Explore every episode of the podcast Calm Pills - Soothing Space Ambient and Piano Music for Relaxing, Sleeping, Reading, or Mindful Meditation
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner Luminescence | 15 Dec 2024 | ||
A journey through the quiet spaces where light finds its way into the depths of your shadows. This mix invites you to rediscover the beauty in surrendering to something greater than yourself. It is not just about finding your way but about feeling held, even in the vastness of the unknown. Tracklist 00:00 03:56 07:27 09:16 13:28 15:00 19:10 22:15 24:26 26:21 28:24 31:48 34:26 37:35 41:17 44:06 46:00 48:24 50:36 52:58 58:44 | |||
| Perfectly Designed Puzzle | 27 Aug 2024 | ||
"There are many pieces that make up our lives: Poetry by Yasmin Mogahed, from her book Love & Happiness Tracklist 00:00 01:54 04:37 11:28 18:28 20:06 27:42 30:00 32:05 34:26 42:50 45:50 50:59 55:48 | |||
| Human Is Alive | 08 Aug 2023 | ||
This mix is dedicated to one of my favorite ambient producers, Human Is Alive (Pavel Lipatov). He is amongst the most featured artists in this podcast for a good reason: anything he touches turns into blissful ambient gold. He's constantly releasing beautiful atmospheric music, featuring layered textures of drone sounds and a fair bit of natural elements. His music never fails to evoke all-around positive emotions, including sense of calm, melancholy, and nostalgia (the latter is a prominent theme with his Reflections Of The Past subproject). On top of that, he's a genuinely nice guy as well, graciously sending me original versions of any track that I ask to feature in my mixes. I really can't describe well enough how beautiful his music is. Please check him out and hear for yourself. Bandcamp • Spotify • Apple Music • Soundcloud • Amazon Music • Instagram Tracklist 00:00 02:50 04:08 05:45 07:31 11:24 13:00 15:13 21:47 25:19 26:44 31:12 33:00 34:27 36:50 38:23 40:48 42:01 44:46 49:02 | |||
| Station of Contentment | 20 Jul 2023 | ||
When you unconditionally love the Giver, that love transcends to His gifts, and inspires you to pursue a path towards a station of contentment. Tracklist 00:00 01:48 02:39 03:34 06:47 08:44 11:39 16:00 17:49 19:16 26:58 31:36 33:49 35:53 38:25 44:10 52:05 57:05 | |||
| Signed I Wish You Well | 02 Jun 2023 | ||
Dedicated to the memory of my late friend Nabil. "There are friends I still remember Let all those dreams that went before us There are moments I remember As I travel ever onwards ― I Wish You Well by dstreetpoet Thanks to everyone who wrote reviews, rated and supported the show. Special shoutout to Carissa Q. for joining the Uplifting Pills Superfan club ❤️ Tracklist 00:00 04:01 06:15 08:51 10:44 13:12 17:31 18:46 20:20 22:51 28:36 30:54 35:46 38:06 39:36 43:51 46:06 48:43 52:59 56:10 59:50 | |||
| The Traveller | 17 May 2023 | ||
"Every day I get closer to our meeting But I keep walking I keep walking Poetry by Yasmin Mogahed, from Reclaim Your Heart Tracklist 00:00 03:29 09:18 11:44 13:20 15:29 18:30 24:44 31:39 33:46 37:05 38:41 41:00 46:46 50:36 55:22 | |||
| Le Code | 25 Feb 2023 | ||
Immerse yourself in the mediative sounds of this episode's featured artist: Le Code. He is an electronic producer from France who transitioned to producing ambient music in 2020 and has proven to be one of the best at crafting captivating atmospheric music. Alex brings a lot to the ambient community. He has been featured on several labels with his exquisite body of work. He curates Ambient Daily playlist and hosts the Ambient Traveler podcast. He also owns and runs two labels. A true gem and an artist to keep an eye on. Check out more of Le Code wherever you get your music or through the link below: Tracklist 00:00 02:36 04:51 07:43 09:56 14:06 15:21 17:36 20:27 24:24 27:28 35:12 38:06 41:37 45:16 48:52 54:40 58:28 01:00:40 01:01:40 | |||
| Dear Gravity | 10 Jan 2023 | ||
This mix is dedicated to Mike Graff, a Minneapolis-based composer, producer, and sound designer creating exquisite ambient-cinematic music as Dear Gravity. His work has graced almost all editorial ambient playlists you will come across, and has been featured worldwide in a variety of films and projects. Mike's motivation for creating this beautiful music is one that I deeply resonate with when creating Calm Pill mixes. “Our world isn’t slowing down,” Graff says, “And when I try to keep up with it all, I begin to disconnect from my soul—from the ability to feel, notice and live. Creating as Dear Gravity helps me rediscover that color and mystery in life, and my goal is allow listeners to experience the same.” The 5 tracks I've included in this mix are only sample of his incredible body of work and collaborations with other amazing ambient artists. Check out more of Dear Gravity wherever you get your music or through the link below: Tracklist 00:00 02:27 04:15 06:41 09:24 12:17 13:05 16:08 18:00 20:08 20:30 23:27 28:00 29:50 33:52 38:26 40:26 45:24 48:02 51:36 53:28 | |||
