Electronic Music in all its Guises.

A blog detailing my personal interest and explorations of Electronic Music, selected Sub-Genres and Hi-Fi Stereo Equipment. Authored by Adam Balest

[dubtek]

An Interview with Glim

When I heard the beautiful LP “Music For Field Recordings” for the first time, it was playing lightly on the overhead PA system at the Roppongi mega-shopping center in Japan. Japan is a techo-magical destination, and I was having a grand time when this music struck a chord in me. It was the perfect soundtrack for the moment. I enquired with the cute Japanese shop girl about the stores music selection. She kindly pointed to this CD and smiled. I then purchased the CD.

This Lp became a soundtrack for some of my Psychedelic / Metaphysical explorations during the years of 2003 & 2004. Each song sounds as if they were constructed and composed with great care, creative freedom and immediacy. Delicate time signatures, minimal melodies and dream like waves of sonic snow all come together to create an incredibly special and original LP.

I reached out to Robert Pinzolits, the owner of the record label “Karate Joe” and he helped me locate and communicate with Andreas Berger, AKA “Glim”.

The Interview:

Adam: Your last LP under your artist moniker “Glim” was released in 2005. Have you been producing any music as Glim since then?

Andreas: Not really

Adam: What other types of music endeavors have you been embarking on since 2005?

Andreas: Mainly for theatre/performance. Since 2005 i'm working with a performance company named liquid loft (which i co-founded). With them I crete all the music, sound works and concepts (www.liquidloft.at).Also, I have done some sound-work for film.

A couple of years ago I did some tracks with a Japanese musician named “aus”. You can find it here:

https://boomkat.com/products/light-in-august-later-10fddb7c-46cd-45a4-b04d-f6fdd2ec365f

https://boomkat.com/products/after-all-b965d071-fa0d-43bf-87f1-303cfaea264b

Also, there was this compilation (also some time ago).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9o3V6mh3Q4

Adam: What do you say are the biggest differences between your two “Glim” albums, “Music for Field recordings” and “Aerial View of a Model” ?

Andreas: It's hard to say after all this years. I don't think (as far as I remember) there are to many. Most of the material of “Aerial View of Model” was already there when I did created the music for “field recordings”. The label asked me to release a follow up LP because there was some interest (especially in Japan) and  “Music for field recordings” received some very good reviews. From today's point of view I still like the “Music for field recordings” CD, but i'm just somewhat happy with “aerial” (and I really don't like the cover, but it was not my idea).

Adam:  How did you go about creating your sound palette for your two albums, and what where the biggest differences between the two?

Andreas: At this time I just started as a student at the computer music institute at Vienna's Music University (http://www.mdw.ac.at/elak/). When it was possible I spent time in their studios and tried to figure out what's possible (or not). I had an old acoustic guitar, a tiny glockenspiel, and a friend gave me a vibraphone. It was more a less a huge research project.

Adam: What DAW did you use when creating “Music for Field recordings”. and did you use outboard gear, or plugins?

Andreas: I used an early version of ppooll (a max/msp based free software) and logic audio for arranging. There were GRM-tools on the studio computer.

Adam: Can you tell  us about some of the synths and effects you used on both albums?

Andreas: there was a ppg wave 2 and an arp 2600, but (as sad as it sounds) I did not really use them. The strings may be the ppg though.

Adam: Where did you live when you were producing and recording your two Glim albums?

Andreas: Vienna

Adam: What are some of the biggest inspirations that influence your music?

Andreas: At this time I would say Brian Eno, especially his ambient work.

Adam: From the listening perspective, your music is very much perceived as experimental ambient. How did you become interested in creating ambient music?

Andreas: This i don't know. For me it was always fascinating to find (or plant) f.e. a "hidden" melody or rhythm in a field recording, and to work with (actual) soundscapes or sound artifacts.

Adam: What are some of your personal favorite ambient albums?

Andreas: At the moment :

Elodie -vieux silence

Sugai ken - on the quakefish

Eno - ambient 4: on land

Kevin Drumm - imperial distortion

Adam: Do you have interests in the intersections of modern dance, modern theatre and your music?

Andreas: Yes of course. i'm collaborating with performance people since nearly twelve years and it's very inspiring.

Adam: Have you considered creating and releasing any new music as “Glim”?

