// HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!

Just dropping a short message to update you all.

I havent done any updates on here for a while because i've been a little busy else where with other thing etc etc etc.

Hope you all enjoy your 2013 celebrations, (its a little late for some parts of the world, so I hope you are already enjoying the new year. Whats it like?)

I'm hoping to be back on here soon with further updates on new and interesting music, so till then, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!

// Sleep Orchestra Facebook Page

As some of you may know I compose my own music under a list of different monikers each with a slightly different angle to the Experimental genre. My latest project which I am fully enjoying composing and experimenting the most with is Sleep Orchestra. I hope that some you have already take the chance to listen to some of the music on soundcloud. Please feel free to take a listen at the link below and come and LIKE my Sleep Orchestra Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sleep-Orchestra/511008502257498?ref=ts&fref=ts

Link 1: http://soundcloud.com/advancedscriptrecords/sets/sleep-orchestra-ossiir-ep/

// Sleep Orchestra Update

As some of you may know I myself write music within the experimental music genre and I am currently working on my project Sleep Orchestra which is an experimental ambient music platform.

If you would like to listen to my first steps with Sleep Orchestra, feel free to visit the link below. The page has only just been started and as such still has a lot of work to be done to it but i am working on filling it out soon, but while I am doing that it would be great to start a little bit of a fan base so i can hear what you guys think of my music and I can get back in touch with you.

I look forward to hearing from you guys soon.

Visit Link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sleep-Orchestra/511008502257498

// A handful of new things.

Right, so its been a while now but I'm finally able to do some more First-Stage blogs for you. I had gotten a little bogged down with all the other things that life throws at you from left field but I now have a little more time to myself to be able to write some more blogdates.

Firstly:
Diamond Version have released their EP1. I have had some time to listen to some of the tracks and I must say they are mighty impressive considering that the two artists involved (Alva Noto and Byetone) started this project by just doing LIVE performances together as fill gaps at their shows. On the other side I was slightly disappointed with it too. After hearing their music in videos posted to youtube I was looking forward to something more gritty. Ever so often they are able to pull together something that is pure genius but the EP can leave you a little deflated in other tracks.

Secondly:
Diamond Version have released a video on youtube for their EP2 which can be found below.

Visit Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6DFZB_k2bY

After listening to this I am thinking that they might be able to sway me back to becoming a believer in them once more. With their new music it sounds much more like what I was expecting the first time around. Then again I was thinking that when i heard the first few things to do with the EP1, so, lets just wait and see.

Thirdly:
Emptyset. Ever heard of them? Well I hadn't until I stumbled unceremoniously across them on raster-noton one time, and I must say that I am very impressed indeed. A future post might be about their latest release so keep those eyes peeled and we'll see what they have to offer.

And Lastly:
NEW VLADISLAV DELAY! Yes, you read that correctly. Assuming that you havent already heard (it is possible) Vladislav Delay has written his follow up to Vantaa and Espoo with Kuopio, which is expected this year. You can listen to a preview mix of the tracks at the link below.

Visit Link: http://soundcloud.com/vladislavdelay/vladislav-delay_kuopio-preview

// Sleep Orchestra - Ossiir EP available for streaming

For those of you who are interested, I have put my Sleep Orchestra debut EP online available for streaming from soundcloud.com/advancedscriptrecords. Please feel free to head on over there, take a listen to the tracks and post comments or feedback, or you can leave me some feedback in response to this blog post.

I am hoping to get the EP an official release later this year so I will keep you guys updated.

// Update 09/10/2012

Due to a few things that I am currently sorting out, I havent had any time to do major updates on this blog.

I am hoping to get back to this at some point so please, be patient,  a new update is on its way at some point in the near future.

Thank you
Chris
Author of FirstStage Experimental

// New Release from Grischa Lichtenberger (German)

AND IV (Inertia) is the new release from Grischa Lichtenberger released on the Raster-Noton label that you are hopefully getting used to hearing about by now. Grischa Lichtenberger's music is a really interesting blend of the acoustic and the digital sound fields, a blending of the two worlds around us. He works as a found sound engineer, recording interesting sounds such as old radiators etc. Using these sounds he then goes into the studio environment and mashes them up to create new and intriguing sounds or effects that he then uses to make music similar sonically to the works of Alva Noto and Ryoji Ikeda.


The best way I could personally describe Grischa's music is as a blend of music that would be created if Alva Noto and Amon Tobin collaborated together.

For more information on the new release head on over to the Raster-Noton website at Link 1 below.

Visit Link 1: https://shop.raster-noton.net/?pid=269

Image taken from the Raster-Noton website.

// 25/09/2012

Since I havent done an update for a while (finding it difficult to find time as well as interesting new things to tell you about) I thought I'd write this to say:

A: I havent forget about this blog, and
B: Thought I'd let you know about some of the music that I have been listening to recently.

01 Murcof_Cosmos
02 Murcof_Remembranza
03 Francisco Lopez_Kollt/Kulu
04 SaffronKeira_A New Life
05 Raun and Listening Mirror (New Release)
06 Cello+Laptop (LIVE and Single Releases)
07 Pjusk_Tele
08 Nigul_Cervol
09 Scanner (Single Releases)
10 Mika Vainio_Vandals EP

First-Stage will hopefully have some brand new posts soon...

// New Release: Asférico LIVE at Eventual Music

A new release from Asférico is now available as a "name-your-price" download from the link below. If you have never been able to hear what Alex Gamez does LIVE or never been bale to get to LIVE event, be sure to download this for a good price.

Visit Link 1: http://vibedeck.com/asferico/live-at-eventual-music

// Asférico LIVE at Klang.Haus 2012

Asférico, Alex Gamez, will be performing at Klang.Haus, Austria on October 13 2012 this year. Alex will be performing a brand new set especially written for the festival based on the idea of an imaginary film soundtrack. The new set named "Sonidos del Subconsciente" (Sounds of the Subconscious) comprises dark and noisy field recordings mixed with analog synth sounds. Make sure to immerse yourself in this Live set in October!

