Ambient Discourses // conversations with musicians and composers – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Ambient Discourses // Episode 2.14 A conversation with composer Tina Davidson, giving us a deeper dive into her new album "Barefoot", out July 16, 2024. It was a delightful conversation getting a deeper dive on all that inspired her compositions in Barefoot — a collaboration with the Jasper String Quartet and pianist Natalie Zhu. Plus we covered other topics like collaborating with the audience and the performance hall, the connection we feel with the music and the artist, and other stimulating topics of conversation. The Jasper String Quartet is: J. Freivogel, violin Rachel Henderson Freivogel, cello Andrew Gonzalez, viola Karen Kim, violin Links: https://tinadavidson.com https://jasperstringquartet.com https://newfocusrecordings.com STØLACE is the project of Michael Tangen, a multi-instrumentalist and multi-disciplined artist that creates original ambient, neoclassical, electronic, and other music that inspires mindfulness. STOLACE is also the producer of the weekly ambient music program on YouTube called The Relay Station, plus the host of Ambient Discourses, a long-form podcast that features composers and musicians from around the world, talking about the deeper side of creating music. CONNECT WITH STOLACE // https://stolace.com⁠ ⁠https://youtube.com/stolace⁠ https://instagram.com/stolacemusic⁠ https://twitter.com/stolacemusic⁠ ⁠https://facebook.com/stolace⁠

Ambient Discourses // Episode 2.12 

A conversation with Alexander Holz of the electronic ambient project Oberlin. In addition to talking about his brand new releases “Von Wegen” — he shared about his ambient rig and preparing for concerts, his improv approach to composition, the necessity of lowering one’s ego, the balancing act of capitalism with music, and other interesting topics of conversation. It was a thoroughly enjoyable conversation and would have it all over again given the opportunity!  You can find Oberlin’s music out at https://oberlin.bandcamp.com.  

ABOUT AMBIENT DISCOURSES // 

Ambient Discourses is the podcast companion to The STOLACE | RELAY STATION, a weekly music program that showcases ambient, neoclassical, new age, and other instrumental music from around the world. Discover new signed and independent artists from nearly every corner of the globe, unwind with the Relay Station at work or at home, and hear from the artists themselves what inspires them, how their latest releases evolved, and other deep topics of conversation.

You can find every episode of The STOLACE | RELAY STATION at ⁠https://stolace.com/relay-station/⁠

STØLACE is the project of Michael Tangen, a multi-instrumentalist and multi-disciplined artist that creates original ambient, neoclassical, electronic, and other music that inspires mindfulness.  STOLACE is also the producer of the weekly ambient music program on YouTube called The Relay Station, plus the host of Ambient Discourses, a long-form podcast that features composers and musicians from around the world, talking about the deeper side of creating music.

CONNECT WITH STOLACE // 
https://stolace.com⁠ ⁠

https://youtube.com/stolace⁠

https://instagram.com/stolacemusic⁠

https://twitter.com/stolacemusic⁠

https://facebook.com/stolace⁠

My guest on the program operates under the moniker “AITIA” which is the Greek term for the word “cause”. AITIA is a brand new independent ambient musician that is off to a tremendous with their two companion albums “ENA”(éna) and “ANE” (ayn), both of which explore the concepts of the reversal of time —of which we’ll hear a few tracks later on in the program. Our conversation explored their two debut companion releases, some of AITIA’s sources of inspiration, straddling the world of art and capitalism, authenticity of intent, and more. LINKS & RESOURCES // Find AITIA on Bandcamp - https://aitiacollective.bandcamp.com CHAPTERS // [0:11:04] Origin story [0:05:03] Getting into ambient music [0:07:57] Motivations [0:14:00] "DNA Ladder to the Stars" by AITIA from "ANE" [0:18:50] Current musical exploration [0:21:00] AITIA's latest works: "ENA" and "ANE" [0:35:17] "Supersymmetry" by AITIA from "Ena" [0:42:29] Sources of inspiration [0:52:28] Can you produce music without ego? [0:57:14] "Negentropy" by AITIA from "ANE" [1:05:05] Straddling the worlds of art and capitalism [1:13:11] Upcoming projects [1:18:12] Authenticity of intent [1:20:55] "Positrons" by AITIA from "ENA" [1:29:02] Advice for musicians [1:41:45] Is it still art if it isn't heard? ABOUT AMBIENT DISCOURSES // Ambient Discourses is the podcast companion to The STOLACE | RELAY STATION, a weekly 59-minute music program that showcases ambient, neoclassical, new age, and other instrumental music from around the world. Discover new signed and independent artists from nearly every corner of the globe, unwind with the Relay Station at work or at home, and hear from the artists themselves what inspires them, how their latest releases evolved, and other deep topics of conversation. You can find every episode of The STOLACE | RELAY STATION at ⁠https://stolace.com/relay-station/⁠ CONNECT WITH STOLACE // https://stolace.com⁠ ⁠https://youtube.com/stolace⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/stolacemusic⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/stolacemusic⁠ ⁠https://facebook.com/stolace⁠