Andreas: I really don't know.

Adam: Would you be open to remixing any modern electronic music producers and or avant garde sounds?

Andreas: Always!

Adam: Thanks Andreas for taking the time to share these responses. We hope to hear some new music from you in the new year!

[dubtek]

An Interview with Electric Birds

Around the year 2002, a respected friend made me a CD-R copy of an LP called Strata Frames by Electric Birds. He gave it to me as a gift, and ever since that moment, I have remarked that it is truly one of the most unique, original and multi-dimensional pieces of music that I have ever perceived. 

In return, I have gifted this album to many friends over the years. If I spot an Electric Birds albums during a visit to a record store, I am sure to purchase it and gift it to one of the many friends of mine that appreciate music.  Mike Martinez, the human behind the musical brilliance of albums such as “Strata Frames” and “Gradations”  was sonically active with his moniker of Electric Birds between the years of 2000 to 2004. 

I recently found Mike though a world wide web of hashtags, social media posts, and sent him a friendly message of appreciation. He was kind enough to respond and agreed to my request to take an interview for my Dubtek blog!

The Interview:

Adam: It has been about 15 years since an official music release from you as Electric Birds. Have you been working with and or creating any sound/music during this time?

Electric Birds: Not really. I have a bunch of instruments and music things that I mess around with sometimes but have not been inspired to create any music for a while. In the last 15 years I have opened and ran an indoor skateboard park in Seattle called Inner Space (which has since closed) and also filmed and edited a few full length skate videos. I now work at a skate shop in Seattle called 35th North and am currently starting a hat brand called Birds of the North.

Adam: Being a big fan of your music and admiring the shear creative brilliance of your work (especially your LP Strata Frames), can you tell me a little bit about the process of music production that you employed during the creation of Strata Frames? This can include how you went about creating your sound palette to some of the software you used during the process.

Electric Birds: I used a lot of different software, some of which I can't remember... I was always grabbing sounds from all over the place, whether it was musical instruments or random found sounds, and stretching and tweaking them to get the type of sound I wanted. I mostly would do live mixes of tracks, playing with different plugins and effects live. This gave it a much more organic feel to me and tracks would develop more based on feeling, atmosphere and spontaneity. I used Ableton Live a lot, and also Reason and Max, as well as other sound fx plugins and modules that I can't remember.

Adam: Did you choose the way Strata Frames was split up and sequenced for its vinyl release, or was that the labels choice?

Electric Birds: I chose the tracks and sequencing.

Adam: Also, can you tell me a little about what inspired the creation of Strata Frames, and where the title comes from?

Electric Birds: It was all about an atmospheric vibe that I was really into at the time and the way I was composing these tracks using a bunch of different loops and sound modules to create tracks... I was very inspired by artists on the Chain Reaction label, like Vladislav Delay and Monolake, and other sort of dubby minimal electronic music. I was also very inspired by visual artists like Rothko and Clyfford Still, and minimal graphic design, and I think it all sort of came together.

Adam: I remember seeing you perform live in Santa Cruz California. If I remember correctly, you were also using some proprietary software. Can you tell me about the software you used, and are you still into creating and collaborating on the creation of music production related software?

Electric Birds: I used Ableton live quite a bit and also some friends had made a live video mixer called Seed, which we used quite a bit, and a couple other custom live mixing things made from Max, made by some friends. It was a great time living in SF back then, we had a lot of friends doing really cool things with software and music, like Matmos, Kit Clayton, Jon Santos and this whole scene of kids. And so we all helped each other and I learned a lot from them, because I was never that great with super technical stuff.

Adam: Looking back on your catalog, how would you describe the differences between your 4 LP’s?

Electric Birds: I think the earlier LPs used more musical instruments and it progressed to more electronic sound design into the later albums.

Adam: Do you still listen to electronic music? If so, can you share with me some releases and or artists that you feel are producing in a unique and or inspiring way today?

Electric Birds: Yes I am always listening to music. I've been discovering a lot of stuff on YouTube actually, and been listening to a lot of "simpsonwave" stuff... Haha, it's fun and really simple. There's a series I liked called "Trappin in Japan"...

Adam: Have you consider releasing any new(er) music as Electric Birds? If so, would you use platforms such as BandCamp?