| Glimmer in the Dark | 23 Dec 2022 | ||
Nights are long, and winter in the northern hemisphere is here to stay. I hope you all are keeping warm and wanted to sign off this year with one last Calm Pill mix for you to enjoy during the holidays. Thank you for your support this year, especially everyone who took the time to write a review or support the show using the link below. Even though there's no way for me to respond to the podcast reviews, I read all the reviews and repost some on my IG account. They always make my day. Tracklist 00:00 00:59 03:10 03:53 08:39 10:24 15:26 18:00 21:16 22:49 24:22 27:46 29:49 35:12 46:04 | |||
| Forty | 02 Dec 2022 | ||
This mix celebrates a life milestone. Now that I'm 40, I look back in appreciation of every period of my life that has shaped who I am. What seemed like hardship was a necessary lesson in retrospect, and a step in a grand plan to get me here. Here is a place where I feel content, with a clearer Purpose. Creating these mixes is part of it. It's my way of helping my fellow humans everywhere, and my way of leaving the world a better place than I found it. I move forward in life with a deep sense of gratitude for the many bounties I have been blessed with, past and present. I pray that I continue on the steadfast Path that gives life its ultimate meaning. In the process, I hope to enrich the lives of as many as I can through the healing power of music. Alhamdulillah 🙏 Tracklist 00:00 03:50 06:12 13:19 18:20 21:26 23:42 26:22 27:45 31:28 34:16 42:36 43:58 48:08 54:26 56:24 59:04 | |||
| Ballad of Dreamland | 20 Nov 2022 | ||
"Take me to your dreamland ― Take Me to Your Dreamland by ok okay Tracklist 00:00 03:50 09:27 11:51 15:04 17:54 22:30 25:52 28:11 31:02 33:05 34:50 37:50 40:00 40:42 45:22 49:04 50:40 | |||
| Falling Up | 30 Oct 2022 | ||
Gratefulness and humility are two qualities that elevate humankind. Combined, they cushion our falls in life. Because in a way, they help us "fall upwards", such that our hardships become catalyst for ever greater appreciation of blessings we once had, and ones we continue to have. When we let go of entitlement, we develop a sense of awe towards everything we get to experience, no matter the magnitude or level of familiarity. Lee Brown (IG @fallingup79) writes some beautiful heartfelt reflections. He shared with me the following passage that he wrote while listening to a Calm Pill mix: "I am humbled that I get to be here for a little while. That I get to experience taste, touch, sight, and sound. I’m in awe that I get to feel deeply. That I get to experience joy and sadness, love and loss. I’m amazed at being broken open and becoming whole again. What a gift to be on this great journey. What an honor to be the hands and feet of the universe. To reach into the unknown and find meaning — and ultimately myself." Tracklist 00:00 02:16 05:54 06:26 10:32 12:36 14:48 18:12 23:08 25:24 28:22 30:43 34:24 35:28 42:08 52:40 55:28 | |||
| Drop in the Ocean | 10 Aug 2024 | ||
"Every time I got to a drop of water, Get back up and keep hoping. Dear beautiful soul, Poetry by Yasmin Mogahed, from her book Love & Happiness Tracklist 00:00 02:42 05:39 09:25 12:27 17:32 19:27 21:11 23:12 25:53 26:23 28:48 34:27 37:12 39:55 43:18 49:04 55:09 56:55 58:44 59:22 | |||
| All That Blooms Must Fall | 24 Sep 2022 | ||
"One autumn day I was in the park. Absorbed in the contemplations of a very small, beautiful leaf 🍁. Shaped like a heart, it was barely hanging on the branch, nearly ready to fall down. I asked the leaf if it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling. The leaf told me, “No. During the whole spring and summer I was completely alive. I worked hard to help nourish the tree, and now much of me is in the tree. I am not limited by this form. I am also the whole tree, and when I go back to the soil, I will continue to nourish the tree. So I don’t worry at all. As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her, ‘I will see you again very soon.’" ― From Like a leaf by Thich Nhat Hanh Tracklist 00:00 02:56 06:16 09:10 11:32 17:16 22:32 30:48 32:57 38:28 46:56 52:20 | |||
| Return to Eden | 05 Sep 2022 | ||
"imagine, the time when we all learn the art of living wave farewell to the terror of the nights yes love, I promise you all these. what you imagine today, will be our paradise tomorrow." ― From someday in our paradise by Stephanie Tracklist 00:00 02:28 03:40 07:40 13:15 16:08 21:19 24:24 28:16 32:48 42:18 46:00 49:28 56:08 | |||
| Ember | 01 Jul 2022 | ||