Visit Link 1: http://www.klang-haus.at/sites/wk_herbst12.html

// Coming Soon: Cello+Laptop

Cello+Laptop are currently sorting out their new album, Parallel Paths which is due for release very soon. To listen to a track from the new album head on over to Link 1 where you can also preorder the album.











Visit Link 1: http://envelopecollective.bandcamp.com/album/parallel-paths

// Latest Release: Loscil (Canada)

Scott Morgan, probably better known in the music industry as Loscil has been a round for a few number of years and has released some of the greatest ambient electronica albums heard. He has released such albums as Submers, First Narrows and Stases to great acclaim and these albums have been loved by his fans for the music's ability to make the listener feel a great range of emotions. After his last album, Coast/Range/Arc which showcased his abilities as a pure ambient electronica producer, Morgan has returned to the sound that has made him so popular with his extensive fan base on his new album Sketches from New Brighton, released this week.

I have only had the chance of listening to a handfull of the tracks so far as I have been busy on my own project as well, but what I have heard has left me speechless. The blend between the field recordings and computer generated drones has become almost unnoticeable while his skill over minimal techno rhythms serves up a great way to keep the listener keep coming back for more. This new album, to anyone who listens to ambient electronica and wishes to write some themselves, serves as a great introduction to the production skills that you need and the skills you can learn over time. If you have never heard of Loscil before, then Sketches from New Brighton is a great introduction into what Scott Morgan has to offer you. Really, you should listen from the start with his first ever album and work your way through but if you were to start from anywhere in his back catalogue, SfNB really is a great place to enter the world of Loscil.

Loscil's Sketches from New Brighton can be found on itunes and tracks can also be listened to on Youtube.

Visit Link 1: http://www.last.fm/music/Loscil
Visit Link 2: http://www.kranky.net/artists/loscil.html
Visit Link 3: http://www.loscil.ca/

// Cello+Laptop Live

Cello+Laptop are well worth looking into. If you havent heard of them, they are musical duo Sara Galan and Edu Comelles and they mix experimental classical Cello with electronics. They have done some great gigs in and around Spain most notably in the citys of Barcelona and Valencia. If you get any time to check out this project I would thoroughly recommend it as well as the solo project by Sara Galan.

Cello+Laptop will be performing Live at the Josep Renau Room of the Facility of Fine Arts of the UPV in Valencia on Friday 14th September at 13:00hrs.

At the below link you will be able to find some free downloads from this project.

Visit Link: http://www.educomelles.com/cellopluslaptop.html

// MainOff Festival 2012 Asférico Update

Asférico has been confirmed for a Live performance on 20th October 2012 with xx +xy visuals in Rome at the MainOff Festival 2012.

Visit Link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MainOFF-Festival/155004541254090

// Sleep Orchestra: My latest Music Project.

Hi All!!! I have been working on some of my music for the last few months and I am currently waiting to hear from some of my friends within the industry. I have decided to let you guys know a little about the project but as of yet I do not want to be posting the link to my music. Depending on what I hear,  (changes may have to be made) that will be left for  future official release. This may change at any moment, so I will let you know when I know anything.


Sleep Orchestra (UK)
Sleep Orchestra is UK based sound producer and experimentalist Christopher Pegg. Chris has studied music technology at College and University level for over 5 years and holds a BA(Hons) in Popular Music Production as well as an FdSc and BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology. His interest in experimental and minimalist music started as early as back in 2007 when he first heard music from the likes of Murcof and Biosphere. After a number of years of studies and sample collecting, Chris has produced a number of what he calls "mini-projects" that have ranged from the minimal techno and extreme glitch productions to more laid back music such as this, his latest mini-project, Sleep Orchestra.
Christopher confesses that Sleep Orchestra is actually an evolution of ideas that started at university with his first [MIR] and later from his thesleepinglake mini-projects. For this latest project, Chris has been immersing himself deep into the works of artists such as Murcof, Loscil, Biosphere, Vladislav Delay, Spyweirdos, SaffronKeira, Listening Mirror and The Sight Below etc, taking ideas and merging them with new ones of his own to create his most ambient project to date.
Sleep Orchestra is Chris' latest experimental platform into the ambient world and mixes his interest of micro glitch samples with long evocative drones and effects. As well as inspirational artists, the Sleep Orchestra project is also inspired by the Sci-FI movie "Sunshine", which was directed by Danny Boyle. This experimentation into how the vacuum of space can be described through sound is the starting point for many of the tracks.

// Denovali Swingfest 2012 Lineup Update

Denovali has announced the lineup for the dates on which the artists will be performing at Swingfest 2012.

This will be an awesome festival to go to if you are able to get to it. My highlights for anyone going would be:

Friday: A Dead Forest Index

Saturday: Moritz Von Oswald Trio, The Pirate Ship Quintet

Sunday: Murcof, Hidden Orchestra, SaffronKeira

If you go, be sure to make a special effort to see Murcof and SaffronKeira. Not to be missed.

// Flussi Festival 2012 Poster

// Information on my Music

As some of you may know already I also write music in a wide selection of experimental electronica genres. I have recently written a few "demo" tracks as my alter ego Ȼ, which is based upon error and glitch samples created through the computer software I use. Artists that had a huge influence on this music are Alva Noto and Ryoji Ikeda, two musician/artists that I greatly admire.

I have been lucky in recent years to make connections into this relatively small corner of the musical universe, and I am pleased to say that I have a collection of friends who help me further understand the music.

You can find some the Ȼ music at: http://soundcloud.com/thesoundofcomputers/sets/device-error-ep/

I am currently working on a new project (going on a small hiatus from Ȼ) which is a small step into the ambient universe, mixing long ambient drones with micro glitch samples to create a dark atmospherical ambient project. I will update you guys with any more news about this as it comes clearer, whether/when/where this is downloaded and you are able to get it too. 