Electric Birds: I've thought about it but my mind is just not there. I haven't felt that confidence and inspiration to make anything that I feel is worthwhile so far. There has been talk of reissuing some of the ebirds stuff by a certain label. Nothing concrete yet though.

Adam: To this day, I play people your albums (especially Strata Frames) and everyone across the spectrum remark how forward thinking it sounds. They are astounded when I tell them it was released in 2001. With this in mind, when you were producing “Strata Frames” did you consider it in the context of the then “new” minimal electronic and “Clicks and Cuts” paradigm, or did you intentionally set out to carve your own sonic niche?

Electric Birds: I was definitely influenced by what was going on at the time with Chain Reaction, Mille Plateaux and Warp records. It was an awesome time when everything was so new and all this electronic music was so unique. The early 2000s electronic scene felt so punk rock to me, which is why I think I was so drawn to it. At the same time I wanted to create something definitely my own, with a sort of warm organic feel to it, within the cold atmospheric cuts.

Adam: When you were you releasing your music, how did you make the jump from labels such as Deluxe to U-Cover and Mille Plateaux?

Electric Birds: I started releasing it myself with Deluxe, which was me and my wife's label that we started. Again coming from a punk rock d.i.y. ethic... Then other labels started to become interested and it just evolved from there. I was also working at a record store in Berkeley called Mod Lang at the time and got to know a lot of other labels and European artists through there. Working at that record store, which specialized in European imports and lots of avant-garde stuff really opened up my musical universe, and turned me onto labels like U-cover and Mille Plateaux.

Adam: Lastly, would you ever consider releasing new music under your Electric Birds  moniker and or doing some remixes of artists?

Electric Birds: Again, probably not at this time, but you never know. We'll see what the future holds... For now, I've been playing music with my kids and showing them different things with live instruments and electronic beats and stuff. We're trying to start a family band :)

Adam: Thank you very much Mike for your time. Also, thank you for creating such sublime music, that for many people stands as a touchstone of deep introspective listening, and a glimpse of what is socially possible with imaginative ingenuity.

[dubtek]

Forwardscape To Here And Now

A DJ mix of experimental electronic music and ambient soundscapes. All mixing and effects were done in real time.

This mix of sonic art's intention is to support your mind, body and heart during interstellar travel, psychedelic experiences and freedom of expressions.

Featured artist on this mix are: Neina (Subconsciousness) Rechord Marrow Pandit Brij Bhushan Kabra OSC Mokira Adam Balest

https://soundcloud.com/adambalest

[dubtek]

Loess - Pocosin Label: n5MD

This long awaited album by Loess starts out with an unassuming back beat along with their tried and true click crunch percussive motifs. After a few bars a highly signature synth stab melodically comes into the forefront. Swishing disorientation swirls around the sound stage as it become apparent the ground on which this song is standing is undulating like ocean waves. For long time fans, this albums kicks off to a great start.

Moving into the next track, the album begins to flaunt its modern technical production with a well sculpted low end that is heavier and more defined than anything we have ever heard this duo produce in the past. With a melody that sounds and feels like something from a lost memory, the tracks overall structure begins to slowly melt and build simultaneously.

Track 3 is titled “Striae” and is high point on the album. Deep cavernous beat structures are there to be explored by the listener, and the well EQ’ed synth melodies pulsate in and out of the depth of the rhythm structure. Striae is defined as “ in anatomic nomenclature, a longitudinal collection of nerve fibers in the brain.” and is an appropriate visual for this organic and structured song.

The Closing track on side A is a cosy warm sonic blanket that rounds off the A side experience nicely.

Side B begins swimmingly with the track “alosa”. A very relaxed tempo rolls out with what sounds like processed flutes that are slowed down to about a 3rd of their normal speed. Then water harp elements creep in, all blending together to form a shamanistic tribal meditation punctuated by a sensation of reaching the top of a tall mountain or winding road.

Side B continues with a cathedral like sound palette which develops into a melancholiac laps of time. It reminds me of a solitary candle burning brightly with its wax melting silently into the night.

The 3rd track on side B “wrikken” is an expansive piece of sonic art. Resembling their earlier work, this track clearly claims a signature sound that Loess has been developing for over 16 years. The beat construction, wheezing walls of sounds and crunchy drums chug along in a soldiery way, and with its head held high.