"In each of us But when we dig in the ashes Only thing that's important is that ember The ember gets stronger ― From The Spiritual Fire by Ram Dass Tracklist 00:00 08:23 10:24 15:56 22:22 30:04 33:26 35:32 36:32 38:32 45:20 48:50 51:52 57:17 58:00 | |||
| Chance for Splendor | 10 Jun 2022 | ||
"Cold and drifting, "What is this..?" What splendor there awaits!" ― From Final Thoughts of a Whale in Space by Monica Belle Brand, Tracklist 00:00 03:52 06:16 08:56 14:24 17:00 21:07 24:58 26:36 28:23 32:32 37:52 43:12 51:36 | |||
| Ethni-City | 12 Apr 2022 | ||
This mix is an ode to one of my favorite ambient mix series of the same name by Alex Hephaestian. Themed around highlighting ethnic ambient music from around the world, Alex's mix series (which you can stream on Mixcloud) shows such mastery in combining exquisite mixing and mystical storytelling. It chronicles the journey of Oushie who travels far from his home to visit Ethni-City the capital of the land where he was born. My favorite episode of that series, and one I remember drifting off to sleep with many nights, is #5: The Mystic Shows Oushie the Way to Find His Spirit Guide. Tracklist 00:00 03:37 05:39 09:10 11:48 15:44 19:23 22:12 23:48 31:00 36:12 38:08 42:16 45:45 51:49 53:48 | |||
| The Artist | 27 Mar 2022 | ||
"When you fall in love with a work of art, you’d die to meet the artist. I am a student of the galleries of Pacific sunsets, full moon rises on the ocean, the clouds from an airplane, autumn forests in Raleigh, and first fallen snows. And I’m dying to meet the artist." Poetry by Yasmin Mogahed, from her book Reclaim Your Heart Tracklist 00:00 04:52 07:21 10:31 15:34 25:18 31:52 35:15 39:28 50:48 55:48 | |||
| Quiet Peace | 25 Feb 2022 | ||
"The sun is so beautiful in the early morning. It does something to the trees that you don’t see any other time of the day. I think we all want the same thing: A quiet peace. Maybe just even a single moment of it, to close our eyes and just be okay. For even a single second, to not feel worried about something, sad about something. To not crave something we don’t–or can’t–have. Just to be there, okay. Still. Silent. On the inside. Maybe that’s what’s so beautiful about this time of the day: The stillness. And the hope that maybe this day will be different." Tracklist 00:00 04:12 08:26 09:42 11:21 13:46 16:04 20:28 26:24 29:08 31:04 35:36 38:00 39:32 42:39 45:52 47:22 | |||
| Letting Go | 05 Feb 2022 | ||
This mix is inspired by heal., a magnificent meditative album by the talented man behind Project AER. He usually produces heartfelt lofi music, but when he turns to ambient, his work lives up to that of the best you've ever heard. "What's meant for you will be Don't think that they are lost Tracklist 00:00 06:10 07:45 10:47 12:07 13:00 15:36 21:00 23:51 29:17 34:18 45:52 49:45 52:56 56:21 59:02 | |||
| Rebirth | 13 Jan 2022 | ||
To Chris, in celebration of his birthday, life, and legacy. He would have been 37 today (Jan 13). Less than a year ago, his passing was our rebirth. It imbued me, his sister and his family with a sense of duty to live out his legacy. The life that he could have had. The life he would have wished for us. Rest in peace my friend. "So it begins my friend. I hear in the air, the call of a Siren. I am awake. ― Rebirth by The Whisper Tracklist 00:00 05:08 06:44 11:58 14:52 18:24 20:55 26:24 28:28 35:12 37:37 40:00 41:16 44:04 46:13 47:58 | |||
| We Have Been Here Before | 23 Dec 2021 | ||
As 2021 comes to a wrap, it feels like we should be seeing the pandemic off, but the reality is anything but. With more imposed restrictions coinciding with the holiday season, I released this mix to hopefully provide solace to those celebrating alone or unable to spend it with some of their loved ones. Musically, this mix features 3 tracks from a masterpiece new album by Jon Hopkins called Music for Psychedelic Therapy. Test Card returns with two intriguing pieces from his latest album Music For The Towers. Finally, Martin Domas opens the mix up with a track that inspired this mix. As always, please support the artists you like by streaming or purchasing their music. Tracklist 00:00 02:52 07:02 09:56 12:46 15:12 17:19 24:00 25:58 29:29 32:28 40:16 43:22 45:28 50:52 55:40 | |||
| Exposition of the Heart | 15 May 2024 | ||
"My heart is an open book, Poetry by Yasmin Mogahed, from her book Reclaim Your Heart Tracklist 00:00 04:00 06:48 07:42 10:18 14:56 17:29 23:32 28:30 31:22 34:24 39:37 43:30 45:24 50:48 55:01 56:33 59:29 | |||
| Way Back When | 02 Dec 2021 | ||