Until then, please feel free to take a listen to the music of Ȼ, and join my Facebook page at: http://facebook.com/thesoundofcomputers.

// Flussi Festival - Asférico Update

Just read this on Alex Gamez's Facebook status update:

"Tomorrow from around 19:30hrs Asférico Multispeaker Performance at Flussi Festival (Avellino, Italy.)"

If you are attending Flussi Festival 2012, this should not be missed.






Update 1/9/2012:
"Tonight at 10pm, Asférico with XX+XY Visuals Dancefloor Performance Flussi 2012."


Update 3/9/2012:
"This evening: Asférico Live in Rome."

// Classic Release: Cosmos by Murcof

I have recently been flicking through my CD collection and I stumbled across an old friend by one of my favorite artists, Cosmos by Murcof.

Cosmos is the 4th release from Mexican electronic producer Fernando Corona who is better known as Murcof. Cosmos is an ambient album that is best enjoyed in a quiet, dark environment. When Murcof went on tour with this album he performed in places that best visually described the music, one such place was a planetarium (which I would have personally loved to have gone to). This album (most notably through its name) is probably the best soundtrack that you could to listen when you are out in a dark field doing stargazing etc, which I would also personally recommend.

When listening to this album, you can hear that it is a Murcof album, but it is also quite noticeable that the sound has changed and evolved. Whereas in albums such as Corona's iconic debut album, the 2002 Martes, where the classical instrumentation has been taken from tracks originally composed by Arvo Part then manipulated in free and bought software, in Cosmos all the instrumentation is composed specially for the album and was recorded by Fernando Corona. If, like me you enjoy the micro programming of Murcof's earlier work, you may find this 6 track album a hard fit, but if you manage to find some time in the dark (preferably with stars) this album really comes into its own. My personal favorite track from this album is the 4th track, Cometa. Find this track at the Youtube link below.

For fans of Murcof, Max Richter, Marsen Jules, Arvo Part etc.

Visit Link 1: http://www.murcof.com/main.html
Visit Link 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5dKlCTcwAQ

// Flussi Festival 2012

Flussi Festival 2012 has a promo video online at Facebook.

The link has been provided below.

Visit Link: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=516049861742926

// Asferico LIVE at Ferro Tre

Just a quick post this time.

A picture of Asférico performing LIVE at Ferro Tre, Scafati, Italy.

The picture is taken from Alex Gamez's Facebook page.

Go to Facebook to "Friend" him and "Like" the picture.

(I do not own this photo)

// Mille Plateaux Artists of Interest

I have recently been looking for some new and interesting music for myself, when I remembered about the long established Experimental and IDM label Mille Plateaux. While there I have stumbled across a few artists that you may find interesting too.

Kabutogani
Kabutogani is a french producer who's work would easily fit in on a label like Raster-Noton with his scientific approach to glitch samples and awkward rhythmic patterns, but I found his 4th album, BEKTOP at the Mille Plateaux Label who's link is at the bottom of the blog post. I have been listening to Kabutogani's BEKTOP now for about three weeks and it still has the refreshing feel of brand new music.

Visit Link 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT3t4M1_tJ4
Visit Link 2: http://vertical.fm/releases/258.htm

Yu Miyashitu
Miyashitu one of those artists I actually stumbled upon by pure accident. The music produced is not an easily accesible mix of glitch and noise but when analysed in greater detail it is hard not to be impressed by the absolute raw skill of the producer at work. This work should maybe approached with extreme caution, (it may not be to everyones liking) but, if you manage to listen to it in greater detail, it doesn't fail to impress.

Visit Link 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=einCVG9s3A8
Visit Link 2: http://vertical.fm/releases/335.htm


Ametsub
Ametsub has managed to gain interest from Ryuichi Sakamoto as well as other notable producers and composers for his mature productions and intriguing blend of lounge piano melodies mixed with the IDM/glitch electronica that artists such as Alva Noto would be proud of. A mix of the classical and the electronic, Ametsub is one of those artists that can be filled easily under chill out and glitch in your music library and manage it without clashing.

Visit Link 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8keG0Gv-SYg
Visit Link 2: http://vertical.fm/releases/264.htm

Visit Link: http://milleplateaux1.wordpress.com/

// Flussi Media Arts Festival 2012

2012's Flussi Media Arts Festival will be taking place at Teatro Carlo Gesualdo Avellino, Italy. This year marks the 4th edition of the Flussi Festival and as such, has been able to further expand offering five days worth of performances from some of the biggest names in the field of experimental electronica. As well as performances from Francisco Lopez and Monolake (to name only a couple of performers), Flussi will also be offering installations, workshops, special screenings and lectures at the venues.

This year, Flussi will be shared over three different stages and is partnered by Störung, an independent label run in Barcelona, Spain. On the Mainstage you can look forward to the highly anticipated Dopplereffekt on the terrace of Carlo Gesualdo Theatre. On the ESP stage, there will be a special quadrophonic installation dedicated to the works of John Cage. And the third stage, you will find performances from the likes of Monolake and Francisco Lopez, performed through a multi-channel sound system.

A personal friend of mine, Alex Gamez will also be there performing at the ESP stage on the 31st August and also at the Saturday stage on the 1st September as his moniker, Asférico. Gamez delves deep into the rhythmic, minimal and psychological sense of music creating his signature atmospheric sound that is best appreciated at a live performance. 

If you get the chance to experience this, it is a must see and a must hear!

Please visit the links below for further information about Flussi Festival.

Visit Link 1: http://www.flussi.eu/
Visit Link 2: http://www.flussi.eu/wordpress/?portfolio=asferico

// Readers Music: AJ Nutter (USA)

I have recently been approached by AJ Nutter, a fellow reader of this blog to listen to some of his musi. I am all too happy to listen to fellow readers music, I listen to many different artists and have an understanding for quite a range of experimental musical styles, so if you feel like sending some of your own works for me to listen to, review and blog about then please feel free to contact me via dropping me a comment on this post.