My guest on the program is Brian Fechino — a prolific guitarist, ambient artist, producer and mixer from the Nashville area. He has numerous releases and collaborations on the Heart Dance label, has an extensive history in the music business, and as I’ve found over the course of our conversation, both wisdom and maturity that we all could learn and benefit from. Our conversation steered through a variety of topics, like stripping away the ego, branding for today’s artists, the power of gratitude and empathy, and a whole lot more. Plus we spent some time talking about his latest releases “Reflection Spaces” volumes one and two, some of the projects he’s presently involved in, and his connection to Heart Dance Records. LINKS & RESOURCES // Brian Fechino - https://brianfechino.bandcamp.com Heart Dance Records - https://heartdancerecords.com Cass Anawaty & Sonoran Mastering - https://www.sonoranmastering.com Find Brian’s “Music 4…” series - https://www.instagram.com/brianfechino and https://www.facebook.com/BrianFechinoMusic/ CHAPTERS // [0:01:28] Let’s just jump right in there [0:10:12] Stripping away the ego [0:14:23] “Guided Paths” by Brian Fechino from “Reflection Spaces, Volume 2” [0:22:10] Reflection Spaces [0:31:39] Influences and our originality [0:37:42] Is music something you do, who you are, or something entirely different? [0:43:52] "Sidra" by Brian Fechino from "Reflection Spaces, Volume One" [0:49:31] Escorting music into being [0:52:19] Heart Dance: connections with Sherry Finzer & Cass Anawaty [0:58:32] Upcoming music projects [1:01:34] Stay in yer brand, bruh [1:06:21] Age and presentation [1:08:49] "That's Right" by Brian Fechino from "Forward Moves" [1:13:35] Artist development & music saturation [1:18:13] Knowing what you can and cannot control [1:27:38] The power of gratitude and empathy [1:31:08] Balancing ego with your true identity [1:32:27] "Beyond the Peak" by Cass Anawaty and Brian Fechino from the "Deep Focus" album from Heart Dance Records [1:37:28] Curiosity: the antidote for fear [1:47:23] Nurturing inspiration vs experimentation [1:56:45] Parting thoughts: your guitar of choice ABOUT AMBIENT DISCOURSES // Ambient Discourses is the podcast companion to The STOLACE | RELAY STATION, a weekly 59-minute music program that showcases ambient, neoclassical, new age, and other instrumental music from around the world. Discover new signed and independent artists from nearly every corner of the globe, unwind with the Relay Station at work or at home, and hear from the artists themselves what inspires them, how their latest releases evolved, and other deep topics of conversation. You can find every episode of The STOLACE | RELAY STATION at ⁠https://stolace.com/relay-station/⁠ CONNECT WITH STOLACE // https://stolace.com⁠ ⁠https://youtube.com/stolace⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/stolacemusic⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/stolacemusic⁠ ⁠https://facebook.com/stolace⁠