It's my 39th birthday today :) 🎂 Inspired by the soothing music of Human Is Alive (humanisalive.bandcamp.com), I wanted this mix to induce reminiscence of happy moments from our past. Amidst the swirl of incessant, attention-demanding world we live in, I sometimes get these fleeting recollections of past events, people, or even things that brought me joy. I made this mix for such moments, so it can hopefully fade to the background while the mind takes a trip down memory lane. Tracklist 00:00 04:09 05:14 07:32 09:13 12:24 17:08 19:22 23:00 24:20 32:44 33:50 39:38 51:06 52:13 52:52 56:48 | |||
| Moon Shadows | 18 Nov 2021 | ||
"In the shadow of a moonlight gaze - Moonlight Shadow by Phil Soar Tracklist 00:00 02:50 04:05 06:31 10:33 15:20 22:40 27:08 31:28 34:56 39:48 43:07 45:22 48:16 | |||
| Harmony | 21 Oct 2021 | 00:50:56 | |
This episode celebrates 50th Calm Pill milestone 🎉 Thank you everyone for supporting the show by tuning in, sharing it with friends or leaving a review. And thanks to those who choose to express their gratitude with small donations. It really warms my heart to see the impact this music has on so many people, and it gives me the motivation to keep going. Here's to the next 50 🥂 Tracklist 00:00 03:13 06:48 13:34 18:17 23:16 27:20 30:12 36:40 51:52 | |||
| Aloft | 30 Sep 2021 | 00:49:48 | |
So what about it all my friend ? Dare you hold the flame aloft for me — From To He Who Holds His Hand Aloft by Marshal Gebbie Tracklist 00:00 06:21 10:02 13:40 27:08 36:04 40:43 44:52 46:46 50:36 | |||
| Chakra Meditation | 23 Aug 2021 | ||
Inspired by Constance Demby's album Sonic Immersion, my hope for this mix is to help you bring calmness to a disturbed mind, inviting you to interface with the moment in full awareness. Take a deep breath and embark on this journey. See you on the other side. Tracklist 00:00 00:41 01:40 06:20 14:05 21:10 25:55 31:24 35:04 37:21 48:15 52:38 | |||
| Evanesce | 06 Aug 2021 | ||
This mix is inspired by the meditative music of Macroform, from a wonderful song called Deep Breath (Meditation). Check him out at linktr.ee/macroform. Tracklist 00:00 02:09 04:44 05:47 10:56 17:48 20:50 27:10 32:58 39:10 48:48 | |||
| Morning Dew | 21 Jul 2021 | ||
This mix was released 6 years ago as part of my Drifter ambient series, which I created under my previous pseudonym DJ Seroton. It was the first collaboration I have done with the talented musician Tonepoet, who creates an excellent ambient mix podcast called Spaceman's Transmissions. This is what Tonepoet had to say about the mix and our collaboration: "Music speaks across boundaries of time, distance, and language, and what we present here is proof of that. We had some really great communication in getting this together and our mindsets were in line with each other in that we wanted to construct a seamless journey for your mind to bathe itself within. In creating this mix, we became completely taken in by each others concepts, and that friendly competition only stoked a passion to deliver our finest moments to your ears." Tracklist 00:00 06:39 13:35 15:59 18:49 20:34 26:03 26:42 32:14 35:52 39:04 40:58 43:18 49:06 50:49 52:56 56:25 56:41 | |||
| Sense of Idle | 27 Jun 2021 | ||
There are 3 principles guiding the creation of Calm Pill mixes: song curation with variety, production value, and showcasing artists. On the last one, every Calm Pill mix features several artists whose great music deserves to be discovered and heard, but every now and then, a whole artist album inspires a mix of its own, and this is one such mix. I'd like to present to you the debut album of marine eyes: idyll (marineeyes.bandcamp.com/album/idyll). She had but one simple intention in creating idyll: "to create a peaceful, gentle place." And that she absolutely did! The album is exquisitely beautiful, combining ethereal vocals and soothing ambient chords with nature sounds she gathered from various locations like Ojai, LA hiking trails and even her bedroom window! And if this beautiful music sounds familiar, it's because I've featured Cynthia before in an album called awakened souls, which was inspired by the music of the ambient duo of the same name made up of Cynthia and her husband James Bernard. In fact, in recognition of the beautiful music this duo has gifted us over the years, the title of this album is a play on awakened souls' album a sense of return and idyll. As always, if you enjoyed this album, please look up the artists on Bandcamp or your favorite streaming service and support their music. Tracklist 00:00 02:29 03:25 08:04 13:42 18:28 23:18 27:29 29:29 31:34 33:42 37:42 42:19 46:02 50:01 53:15 57:18 | |||
| Into the Dream | 06 Jun 2021 | 01:02:47 | |
"There's a place where I go that no one else knows, ― Dreams by John Raines Tracklist 00:00 03:54 04:22 07:09 10:10 13:49 24:24 26:47 28:08 29:55 32:59 36:19 41:41 44:38 51:39 52:45 | |||
| Place to Rest My Head | 05 May 2021 | 01:02:14 | |
As I lay my head to rest, ― As I Lay My Head To Rest by Danielle Ward Tracklist 00:00 05:16 08:31 10:53 15:05 22:00 27:14 37:32 42:32 45:54 49:58 54:41 57:26 | |||