Firstly I must admit that reading about AJ Nutter's music on various sites I was set to be readily disappointed. I have known someone take the same approach before (to score a soundtrack for a silent film or one without an original soundtrack) which worked quite well but, considering I have never seen the Hitchcock "classic" The Birds, I wasent really sure what I was going to be listening to.

On first listen it sounds familiar, like a soundtrack to a dream. The Birds probably works best along side its inspirational material, but as a one off album that is listened to from start to finish, it is an interesting blend of genres and sounds. Classical string sections interweave with house drumbeats and in other tracks long droning synths can be contrasted against strange ambient effects that weave in and out of the fabric of the track.

The Birds is a very haunting soundtrack written by a very accomplished musician, highlights being tracks such as Sea Crisp Theme 3 and Wings of Design which have the same fundamental themes at their core but work with it in differing manners creating dark atmospheric audio pictures.

Listening to other works on his Soundcloud page, I would recommend further experimentation with glitch into his string sections as the tracks with glitch in are very interesting, but overall a very pleasing album. 

A minor issue I did have was that a couple of the tracks seemed to finish before they got going or just stopped altogether. Maybe this was an issue with making the mp3 tracks or maybe it was done to fit the film I dont know, but if you listen to works by Hans Zimmer etc, the tracks are written as a whole, then edited down for the scenes. Maybe this is an idea to carry into the next album.

A good album with plenty of good ideas. If you wish to purchase the album, the mp3's are available through a large selection of online retailers.

Visit Link 1: http://www.last.fm/music/Aj+Nutter
Visit Link 2: http://soundcloud.com/aj-nutter

// Latest Release From Atom™ (Germany)

Atom™ is the moniker for German born Uwe Schmidt. Schmidt runs his own record label, Rather Interesting and he also owns his own design company which is called Linger Decoree. The electronic producer is regarded as the "father of electrolatino" and now lives in Santiago de Chile.

Uwe Schmidt has a great number of alias' but I will be looking at his Atom™ moniker for this blog post and his latest release, Winterreise.

Winterreise is released through german label Raster-Noton and is seen as a natural sequel to his previous album Liedgut. While creating the album Liedgut, Schmidt was inspired to do a photography art installation. While doing work for this, he started on the soundtrack which complimented the pictures. The resulting work is his latest album release Winterreise. The sound of this album can be considered as an ambient clash between long droning synths and electronic glitch which creates a sense of chaotic ambience that coincides with the art that was created.

You can listen to tracks from Winterreise by putting "Atom TM Winterreise" into Youtube.

The album Winterreise can bought through the Raster-Noton online shop at Link 2 below.

Visit Link 1: http://www.last.fm/music/Atom%E2%84%A2
Visit Link 2: https://shop.raster-noton.net/?pid=259
Visit Link 3: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uwe_Schmidt

// Diamond Version 1 UPDATE

I have recently got an email from the Alva Noto newsletter about the Diamond Version project. The first EP, 1, has been postponed to 24th September 2012 and will be released on Mute records.

This EP will be the first of a quintet of EP's and, from I've heard on their youtube TV channel, it will be a great addition to fans of Byetone and Alva Noto.

This definitely needs to be looked into if you are serious about glitch experimental electronica.

Make sure to check out the TV channel at the Link below.



Diamond Version also has a twitter account which can be found at: http://twitter.com/#!/diamond_version

Visit Link 1: http://www.youtube.com/user/DIAMONDVERSIONTV?

// Electric Campfire 2012 feat. Artists from Raster-Noton

Another quick post to let you all know (a little late perhaps, sorry) about the annual event, Electric Campfire which will take place on 7 Sseptember 2012 at Accademia Tedesca Villa Massimo, Rome, Italy. (Access only with prior online registration. This will be announced early September.)

Some of the All Stars from the Raster-Noton label will be performing at the Campfire.

More information can be found at the links below.

Visit Link 1: http://www.raster-noton.net/main.php?action=newsdetail&dat=319
Visit Link 2: http://www.villamassimo.de/

Ive just found some further information so i thought id perform an update. The artists that will be performing from the Raster-Noton label are:

Alva Noto, Byetone, Robert Lippok, Kangding Ray, Grischa Lichtenberger, Senking, Anne-James Chaton and Emptyset.

// Denovali Swingfest 2012

A quick post about the upcoming Denovali Swingfest which will take place October 5-7 2012 at the Weststadthalle in Essen, Germany.

The list of artists that will be involved at the Festival is near endless so I wont list them here, but if you take a trip to Link 1 below, you will be able to get a rough picture of who will be there and also be able to download a 30 track festival sampler for FREE.

Visit Link 1: http://denovali.com/swingfest/

// Atra Aeterna & Update On First-Stage

I know I havent written anything for a while so I thought a post to let you readers know that I havent forgotten about blog updates was in order.

I've recently been listening to some interesting new stuff from Atra Aeterna. Never really heard anything about the music before so I thought I would take a listen. Turns out its pretty darn good stuff. Take a listen at Link 1 below.

I have also been busy in my own studio writing new experimental electronic material myself so I've been a little busy here and there.

Hoping to find some new stuff to post about in the near futures so keep on checking First-Stage Experimental for further news from the world.

Visit Link 1: http://atraaeterna.com/album/machinations

// Quick Post: Facebook Post From Retina.IT (Italy)

Just noticed that Retina.IT have posted a link to a "2003 free release on TUmp3" via Facebook. Click the link below to be taken to the Youtube video for Teneramente which has a link to a download page in its description.

Have fun!

Visit Link 1: http://youtube.com/watch?v=OX1RvOEWofA

// New Track from Scanner & Irisarri

Scanner (Robin Rimbaud) and Rafael Anton Irisarri have recently released a track that the two of them created while at EMP in Seattle, USA. Rimbaud and Irisarri recorded source material on their phones and performed an improv with "two really terrible digital keyboards", recording what they created onto their phones yet again. Later, Rimbaud looked at the material they had recorded in his studio, cleaned it up and added some further field recordings that Rimbaud himself had recorded on his Substrata trip and created the 3'16" track, EMP.