My guest on the program is Jorn Swart of the neoclassical project Doeke — spelt D O E K E — Doeke creates remarkably beautiful neoclassical piano compositions, has a delicate touch and sensibilities steeped in nostalgia and memory. Our conversation took us through splendid places, like the beauty found in small details, working within the flow state, learning to let go and balance the ego, and so many other fascinating topics. RESOURCES // Find Doeke on Bandcamp: https://jornswart.bandcamp.com Find more from Malnoia on Spotify and Apple Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6PKnnviqV4J6kvg2XJ5lPN https://music.apple.com/us/artist/malnoia/1555114459 Piano String Theory: https://pianostringtheory.com Chord Progression Creator: https://pianostringtheory.com/chord-progression-creator/ Free Harmonization Quick Guide https://pianostringtheory.com/start-here/ CHAPTERS // [0:03:44] Origin story [0:06:05] Malnoia (jazz trio) [0:09:57] Moving towards neoclassical music [0:13:53] Piano String Theory [0:18:49] “First Ocean (feat. Benni von Gutzeit and Lucas Pino)” by Malnoia from the album “Hello Future” [0:24:07] Doeke & Bewondering EP [0:28:07] The beauty is in the details [0:33:19] The influence of nostalgia [0:38:31] The flow state [0:43:30] “Bergen (Mountains)” by Doeke from “Bewondering (EP)” [0:46:14] Learning to let go [0:51:32] The balancing act with the ego [0:56:13] “Arctic” by Doeke from “Bewondering (EP)” [0:59:04] The branding predicament for creators [1:06:09] Present day challenges [1:10:54] The human connection [1:21:30] “Kosmos (Cosmos)” by Doeke from “Kosmos (Cosmos)” [1:24:37] Advice for artists

// ABOUT AMBIENT DISCOURSES //

Ambient Discourses is the podcast companion to The STOLACE | RELAY STATION, a weekly 59-minute music program that showcases ambient, neoclassical, new age, and other instrumental music from around the world. Discover new signed and independent artists from nearly every corner of the globe, unwind with the Relay Station at work or at home, and hear from the artists themselves what inspires them, how their latest releases evolved, and other deep topics of conversation.

You can find every episode of The STOLACE | RELAY STATION at ⁠https://stolace.com/relay-station/⁠

// CONNECT WITH STOLACE //
https://stolace.com
https://youtube.com/stolace⁠⁠
https://twitter.com/stolacemusic
⁠⁠https://instagram.com/stolacemusic⁠⁠
https://facebook.com/stolace
⁠

Ambient Discourses, episode 2.1 Interview with Greg Webster of Sonaura My guest on the program is Greg from the ambient project Sonaura, and it was a memorable one that wove through fascinating topics. We explored the nostalgia of tape loops, talked about his latest album Noumena, waded in the pools of existentialism and other golden conversational nuggets for the contemplative artist. Sonaura on Bandcamp: https://sonaura.bandcamp.com [0:03:15] Origin story [0:11:34] The nostalgia of tape loops [0:17:22] “Flaking Data” by Sonaura from “Noumena” [0:19:28] The tactile art of music [0:27:10] Noumena: the latest album from Sonaura [0:31:00] “Perceptual Daylight” by Sonaura from “Noumena” [0:36:48] Perception & objective reality [0:41:21] The importance of context [0:44:19] Upcoming projects [0:52:43] “Building a Lake” by Sonaura from “Strays (B)” [0:57:12] Ambient music is the rebellion [1:03:01] Slowing down [1:12:11] “Forgotten Light / Data Haven” by Sonaura from “Strays (C)” [1:17:55] Advice for musicians

// ABOUT AMBIENT DISCOURSES //

Ambient Discourses is the podcast companion to The STOLACE | RELAY STATION, a weekly 59-minute music program that showcases ambient, neoclassical, new age, and other instrumental music from around the world. Discover new signed and independent artists from nearly every corner of the globe, unwind with the Relay Station at work or at home, and hear from the artists themselves what inspires them, how their latest releases evolved, and other deep topics of conversation.

You can find every episode of The STOLACE | RELAY STATION at ⁠https://stolace.com/relay-station/⁠

// CONNECT WITH STOLACE //
https://stolace.com
https://youtube.com/stolace⁠⁠
https://twitter.com/stolacemusic
⁠⁠https://instagram.com/stolacemusic⁠⁠
https://facebook.com/stolace
⁠