| Echoes in the Valley | 02 Mar 2024 | ||
Once upon a time while wandering through ethereal realms of ambient music landscape, I encountered a label that embodies the essence of what I seek to share through my mixes: Echoes in the Valley. This label with its deep commitment to releasing music that blends ambient with the natural world, has always been a source of exquisite music that was featured on this podcast. I was also fortunate to discover several of my now favorite ambient artists through this label. Despite featuring music from outside their catalog, this mix is an invitation to explore the serene and sublime music that Echoes in the Valley curates so thoughtfully. My hope is that this dedication will not only honor the label's contributions to the ambient genre but also serve as a bridge for you to discover the depth and beauty of their releases, compilations and playlists. Check out Echoes in the Valley wherever you get your music. Their Spotify playlists are gems galore! Bandcamp • Spotify • YouTube • Instagram • Website Tracklist 00:00 02:24 05:01 11:09 13:58 16:36 19:05 21:39 24:44 27:54 30:53 34:42 37:20 39:12 40:56 44:00 49:36 56:17 58:44 59:35 | |||
| Suspended Memories | 13 Apr 2021 | 01:00:00 | |
Tracklist 00:00 06:45 08:22 11:46 13:00 17:56 23:08 33:39 37:24 45:09 47:09 | |||
| Remember Me | 22 Mar 2021 | 00:57:35 | |
I dedicated my last Chill Pill mix to my best friend who left this world all too quickly last month from his short-lived flight with COVID. Since then, and following the funeral that I couldn't attend in person, I fell into a deep existential breaking point as I realized the fragility of life, and grabbled with the conviction that this can't be all that we are, all that we live for, and all that remains of us. I imagined that even if Chris was ready to go, that he'd want me to remember him, to tell the world that he walked this earth with kindness, humility and desire to make it a better place. To me, what's harder than the helplessness I feel against the raging monster of never-again, is the thought that with every passing day, his memory is slipping away, one tiny fragment at a time. I don't know how long this mix will live on, but while it does, I hope it tells the story of a man who once existed, who was a best friend to me through thick and thin. I may or may never have a friend like him again, but for the rest of my days I'm going to remember and cherish all the moments I was blessed to have shared with him. Tracklist 00:00 03:21 04:34 07:56 14:12 17:36 25:08 29:48 30:06 33:32 41:52 45:47 48:02 51:07 58:54 60:44 | |||
| An Ocean of Stars | 07 Feb 2021 | 01:00:00 | |
I'm happy to present the very first guest mix on this show, by none other than my friend and previous collaborator Tonepoet. His ambient mixes on his Spaceman's Transmissions podcast are exquisitely crafted pieces of art, and he is gracing this show with a beautiful painting that he describes below. He also creates beautiful guitar-infused ambient music which I have featured heavily in the past. Check out his music and mixes below and enjoy the show. mixcloud.com/Tonepoet "Look up at the night sky, dear listeners, and tell me what you see. A vast and empty curtain that swallows up light? A void riddled with tiny diamonds? A dark and lifeless pasture? Now, look past that, and begin to transcend above these former descriptions of the cosmic drape. It is the cosmic ocean, and it's much more vast that we can conceive. This galactic wall is graced with glistening stars like well-worn shells that are eroding to reveal a delicate sheen, planet illuminated that produce reflective shimmers not unlike ocean waves, and a stunning moon that drifts like a sand dollar in the sky. This is the true cosmic skyscape for all of us: the limitless sea of unimagined intensity and grace. See it for what it really is, and immerse yourself within its cleansing cosmic tide. As we drift within the cosmic tide, allow the ceremony of cleansing your senses and mind with the sweet nectar of this aural current of sound and light that carries you into the ether. Allow this current to guide you to that destination that yields an oasis of wonderment, purity, and self-purpose. It is here on this island within the star speckled ocean in which you are rewarded with an awareness of your potential and creative drive. Spark your ambitions with this flame of enlightenment. The staff here at Spaceman's Transmissions takes deep pride in producing only the highest quality products for our clients. When you old boy Tonepoet steps out to get fresh air, do not think that he has abandoned you as an aimless, drifting co-pilot without a mission or destination. This detour is only an effort to reassess the correct pathway to our destination and forge new means for attaining the zenith of our journey. You, the co-pilot, are vital to all of our voyages. So it is said. An absolute acknowledgement and ridiculously extreme 'thank you' goes out to Calm Pills for not only serving up like-minded initiatives, but for hosting this mix and being an amazing resource and friend. Cheers, Aladdin! Peace. Turn on, tune in, drift in the ether..." Tracklist00:00 00:30 03:13 09:26 12:14 15:10 20:26 25:45 28:28 29:55 32:55 33:24 37:03 39:41 41:28 46:16 48:31 51:09 55:21 | |||