Take a listen at Link 1 below.

Visit Link 1: http://soundcloud.com/studio-irisarri/scanner-irisarri-emp

// Spot On: Record Label - Störung (Spain)

Spanish based label Störung was created in 2006 and is run by Alex Gamez. The electronic/minimal/experimental label is a relatively small independent label that has released special albums from artists such as Federico Monti, Kim Cascone and Francisco Lopez. Other artists that have performed as part of Störung are Nigul, elufo and crab fisher.

The name Störung roughly translates to interference, and this is where the label has its musical routes. It sets out to interfere with peoples perception of common place musical styles and creativeness, to further develop the listeners open-mindedness. As well as being an audio based label, Störung also believes in a strong audio-visual aspect too, connecting with visual artists such as xx+xy visuals and sound art project and D-fuse.

On the facebook site, Störung describes itself as: "a multidisciplinary platform of artists that develop audiovisual environments based on electronic and experimental minimalism using new technological and musical trends."

Störung have been organising an annual festival in Barcelona, Spain for the last 7 years. Some of the artists that have performed as part of these festivals are: Murcof, Asferico (Alex Gamez), elufo, Retina.IT, Daniele Cortese, Francisco Lopez, Andy Guhl, Netherworld, Kangding Ray, Juan Matos-Capote etc.

Visit Link 1: http://www.storung.com/

Visit Link 2: http://www.facebook.com/pages/st%C3%B6rung/46977737047

// Some of the Music I Listen to

As I've been busy today I haven't been able to do a new post. As such I have decided to put a list together of some of the artists I listen to. The music genre of experimental electronica is very broad, it can encompass many differing styles of writing and production. Some artists write "music" based on glitch electronica and digital errors that occur in the recording/composition stages. Some artist use field recordings to create soundscapes that are sometimes very real and can create a sense of a actual or synthetic space, where as some artists may use manipulation tools to create new and interesting atmospheres using the same original recording techniques.

As you can see, there are many different ways for people to create experimental music in today's world. Many artists have different production styles based on the music they listened to while growing up. Artists such as Vladislav Delay and Murcof have publicly stated in interviews that their production techniques have been influenced by the music they listened to as kids.

With no further waiting, I will now list some of the music I listen to. I hope you go an take a listen to some of these artists as most if not all will make it onto this blog.

Murcof, Vladislav Delay, Byetone, Alva Noto, Spyweirdos, SaffronKeira, Asferico, Elufo, Andy Guhl, Asmus Tietchens, Retina.IT, Mise_En_Scene, Vainqueur, Ryoji Ikeda, Frank Bretschneider, Senking, Ø, Mika Vainio, Francisco Lopez, cyclo., Diamond Version, Matter, Heidseck, Francesco Triatano, Ryuichi Sakamoto, NHK, AOKI Takamasa, Loscil, Monolake, Vladislav Delay Quartet, Kangding Ray, Pink Twins, Netherworld, Zimoun, Federico Monti, Scanner, Sutekh, Daniele Cortese, Kim Cascone, Biosphere,

I hope that some of these artists get you interested in the genre, there are many more I could list. Enjoy.

// Spot On: Artist - Vladislav Delay (Finland)

Vladislav Delay is Finnish artist Sasu Ripatti. Born in 1976, Ripatti is a drummer and electronic pioneer who is known for his unique sound that blends the ambient, with elements of dub and arrhythmic structuring. He has gone on to write an iconic discography that includes Whistleblower (2007), Tummaa (2009) and Vantaa (2011).

Originally starting his musical life as an acoustic drummer for a band in his native Finland, Ripatti started to experiment with what could be done with samplers and effects. Through these experimentations, Ripatti found that he could no longer appease his own musical interest as part of the band he was in and decided to sell his drum kit and start experimenting further with electronic music.

His first performance as Vladislav Delay was captured on recording and was released as his first EP under this moniker, A Kind of Blue.

Sasu Ripatti has released many of his works on his own (now defunct) record label and has built studios all over the world including in Finland and Germany. His latest Vladislav Delay releases have been through raster-noton (yes, that label again) and more EP's are expected in the near future.

Ripatti has also written music under other monikers that have slightly different sounds from his Vladislav Delay project. These are, Sistol, Uusitalo and Luomo.

Visit Link 1: http://www.vladislavdelay.com/site/
Visit Link 2: http://www.discogs.com/artist/Vladislav+Delay
Visit Link 3: http://www.raster-noton.net/

// Spot On: Artist - Murcof (Mexico)

Murcof is the solo project of Mexican artist Fernando Corona. According to Corona, his interest in music came from his father's music, most notably Beatles and Classical records. As a child he can remember listening to this music, and as he grew into his early teen years his interest in electronics and recording came to the fore. It was when he realised that you could sample music and record your own sounds over the top that Fernando Corona realised that he could produce his own music.

As his musical interests grew he moved on to learn about becoming a technician in analysis and systems programming and how to DJ. In the 80's he admits to an interest in the Industrial and synth pop music scenes, but it is his early exposure to music by his father that has most influenced his musical style. Later, he became a member of Tijuanna's Nortec collective, a collective of artists that had the same artistic thoughts and creativity. As a member of the Nortec collective, Fernando Corona started to write music under his moniker Terrestre which blended his interest of electronic music with traditional Mexican instrumentation and musical ideas as well as sounds that he heard around him at the time.

While part of the Nortec collective, Fernando's need to experiment with different ideas and sounds drove him to playing around and manipulating works from Arvo Part etc. While manipulating these tracks he came up with his first track under his Murcof moniker, "MF Relay". Before long, he says, Corona had a group of tracks and he decided to release them as Murcof, thus, Martes his first release was born.

