whether it be pianos, synthesizers, theremins, drums or accordions, Kepa aimed to master his musical technique and develop his creative personality from a young age.
Eventually this led Kepa to pursue a full career in music which saw him first studying sound design at Aalto University in Helinski, and later appearing on countless film credits for his work as a composer, sound editor, and sound designer. His work has appeared across award winning Finnish titles such as Kimmo (TV series), Almost 18 (feature film), and A Stone Left Unturned (short).
This past April, Kepa released his first solo album entitled “Playing Theremin”, which fused analog synthesizers with the magic of the theremin. The result is a beautiful hybrid of organic and electronic elements; a sound as deliberate as it is delicate whereas even the smallest movements are felt by the listener.
Listen to the full album over on his Spotify
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New Soulful Hip-Hop from Big-O and P-Rawb
The American producer / MC duo of Orlando Turner, aka 'Big O', and Patrick Roberts, aka 'P-Rawb' come correct with their new single 'Good Company.'
Forgoing the usual trappings of cash, women and expensive cars for a more soulful take on the genre, the two describe the new track as "a song about finding peace within yourself and surrounding yourself with the company of good people to help you move forward in life."
With P-Rawb lacing the A side with a skillful, feel-good flow, the collab comes together like a backyard BBQ on a chill summer day. The B side instrumental version of the track enters with profound strings and keys setting up for something special. With a rolling, percussion-rich beat, the track contains just the right amount of weight and finesse. With mixing and mastering coming from Portland based audio engineer, Kevin Carafa, not only is the beat infectious but the whole track sounds crisp, clear and well balanced.
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Lush downtempo from Japanese producer- KEET
KEET is a Japanese artist, designer and producer who crafts chilled out, downtempo beats. Previously studying music theory and jazz piano, he was attracted to beatmaking and electronic music for it's limitless sonic potential and creative flexibility.
In addition to his audio prowess and crisp beats, KEET also designs his own cover art. He designs both the audio and visual designs in parallel, so as to compliment one another and serve as a singular cohesive package.
His recent track 'Told you so' is a fresh twilight drive along the Japanese coast. A 5 minute journey through falling keys, cascading vocals and gently lapping guitar fading into the distance.
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New album from Chill electronic producer- Hotwax
Hotwax is 24 year old musician and producer Adam Keilbach. Adam is a self-taught musician and electronic music producer, and since 2011 has been crafting downtempo tunes with chilled out vibes, engaging hooks, atmospheric beats.
Based in Florida, Keilbach has released across a number of domestic and international labels including: Bad Pop (Mexico), Vacant Music (South Carolina), Intelligent Sound (Missouri), 2060 (Washington) and has contributed remixes to up and coming artists such as James Deen, Conclave, and fka Spazzkid.
Last year Adam dropped his debut album- 'Communicator' on Olympia, Washington eclectic tape label, 2060. The album, consisting of 12 tracks packed with lush soundscapes and ethereal melodies, featured a number of special musical collaborations including live guitar from Nate Wagner and vocals from Navigateur and Steffalloo.
Now, fresh off the press, we have the brand new Hotwax album entitled 'Nightwatch' to share with all you music heads today. Released just yesterday on Texas label 'Sleepless Collective', the album features 7 tracks of expertly articulated, synth-laden electronic experiences. From the upbeat, drum-driven rhythm of 'Nightwatch' to the minimal and melancholic 'Secret River' the album showcases Keilbach's skill in creating infectious, synth heavy atmospheres that are as cinematic as they are serene.
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Indie Electronica from Hamburg's Lukas Oppenheimer
Lukas Oppenheimer is a musician originally from Hamburg, Germany currently studying computer science and making music on the side in Berlin. Growing up with an American mother and German father gave Lukas a unique cultural perspective from a very young age. Whether it be his open-minded approach to music or travel, his family upbringing exposed him to both European and American walks of life.
Throughout his youth, Lukas always enjoyed playing instruments and experimenting with music. Whether it was bass, guitar, drums or old synths, Oppenheimer naturally took to being creative with sound. But it wasn't until he was 11 and got a copy of FL Studio that he began down the path of an electronic music producer.
Starting out making unconventional music and sound experiments, it was more the process of creating than the result that intrigued Lukas. To this day he carries that same kind of curiosity and creative energy, often incorporating new outboard gear and workflow into his production setup.
'Never Thought' certainly contains this creative spirit and unique, inquisitive approach. The track is a 6 minute sonic adventure, progressing through experimental atmospheres, deep rhythms and emotional keys.
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Lush Lofi from Misc. Inc and Leavv
Based in Dresden, Germany Misc. Inc creates dreamy, chilled out soundscapes perfect for studying, reflecting or relaxing. Starting out making beats in 2012, the young producer took cues from some of his favourite lofi artists such as bsd.u, Tycho, and Jinsang. Now, 6 years later, Misc displays a complexity and confidence in his music well beyond his years.
The Misc. Inc sound combines organic, soulful elements with crisp sound design and groove-infused, infectious beats. Never one to settle within a comfortable niche, Marc is always striving to improve his sound and broaden his horizons. This pursuit often leads him to new, exciting collaborations resulting in music that is more than the sum of its parts.
His Oblivion EP is a great example of this collaborative approach. Joined by fellow countryman, Leavv, the 2-track release features dusty chords, soothing rhythms and organic atmospheres.
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London producer 'Big O' brings the big chill
Orlando Turner, better known as 'Big O', is an American hip hop producer, mixing engineer, and DJ representing the UK. Starting to make beats at the young age of 13, this experienced producer has been influenced by his American roots and UK surroundings.
Now based in London, Turner continues his musical journey and maintains his steady output of beats and collaborations. He's worked with artists such as 'Slimkid3' (founding member of Pharcyde), Brooklyn rapper 'Skyzoo', and Portland-based beatmaker Maze Rockwell.
Big O's production style incorporates smooth and soulful elements alongside dusty beats and urban atmospheres. Turner utilizes drum machines, turntables, keyboards and samplers to make his ideas come to life.
'Summer in the Park' is one such production where these studio elements come together to bring his sound to life. The track is a 3 minute head-nodder featuring soulful chords, relaxed keys and laid back bumpin' beat.
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Indie Electronica from Latvian producer- Mayten
Combining elements of downtempo music with dancefloor sensibilities, Latvian producer 'Mayten' makes unique and listenable electronic music. Currently based in Seattle, Mayten has continued to push himself as an artist and producer since moving stateside. Case in point, his recent release 'Movements' out now via Seattle label Big Slide Records, was the first time the eclectic producer has featured vocals in one of his tracks. The track, featuring the vocals of singer Ella Joy, is a 4 minute journey of swirling vocals, billowing atmospheres and a well textured beat.
Movement's feat. Ella Joy is part of 'Recess 002' a new electronic compilation released by Seattle's Big slide records. Stream it here.
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