| Awakened Souls | 17 Jan 2021 | 00:54:16 | |
In this album, I would like to invite you to sample the world of awakened souls (awakenedsouls.bandcamp.com), an ambient music project of veteran electronic music producer James Bernard and his wife Cynthia. When I stumbled on their album how we heal, I knew I had found an artist who creates music for the same reason I create these mixes: to heal. Their mission is to "help others find the sense of healing that music brings to them" and their name comes from their "hope to be in touch with the most authentic parts of ourselves." I think you will find that their music indeed lives up to this ambition and is conducive to quite reflection. As always, if you like what you hear, check out the time-stamped track list and support awakened souls and all the other great artists featured on this mix by buying and streaming their music. Tracklist 00:00 02:34 06:58 10:13 17:06 21:02 23:36 28:24 32:09 36:29 39:17 44:44 47:24 | |||
| Weightless | 03 Jan 2021 | 01:00:00 | |
Happy new year everyone. Let's make the best of 2021. I'm energized and looking forward to crafting for you more mixes showcasing the best of what ambient genre has to offer. Let's start this year with another trip back in time to a mix I released 5 years ago as part of my Drifter ambient series, which I created under my previous pseudonym DJ Seroton. At the time, I dedicated it to the wonderful people behind Ambient-Nights (mixcloud.com/Ambient_Nights), who I had the pleasure of joining as part of the Ambient-Nights Mixer Family. Ambient-Nights was the site that got me hooked on ambient music since I discovered it in 2007. The quality of their mixes is really extraordinary, and they have a body of work that will sure take some time to go through, but the experience will be just as rewarding. Fun fact: I decided to call this mix after the second track, Weightless by Marconi Union. Few years after this mix was released, scientists singled out this song as "the world's most relaxing song." The song is filled with dreamy, mellow synths, soothing melodies and instrumentation composed of piano, guitar and electronic samples of natural soundscapes. Read this for more information: Tracklist 00:00 06:16 13:46 18:14 21:39 23:49 30:21 32:10 35:04 36:42 38:43 42:10 43:01 47:26 56:02 | |||
| Tomorrow's Lights | 12 Dec 2020 | 01:01:46 | |
What a year 2020 has been! We're not out of the woods yet, but we're here and we have few things we can be thankful for as this years draws to an end. I'm thankful for all of you listeners and supporters of this show. I have recently been graced by an uptick of positive reviews on Apple Podcasts and other apps where this show is available. I treasure each one because it lets me know the positive effect this music has on your life. I'm also thankful for the artists whose music make this show possible. Whenever you can, check out the timestamped playlist in the episode description and look up the songs you like. Happy holidays everyone. Stay safe and cherish your loved ones. Tomorrow's lights will shine, and we will be together again. Tracklist 00:00 02:15 03:17 05:22 12:09 14:34 17:06 22:29 34:04 35:48 39:03 42:40 44:28 47:38 53:02 53:48 57:11 58:38 | |||
| One | 14 Nov 2020 | 01:01:00 | |
On the eve of the 4th anniversary of Calm Pills (this series began back in Nov 15, 2016), let's take a trip back in time to the very first ambient mix I ever created. This is mix number one! I created it 8 years ago under my previous pseudonym DJ Seroton, and to this day it remains one of the best ones I have ever done. This is what I wrote in the release notes back in Jan 16, 2012: What puts you to sleep? I bet the answer to this question will vary from one person to the other. For me, I like total darkness, comfy pillow, and believe it or not, the constant sound of AC, which I’ve grown to appreciate as a way of eliminating little on-off noises from around the building. On top of that, when I’m in the mood, nothing beats a good playlist of pure and peaceful ambient music. I first came to discover this wonderful style of music back in 2007, when I accidentally stumbled on a great site called Ambient Nights. Not knowing what this style of music was all about, I