Corona, as Murcof has gone on to write a number of other albums taking a letter from his moniker as the inspiration for the name of the album. Martes (2002) was his first release, and this has been followed by Utopia (2004) which includes remixes of tracks from his Martes album, Remembranza (2005) and Cosmos (2007). As Murcof though, Corona has also done a collaboration EP with Erik Truffaz called Mexico (2008) as well as a specially commissioned album called The Versailles Sessions (2008) which was performed as part of the Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes, an annual festival which takes place at Château de Versailles in France.

As well as a wide variety of albums, Corona has also written the soundtrack to a film called La Sangra Illuminada (2007) which consists of much shorter tracks than that we have become used to from Murcof but tracks that still carry on in the same vein.

Murcof fans around the world are currently awaiting his next album release Oceano which grew from another specially commissioned piece which was performed by himself (as Murcof) and BCN216 an instrumental group from Barcelona, Spain where Corona now lives.

Visit Link 1: http://www.murcof.com/main.html
Visit Link 2: http://www.themilkfactory.co.uk/interviews/murcofiw.htm
Visit Link 3: http://www.last.fm/music/Murcof

// Latest Release from Byetone (Germany)

Raster-Noton artist, Byetone is Olaf Bender's experimental electronic project. He has had a range of releases on the label most noticeable his Plastic Star release which has been remixed by some of the most notable artists on the Raster-Noton Label, including his good friend and label co-owner Carsten Nicolai.

Byetone's latest release Symeta has very strong rock influences but still retains his trademark sound and rhythms. The minimalist electronic glitch based beats are constantly battling with rock styled rhythms that drive you through the tracks but the heaving synths are ever powerful, tracking you through an industrial soundscape.

A music video for one of the tracks from the album can be found on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j09AO2n9tnM.

Throughout the album, you are presented with the feeling of listening to an almost "unpolished" band in a rehearsal room, recording the sounds that emerge from an ever evolving live improvisation. It can be hard at times to believe that this is just a one man outfit writing music instead of a full band, but the album is a spectacular blend of rock and the experimental electronic music scenes.

Raster-Noton's review of Symeta can be found via Link 1 and you can buy the album at Link 2.

Visit Link 1: http://www.raster-noton.net/main.php
Visit Link 2: https://shop.raster-noton.net/

// Spot On: Record Label - Raster-Noton (Germany)

Raster-Noton is a german record label which is run by Olaf Bender and Carsten Nicolai, created when the two labels, Rastermusic and Noton joined together in 1999. The two artists also release their own music on this label under their respective monikers, Byetone (Bender) and Alva Noto (Nicolai).

The label has a specific "brand" and style of music and art. The sound of many of the artist on the label is very similar to each other, although they perform and write in completely different manners. Glitch and drone music, with a vast array of effects is the sound you expect to hear from a label like Raster-Noton. And it isn't just the music that sets the brand of the label away from other similar labels.

When you flick through the album covers of the many releases that Raster -Noton has (the label houses some circa 58 artists), it becomes clear that the art direction of the label has a specific look and feel too. Minimalism and experimentation is the way that this label sells itself and this is carried through the art. Good examples can be found from Alva Noto (Unitxt, Univrs, Xerrox vol 1 & vol 2), Frank Bretschneider (Rhythm, EXP), Byetone (Death of a Typeographer, Symeta) and the labels latest in house EP Series Unun which has had a variety of artists such as NHK, AOKI Takamasa and Mika Vainio showcasing their music.

If you like experimental music and especially the glitch experimental electronica scene, add Raster-Noton to your browser bookmarks and make sure to keep checking back on a regular basis, I do.

Visit Link 1: http://www.raster-noton.net/

// Review: SaffronKeira "A New Life: New Life" Part 2

Listening to SaffronKeira's album, part 2 is quite a revelation after listening to the first part. After the dense layers of low-end drones that power through the first half of the double album, you are confronted with a different sounding landscape in the second. Whereas the first half is slow and dark, almost reflective in sound, the second half aims to move you in a new direction. It is as though you are listening to an audible representation of a new beginning.

Thoughts that come to mind when listening to these new tracks are, "A sense of Wonder", "Excitement" and "Uplifting". Yes the low drones are still present and it has an overall slow pace but there are moments of absolute magic. Just as you start to disappear under a blanket of darkness, like being swallowed by water, you emerge into a lightness that creates a sense of relief. With blasts of noise and immaculately soundscaped drones and electronic rhythms, you are led down a path of discovery. A path of self-discovery. But, where the first part was mostly electronic synth work with manipulated acoustic instrumentation towards the end of its 1 hour run, the second part adds beautiful, clean, acoustic piano and guitar and other instrumentation. It is in this half of the double album, that you can hear the likeness to Murcof's work. It is most noticeable in tracks such as First Denti and 190305 where piano is blended with low drone synths and glitchy electronic beats, but can also be found in other tracks such as Acceptance of Mental Disorder and Endless Agony of Being Sick.

Complete track list:

    A New Life: Old Life (Part 1)

1. Soliga (9'17")

2. Symbiosi (10'06")

3. Intrepidation (9'11")

4. Ethan (8'55")

5. Pregnancy (8'01")

6. 8th Months (8'44")

7. Last Days (9'59")

    A New Life: New Life (Part 2)

1. 111208 (13'37")

2. First Denti (8'43")

3. Psychologically Destroying (12'02")

4. 190305 (9'24")

5. Acceptance of Mental Disorder (16'53")

6. Endless Agony of Being Sick (12'50")

My personal highlights are on "190305", where the piano and guitar are met with high notes and glitch rhythms. A nice experiment with distortion effects adds a new layer of intrigue to the track. The other highlight being on "Endless Agony of Being Sick", where the voices and string sections (that have a feeling of being taken from the "Sunshine" movie soundtrack) guide you through the last parts of this strong debut double album. 