Episode 022 / September 24, 2023 My guest on the program is Sherry Finzer — a flutist from Phoenix, Arizona in the United States and the driving force behind Heart Dance Records and Higher Level Media. Our conversation was simply sublime — we talked about creating space for the listener, her work with the Insight Timer meditation app, her new album The Gratitude Project, and much more. Sherry was also our feature artist on The STOLACE RELAY STATION, episode 3.47. Find the episode on YouTube and at https://stolace.com/relay-station/episodes/03/47/ Resources & Links Sherry Finzer’s website - https://sherryfinzer.com Sherry’s music - https://sherryfinzer.bandcamp.com Heart Dance Records - https://heartdancerecords.com Insight Timer - https://insighttimer.com [0:02:22] Origin story [0:11:37] From Classical to New Age originals [0:12:10] “Obsidian Shadows” by Sherry Finzer from “Synesthesia” [0:15:59] Collaborations [0:23:53] Creating space for the listener [0:28:34] Insight Timer and healing resonance [0:36:52] “Airglow” by Sherry Finzer & Elise from “Phenomena” [0:41:16] The emotional and analytical spaces [0:45:57] Overcoming mental blocks [0:49:06] Meditiation for improved listening [0:55:49] “Undercurrent” by Sherry Finzer from “The Gratitude Project” [1:02:08] Using your own music for healing [1:06:28] The Gratitude Project [1:16:20] “Finding Purpose” by Sherry Finzer from “The Gratitude Project” [1:20:55] Involving the audience in your performance [1:25:43] Advice for artists // ABOUT AMBIENT DISCOURSES // Ambient Discourses is the podcast companion to The STOLACE | RELAY STATION, a weekly 59-minute music program that showcases ambient, neoclassical, new age, and other instrumental music from around the world. Discover new signed and independent artists from nearly every corner of the globe, unwind with the Relay Station at work or at home, and hear from the artists themselves what inspires them, how their latest releases evolved, and other deep topics of conversation. You can find every episode of The STOLACE | RELAY STATION at ⁠https://stolace.com/relay-station/⁠ The STOLACE | RELAY STATION is available on YouTube and the Public Radio Exchange (PRX) platform. // CONNECT WITH STOLACE // https://stolace.com⁠ ⁠https://youtube.com/stolace⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/stolacemusic⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/stolacemusic⁠ ⁠https://facebook.com/stolace⁠

Episode 021 / September 20, 2023 My guest on the program is Tim Allen of the Australian ambient and electronic project Spectrical. Spectrical has three releases on Bandcamp that capture his exploration of sound design, creating interesting soundscapes for the listener to dive into. My conversation with Tim carried us through topics like the musicality in electrical signals, the relationship between our music and our identity, his new record label Perceptual Tapes, and other topics that I think you’ll find interesting. You can also hear Spectrical on The STOLACE | RELAY STATION, episode 3.46. Find more at https://stolace.com/relay-station/episodes/03/46/ Find Spectrical on Bandcamp — https://spectrical.bandcamp.com/ [0:01:17] Origin story [0:05:52] Finding musicality in the non-musical — Emergent Forms [0:09:58] Electrical signals as music [0:11:59] Fleeting Visions Into Sleep — melodic ambient [0:14:11] Music creation as therapy [0:18:16] “Emergent Forms IV” by Spectrical from “Emergent Forms” [0:28:36] Inspiring artists [0:33:04] The creative process [0:37:44] “Adrift” by Spectrical from “Fleeting visions into sleep” [0:46:12] Personal influences [0:47:42] The role of emotions in making music [0:51:45] Guiding the process [0:53:06] Overcoming creative blocks [1:01:00] “Emergent Forms II” by Spectrical from “Emergent Forms” [1:13:27] The relationship between our music and our identity [1:26:16] “Illucid” by Spectrical from “Fleeting visions into sleep” [1:29:52] Perceptual Tapes [1:31:45] Nostalgic mediums: cassettes, 8 track, and vinyl [1:37:13] Advice for other artists // ABOUT AMBIENT DISCOURSES // Ambient Discourses is the podcast companion to The STOLACE | RELAY STATION, a weekly 59-minute music program that showcases ambient, neoclassical, new age, and other instrumental music from around the world. Discover new signed and independent artists from nearly every corner of the globe, unwind with the Relay Station at work or at home, and hear from the artists themselves what inspires them, how their latest releases evolved, and other deep topics of conversation. You can find every episode of The STOLACE | RELAY STATION at ⁠https://stolace.com/relay-station/⁠ The STOLACE | RELAY STATION is available on YouTube and the Public Radio Exchange (PRX) platform. // CONNECT WITH STOLACE // https://stolace.com⁠ ⁠https://youtube.com/stolace⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/stolacemusic⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/stolacemusic⁠ ⁠https://facebook.com/stolace⁠

Episode 020 / September 17, 2023 In this episode, my guests on the program are a trio from Italy that goes by the name PCM — Francesco Perry, Matteo Cantaluppi, and Matteo Milea. I really enjoyed this conversation, with these three electronic artists that have been collaborating and creating music together under the n5md record label. Our conversation steered through what collaboration looks like for them, some wisdom and insight for the solitary artist, our connectedness, and other intersting topics. You can also hear PCM on The STOLACE | RELAY STATION, episode 3.46. Find more info at https://stolace.com/relay-station/episodes/03/46/.