decided to give it a try and downloaded few of the mixes, created by Alex Hephaestion. I was in the middle of preparing a public speech at the time, my first one ever, and while researching my material, I would put these mixes on. To my surprise, these mixes magically helped me focus and zone into my work in a weird but awesome way. I said weird because when you’re listening to ambient music, the idea is not to listen intently, but in a passive way. You just let it play in the background, and it’ll do its thing. This is best described by Brian Eno, one of the most influential artists in this genre and the one believed to have coined the term “ambient music“, who was quoted describing it as the kind of music that can be “actively listened to with attention or as easily ignored, depending on the choice of the listener”, and that exists on the “cusp between melody and texture”. Not all ambient music is created equal. Over the years since my discovery, I’ve been curating my collection of ambient music that’s truly relaxing and in no way disturbing or weighs too much on the dark side. I think all that boils down to what you’re going to listen to in this 1 hour mix. But mixing this style of music has proved a little challenging for me. When I sat out to create this mix, I wanted a mix that’s perfect to sleep to. This is easier said than done, because when you’re trying to sleep to music, the slightest off beat or melody can wake you up. So the mix must flow seamlessly from start to finish, and not have any surprises in the middle since the person listening to it might, and most likely will, drift off in the middle. Also while creating this mix, it’s not just enough to make sure tracks flow seamlessly into each other. You’ve got to listen over and over to the entire mix to make sure you’re setting and maintaining the right mood, in this case sleeping mode, throughout the mix. Overall, I think I’ve done a pretty good job with this one. I’ve even took it for a spin and tried sleeping to it. After a few tweaks, I think I’ve managed to perfect it. Well, at least I hope you do think so. Tracklist 00:00 04:07 06:12 13:28 15:42 20:45 23:53 30:24 33:52 36:07 39:40 42:08 52:04 55:10 | |||
| Deathless Slumber | 15 Oct 2020 | 00:59:58 | |
I'm back with yet another guest mix. This time I approached Alessio who hosts Corsica One, a series that showcases carefully curated selection of uplifting and evocative soundscapes. His show is all about variety, and that inspired me to do something a bit different to start this Calm Pill mix with, something a bit more mystic. I think you'll like it. Tracklist 00:00 01:22 01:52 02:38 03:00 04:15 09:51 16:24 23:24 33:46 39:30 43:58 51:37 | |||
| Spherule | 25 Sep 2020 | 01:00:36 | |
In his seminal album Ambient 1: Music for Airports, Brian Eno proclaimed "Ambient Music must be able to accommodate many levels of listening attention without enforcing one in particular; it must be as ignorable as it is interesting". Over at AmbientSoundbath.com podcast, Matt has been curating and producing longform ambient albums that are faithful to that aspirational ideal of ambient music. I really admire the work Matt is doing, including his YouTube channel, that I reached out to him with a proposal to create a guest mix, and he graciously accepted. Check out Matt's Ambient Soundbath podcast: And his ambient guitar albums: Tracklist 00:00 07:48 17:20 23:21 25:34 30:21 34:47 37:52 41:00 48:32 54:40 59:56 | |||
| Stasis | 26 Aug 2020 | 00:52:12 | |
I call to you in longing In the stillness of this night, You smile inside the clouds — The Stillness of This Night by James Casey Tracklist00:00 Olivia Belli ― Wheeling Stars (REMIX)02:06 Federico Durand ― La Casa De Los Abuelos11:08 kwajbasket ― Shuttr16:32 Bedroom ― Pirouttes 19:36 24:12 26:40 29:20 33:12 36:56 40:31 46:00 49:18 54:12 57:06 | |||
| Antarctic Wastelands | 07 Feb 2024 | ||
In my series of mixes dedicated to phenomenal artists that continue to inspire this podcast, I present to you Hong Kong-based producer Ben Tatlow, the man behind Antarctic Wastelands project. Drawing inspiration from an imaginary beautiful and desolate environment, Tatlow's ambient compositions, aptly taglined as “soundtracks for wandering souls”, are characterized by luminous textures and depths that immerse you in a realm where tranquility intertwines with profound sense of introspection and awe. With his two featured tracks in this mix as source of inspiration, I strove to seamlessly fuse soundscapes that transport you to abandoned, weather-beaten landscapes. Wander with me on this sonic journey. Let’s embrace both the vastness of space and the intimacy of solitude. Check out Antarctic Wastelands wherever you get your music. You’ll be in for a treat! Bandcamp • Spotify • Apple Music • Soundcloud • Amazon Music • Instagram • Website Tracklist 00:00 02:40 06:09 10:24 15:17 19:48 22:22 24:44 27:16 31:20 35:08 37:12 40:10 42:05 47:12 54:04 57:31 | |||