Oder your copy of SaffronKeira "A New Life" at Link 1 below.


Visit Link1: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=SaffronKeira

// Review: SaffronKeira "A New Life: Old Life" Part 1

Having just listened to the first part of SaffronKeira's new album, A New Life I though I had better add my own review of it. On pressing play for the first time you are confronted by low drones that echo  the power of an organ at full power within a considerably small cathedral space. These slow drones then proceed to build and dissipate in a ballet of careful choreography that leads you into the overall feel of this first CD.

From then on, leading from track to track, you are audibly assaulted by immense layers of drones and minimal electronic beats that lead you by the hand through an old landscape. The general feeling is that of slow powerfulness, a journey that has come to an end, which seems odd considering this is the first part of the double album. But fear not. As we are led into the final track of the 1st part of the double album we are handed an absolute gift in the form of track 7, Last Days. Still keeping with the feel of the rest of the tracks, (the low drones and general slow pace are still there), this track is accompanied by a slow, moody piano melody. A piano melody that seems to suggest a life that has seen all., knows all and has passed on its wisdom to the next generation.

Overall this first part of the album can be gloomy and sad, but at the same part leaves you with a feeling of accomplishment, of a person coming to terms with oneself and ready to journey on. A powerful first part to a debut by an exciting new artist. A definite addition for connoisseurs of experimental electronica.

SaffronKeira Review Part 2: "A New Life: New Life" Coming soon.

// Spot On: Artist - SaffronKeira (Italy)

SaffronKeira is the performance name of Eugenio Caria from the island of Sardinia. He has produced a stunning debut album, A New Life, which is a split double album. Part 1 is called A New Life: Old Life and Part 2 is called A New Life: New Life. The two parts are pointed towards different parts of  the journey of life, the old part describing the wisdom that comes with old age and in the new life, how we are in the beginning, fragile and a blank canvas, ever learning about our new environment. Often beautiful, sometimes dark and moody, A New Life is a spectacular audible journey and an incredible way for SaffronKeira to step out of the darkness. A debut that is this strong is where all aspiring artists strive for.

A must buy for fans of Murcof, Max Richter, Fennesz and Arvo Part etc.

Visit Link 1: http://saffronkeira.tumblr.com/
Visit Link 2: http://denovali.com/saffronkeira/
Visit Link 3: http://denovali.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=6598
Visit Link 4: http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-New-Life-Saffronkeira/dp/B0088MJOEA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343826443&sr=8-1

A further review will be available in a future post.

// New Release: Willits + Sakamoto "Ancient Future"

Ancient Future is the new release from Christopher Willits and Ryuichi Sakamoto, and is another mix of pure piano genius (Sakamoto) and the sometimes chaotic electronic world (Willits). Unlike the collaborations with Alva Noto, this work by Sakamoto doesn't revolve around rhythmic symmetry but rather strays into the ambient and uncomfortable. A sometimes hard to access mix between soft melodies from the piano, feedback and static loops, this can be at times unsettling, but with a name like Ancient Future, the contradictions were always going to take centre stage. The stories from each track could have been individually tailored to each listener, and describe a struggle through life from its delicate beginnings to becoming one with yourself.

A definite addition to any collector of Sakamoto's music, and a great way to introduce yourself to the works of Christopher Willits, Ancient Future should be examined by everyone interested in the mix of classical and the electronic.

Ancient Future is available now from Ghostly Records and can be found at Link 1.

Link 2 is a youtube video of Williits' track Or with the Tea from his album Folding and the Tea.
Link 3 is a youtube video of Sakamoto playing his Energy Flow track.

Visit Link 1: http://www.theghostlystore.com/collections/music/products/willits-sakamoto-ancient-future
Visit Link 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjOOY_wUb00
Visit Link 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btyhpyJTyXg

// Spot On: Artist - Scanner (UK)

Scanner is London based artist Robin Rimbaud. Born in Southfields, London, Rimbaud took his stage name from the devices he used in his early stage work and performances. Using indeterminate radio signals in his live performances, he creates an eclectic mix of electronic signals to create his avant-garde approach to music.

As well as a music producer, Rimbaud is also known for his work as a writer, multi-media artist and critic. He has worked on multiple different projects, ranging from CD releases as Scanner, to collaborative works and has also been commissioned to write pieces for Ballet and also new car launches. As Scanner, Rimbaud has released a vast catalogue of music, some of the highlights are: Cystic (1999), Nemesis (2002) and In-Between (2011). Further information on Robin Rimbaud and Scanner can be found at the links below.

Visit Link 1: http://www.last.fm/music/Robin+Rimbaud
Visit Link 2: http://www.scannerdot.com/scanner.shtml

// Spot On: Artist - Diamond Version (Germany)

Diamond Version is a new collaborative project created by Carsten Nicolai and Olaf Bender.

The duo are the brains behind the raster-noton label, which specialises in a specific sound and artistic direction on their musical products.

Diamond Version are planning to release a selection of EP's, the first of which is expected to be released later this year. You can listen to snippets of music from Diamond Version on the 3 Links provided at the bottom.

Diamond Version's first EP is expected to be available from mute records on the 3rd September 2012.

Google Search for Diamond Version ModeOperator (Biespiel A)

Visit Link 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fTWS7WBKgA
Visit Link 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqSLba9P-zw
Visit Link 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzRf1B8gKTc

Update:
You can now download the first single from Diamond Version at Link 4 below, plus if you only want to listen to it or if you wish to preview the track first you can use Link 5 below.

Visit Link 4: http://itunes.apple.com/album/technology-at-speed-life-empowering/id540936216?v0=9988&ign-mpt=uo%3D1
Visit Link 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGYJmnqclVU

// VIRUS Boxset Release by Alva Noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto

Firstly, for those of you who aren't in the know, a little bit of information about both artists.

Alva Noto is a one of the pseudonyms of Carsten Nicolai. Nicolai is one of the founders of the record label raster-noton, the other being Olaf Bender (Byetone) who's music can also be found released through the same label. You will find the link for raster-noton at the bottom of this post.