[0:03:38] origin story [0:09:24] They say you want an evolution… (origin story cont’d) [0:19:56] Challenges in collaboration [0:23:30] “Dreamland” by PCM from “Dreamland” [0:28:10] Exploring our connectedness [0:37:49] PCM’s unique collaborative makeup [0:45:57] “Awakened” by PCM from “Dreamland” [0:49:34] Wisdom and insight for the solitary artist [0:55:16] We’re jazzing! [1:04:04] Overcoming mental blocks [1:07:00] “Astral Walk” by PCM from “Dreamland” [1:11:43] The live experience [1:17:19] What makes ambient music memorable? [1:29:29] “R.E.M Phase” by PCM from “Dreamland” [1:33:21] Advice for aspiring musicians and artists

// ABOUT AMBIENT DISCOURSES //

Ambient Discourses is the podcast companion to The STOLACE | RELAY STATION, a weekly 59-minute music program that showcases ambient, neoclassical, new age, and other instrumental music from around the world. Discover new signed and independent artists from nearly every corner of the globe, unwind with the Relay Station at work or at home, and hear from the artists themselves what inspires them, how their latest releases evolved, and other deep topics of conversation.

You can find every episode of The STOLACE | RELAY STATION at ⁠https://stolace.com/relay-station/⁠

The STOLACE | RELAY STATION is available on YouTube and the Public Radio Exchange (PRX) platform.

// CONNECT WITH STOLACE //
https://stolace.com
https://youtube.com/stolace⁠⁠
https://twitter.com/stolacemusic
⁠⁠https://instagram.com/stolacemusic⁠⁠
https://facebook.com/stolace
⁠

Episode 019 / September 13, 2023 In this episode of Ambient Discourses, we dive in deep with the dynamic Italian ambient duo that is ILUITEQ. My conversation with Sergio and Andrea took us through numerous topics of interest including the challenges of collaboration, what shapes us and our expressions, maximizing our creative output, and more. You can also hear ILUITEQ featured on The STOLACE | RELAY STATION episode 3.45. Find more information about this episode at https://stolace.com/relay-station/episodes/03/45/.

Resources & Related Links: Cormac McCarthy (author) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cormac_McCarthy “The Road” (book) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Road

[0:02:05] Origin story [0:08:46] Traversing The Road [0:11:13] The n5md connection [0:14:34] “The Passage” by ILUITEQ from “Reflections from the Road” [0:19:34] Collaboration challenges [0:25:40] Melodic ambient [0:32:00] Other sources of inspiration [0:36:42] “In Danger” by ILUITEQ from “Reflections from the Road” [0:42:13] What shapes us [0:46:28] The creativity continuum [0:53:23] Limits and parameters for maximum creativity [0:59:08] “Before and After” by ILUITEQ from “Reflections Revisited” [1:04:34] Musical influences [1:10:26] Timelessness and electronic music [1:15:11] “Long Way, New Home (Miktek remix)” by ILUITEQ from “Reflections Revisited” [1:21:55] Instrumental lessons learned [1:27:22] Advice for aspiring artists

// ABOUT AMBIENT DISCOURSES //

Ambient Discourses is the podcast companion to The STOLACE | RELAY STATION, a weekly 59-minute music program that showcases ambient, neoclassical, new age, and other instrumental music from around the world. Discover new signed and independent artists from nearly every corner of the globe, unwind with the Relay Station at work or at home, and hear from the artists themselves what inspires them, how their latest releases evolved, and other deep topics of conversation.

You can find every episode of The STOLACE | RELAY STATION at ⁠https://stolace.com/relay-station/⁠

The STOLACE | RELAY STATION is available on YouTube and the Public Radio Exchange (PRX) platform.

// CONNECT WITH STOLACE //
https://stolace.com
https://youtube.com/stolace⁠⁠
https://twitter.com/stolacemusic
⁠⁠https://instagram.com/stolacemusic⁠⁠
https://facebook.com/stolace
⁠