| As The World Comes Into Focus | 07 Aug 2020 | 01:00:41 | |
This mix was released on this day 5 years ago as part of my Drifter ambient series, which I created under my previous pseudonym DJ Seroton. It was the second collaboration I have done with the talented musician Tonepoet, who creates an excellent ambient mix podcast called Spaceman's Transmissions. We gave this mix the title of “As The World Comes into Focus”. It’s essentially an exploration of our inner senses as we drift in and out of consciousness. You may recognize this feeling from a time when you drifted off to sleep and then brought back somehow to faint awakening, only to drift back afterwards into a peaceful and restful sleep. This is what Tonepoet had to say about the mix and our collaboration: "While a simple mix from myself would seem sufficient, having the partnership with the humbling DJ SEROTON is one thing that pushes this mix far over the edge. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to create 2 mixes with him (the other is DRIFTER VOL. 6). For this particular mix, I stirred up the first half of the set, and he countered my vision with an unparalleled mix of intensity, beauty, and authority. It's really nice to have someone enhance my intentions and gives a fresh vibe to the set. The unpredictability of the outcome is what provides inspiration smiles. Not only is DJ Seroton such a very cool guy and like-minded music aficionado, but his production standards of both his art and presentation are of the highest standards. I really felt that I should do my best so as to really raise the standard of what we both could offer our peace seeking listeners. I'm very confident that together we have woven the perfect texture of sound and color; using light as glue and sealing it all in a consumable format for your mind and ears. My hope is that the music brings you a sense of solitude and elation. Feel free to use the music any time you need those sensations. Peace." Tracklist 00:00 02:21 04:41 06:00 11:03 13:58 17:44 20:28 21:27 24:14 28:24 31:04 31:32 34:09 38:49 43:35 49:05 50:09 52:15 | |||
| Drowning Last Light | 21 Jul 2020 | 01:00:02 | |
Brilliant colors wash over the sky Clouds bathed in the rich tones at dusk The elegance of the sun sinking into the sea The stars emerge through the deepened sky Moonbeams dance; sparkling upon the waves There is a joy in viewing this scene As steady as the breeze that blows from the sea As constant as the pounding of the surf With the certainty that the sun will rise Fading Light by James Casey Tracklist 00:00 03:26 07:03 11:40 13:11 15:01 16:53 19:36 23:13 26:11 34:06 39:32 46:42 49:12 | |||
| Seclusion | 14 Jun 2020 | 00:59:15 | |
This album is dedicated to Antonymes, an artist whose work has inspired me for years. Ian's music has been described as "rich in ambient textures and tonal arrangements that are both beautiful and haunting. If you close your eyes you can see a landscape that pulses with color and life that cannot be seen with the human eye." (Joseph Timmons, blogcritics.org) The opening track, Coming Into Silence, was Ian's contribution to a charity compilation album called Gap In Time, whose proceeds go to WHO's efforts to counteract the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. This highlights yet another side of Ian's character. His humane, down-to-earth and generous qualities shed light on the wonderful human being behind this mesmerizing music. As if this wasn't enough, Ian's an avid designer and photographer. He carved out a unique niche in photography: documenting disused properties across the UK and Europe. The cover photo of this album was shot by Ian, and is part of a great set of photos reflecting the haunting decay of abandoned buildings. Tracklist 00:00 04:58 06:02 14:49 21:12 24:11 26:06 30:31 36:13 37:36 39:38 47:47 51:18 53:00 55:47 | |||
| 4 Years | 31 May 2020 | 01:00:00 | |
Time goes by but memories never fade. I released this mix on this day 4 years ago, a week after my friend passed away. It would become the 9th and final episode of my Drifter ambient series. It is a deeply personal mix in which I tried to express a never-before-felt outpouring of grief. Somehow the tracks I've chosen had titles that told a similar story, and those words by Megan Bokowski were quite consoling at the time: The time soon comes for parting, You knew one day you’d have to go, You had your shining moments, Like the exploding of a star, Drifter’s Melody by Megan R. Bokowski Tracklist 00:00 01:39 03:21 10:57 19:12 22:01 28:04 30:38 32:21 34:02 36:04 37:20 38:43 42:16 45:08 54:44 | |||