As Alva Noto, Nicolai has written (in my opinion) a couple of the most iconic glitch electronica albums in the field, Unitxt (2008) and Univrs (2011). These albums are drenched with extreme glitch beats and, especially noticeable on the latter release Univrs, long drones that immerse the listener into an incredible soundscape that you will never forget.

Ryuichi Sakamoto is one of the most iconic pianists in modern music and has won awards in the process of becoming so. He has become known the world over for his crossing over between musical and technological boundaries. He is probably best known for his track Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence which you will no doubt recognise from somewhere. As well as doing collaborations between himself and Alva Noto, he has also done collaborations with numerous others, including Fennesz. He is one of the founding members of Yellow Magic Orchestra (1978-1984, 1993-1993, 2007-present) along with Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi. The YMO as they are often abbreviated to, are a strong influence on many artists within the experimental electronic genre to this day.

Together, Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto have released the VIRUS boxset of albums. Vrioon, the first album by the duo was released in (2002), and was followed up with Insen (2005), Revep (2006), utp_(With Ensemble Modern) (2008) and their latest release Summvs (2011). This group of albums is an absolute master class in how to mix the acoustic piano with glitch electronica, feedback, drones and live manipulation. The live performance's that the duo performed with Ensemble Modern to promote their album utp_ can be found at Link 2 and I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. An absolute blast of experimental electronica and modern classical music. A link can be found below for the complete VIRUS collectors boxset.

A quote taken from raster-noton website, on the creation process between Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto:
"… the material that was given to me was already layered with digital effects. From one little clean piano piece I made the first track. Those simple piano chords I combined with a clear rhythm constellation. … somehow Ryuichi was very surprised and really liked my work. Weeks later he sent me another specially for this project recorded track."


Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto's Virus Collectors Edition Boxset can be bought from the raster-noton online shop now!

Visit Link 1: http://www.raster-noton.net/
Visit Link 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nIPyCG8jnw
Visti Link 3: http://www.raster-noton.net/main.php

// Speaking of Silence

I wouldn't usually post random stuff but I found this quote on the net and find it fits particularly well with a genre so defined.

"A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence"
- Leopold Stokowski

I love this quote as artists within the experimental electronic world will see that this can have 2 sides to it.

1. That it perfectly illustrates how we work as "musicians". We have a "blank canvas" of silence, upon which we deliver our views, our thoughts, our emotions and our feelings about specific things.

2. That silence can be a powerful tool when composing experimental music. I have always found that silence can be a great tool to use during a track, as a way to define difference or evolution between ideas. Of course, if you are reading this then i am assuming you have an interest in experimental music as a whole. I am also assuming that you will know John Cage and his famous work 4'33", which is composed of absolute silence. It is only when silence is applied to noise that art can be defined. Think of that the next time you are surrounded by silence.

I hope that clarifies a few things for you that are new to experimentalism in the music world.

Visit Link 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HypmW4Yd7SY
Visit Link 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcHnL7aS64Y

// Latest Release from Retina.IT (Italy)

Descending Into Crevasse, the latest release from Italian duo Retina. IT (Lino Monaco & Nicola Buono) released in May of this year is described on the duo's website as:
""Descending Into Crevasse" is a sort of metaphor. An ipotetic journey between the gorges of eternal ices, such as a travel inside ourself researching reassures corners. A flux of muffled and confused memories, frosted in a waves moving like an algorithm."


Retina.IT, helped to "trail-blaze" the electronic scene in Italy during the 90's after the two first met through the DJing scene. As the two found they had a similar musical creativeness the two embarked together on a musical journey. They changed their name from Qmen to Retina.IT and as the latter have released inspirational albums such as: Randomicon, Semeion, S/T and Immediate Action.

The album released before "Descending", Randomicon, was released on Flatmate music in 2011, and blends glitchy beats with incredible soundscapes created through live synthesis. As an easily accessible album to listen to, I would personally recommend this album to anyone who has never heard the works of Retina.IT before embarking on the deep, soul searching soundtrack of Descending Into Crevasse.

Visit Link 1: http://www.retinait.com/
Visit Link 2: http://www.last.fm/music/Retina.It
Visit Link 3: http://www.flatmatemusic.com/

First Post // New Release from Matter

This is my first post on my first ever blog so, first of all, its great to be here! As this is my first time blogging, it may take some time to get used to all this stuff but i am hoping to keep up to date with some of the interesting releases within the experimental/minimalist/glitch genre music from around the world.

I have personally met artists such as Mise_En_Scene (Israel), Heidseck (Italy), Vainqueur , Francisco Lopez (Spain) and Retina.IT (Italy) and thus have some connections to this world and the music scene.


Now to business. My first post to FIRST-STAGE is a new release from Matter.

Fabrizio Matrone, is an electronic producer of experimental music from Italy. He has written music under the pseudonyms of Matter and Heidseck, and has released many albums under these. Some of the most notable releases as Matter have been: Scanning Memory, I Want This, Blackleg and [Vacuum].

His latest release, Solid State, has been released via kvitnu, the same label that has released such artists as Plaster and Dunaewsky69. Listening to this work can be an intriguing sonic journey through reverberation and harsh, staccato glitch electronica.

Release notes from kvitnu:
"Solid State is a daily alienation experienced as an escape in search of identity. Constant urban noise makes a bits' cacophony of the metropolis, that intersects the electricity of sound. Cement and steel buildings in right corners are deep down the underground in an asynchronous alternating geometry and they penetrate mind's distortions that are inevitably directed towards the point of no return."


Take a listen to the tracks on "link 1" below, and put your own personal views on this latest release and take a trip into the vivid mind of one of the most iconic experimental electronica producers around.

Visit link 1: http://kvitnu.com/releases/kvitnu24.html
Visit link 2: http://www.last.fm/music/Matter