“Bowhead” brings the album to a close. Its a colorful song with a mix of yearning and hope. It’s tones stretch out like a new day on the horizon, forever shinning a light on the mysteries of what lies ahead.

Hopefully Loess enjoyed producing this wonderful album and will feel inspired to continually share their unique sonic vision with the world. It is also important to give a big applause to the label n5MD for continuing to release wonderful electronic music, and also for holding the torch for IDM and Experimental Ambient music that does not receive the massive appreciation in which it deserves.

[dubtek]

Heavenly Music Corporation “Lunar Phase”

Label: Astral Industries - AI-06

Astral Industries has developed a signature sonic niche that consistently delivers with each release. They also treat each release with distinction, and though these releases share sonic elements in common, they all stand on their own and are truly worthy of holding physical space in one’s record collection

AI’s newest offering is from Heavenly Music Corporation and was originally released on CD in 1995. At first listen I found the release to be a very linear listening experience, one in which I did not notice discernible beginning or ends. I even debated if owning the physical vinyl edition was a true necessity. I contemplated this because all of the previous AI releases have become true favorites and when I am reaching for thought provoking ambient music, it is a natural reflex to grab DeepChord’s “Lanterns” of Chi’s “Original Recordings”. So I decided to listen to this album again when I “felt” the time was right.  About a week later, I felt that calling and sat down after a lovely dinner to revisit “Lunar Phase”.  

“Lunar Phase” is a Ambient album that is deeply rooted in both New Age and Cognitive Health Music. Each song is a meditative journey that relaxes the listeners mind and enables decompression from the human condition. The synth work and use of space bring tranquility to anyones listening room and the vinyl mastering enables the music to breath as it leaves the speakers and flows into the ears.

This is head music with both positive intention and spiritual discourse. Great for meditation, relaxation, sunrise events and deep interstellar travel, “Lunar Phase” can be trusted to color ones experience in all the right ways.

AI must be owned and operated by wizards who are genetically connected to A. Huxley. Every release has been magical, with wonderful mastering, clean pressing and epic packaging art. With hope, this label will continue to tap artist who have either fallen off or under the radar while also enabling fans of the label to reach for any of it’s releases knowing that the sonic quality is assured

[dubtek]

Of Montreal ‎ “Innocence Reaches”

Of Montreal “Innocence Reaches” 

This album is a psychedelic mind bending masterpiece. 

Spewing out neo-Pop nausea and melting venetian blinds guitar epics, this 45rpm pressed album slays in all the right ways.

  All the tracks except the 1st one are instant classics and it really is amazing how many facets this songwriter can conjure.

Not to be missed by fans of The Beatles, David Bowie, Psychedelic Music and masterful songwriting enthusiast. 

[dubtek]

Masayoshi Fujita & Jan Jelinek ‎– Schaum

From Discogs: “Japanese vibraphonist Masayoshi Fujita prepares his instrument with various percussion elements as well as metal objects and toys, while Jan Jelinek layers loops made using small-scale electronic devices. Schaum (German for froth, foam) is the duo’s second album.”

It is nice to hear Jan making something musical again. When I say "musical" I mean pleasurably listenable. The majority of his releases on Faitiche are interesting, but not enjoyable to listen to. In fact, they are academic. 

This album is warm, beautiful, technical, natural and above all else, a pleasure to listen to. Masayoshi's playing is textured and nuanced, and Jan's technical wizardry brings it together in a psychedelic pattern.

[dubtek]

Sonmi451 ‎– Vladivostok

Vladivostok is the ultimate album by Sonmi451! Interestingly enough, it's also his first album.

This album constantly shape shifts from futuristic excitement into atmospheric dimensions. Although each song breaths a life of its own, the album is definitely a coherent listening experience from start to finish.

The production, the mastering and the mixing are staggeringly wonderful. This is truly a peak listening experience that is epic to behold. Released by the legendary label U-Cover in 2005, it can still be ordered directly from the label as well !

[dubtek]

Sa Pa ‎– 風物詩

Label:Forum (7) ‎– FORUM IV

While trying to find parts to your time machines primary time-displacement compactor, you were knocked unconscious by the blackmarket cybernetic parts pushers (Sides A and B). You awake and make a daring escape, only to find your self in the basement of a heavy Tech Skin Club, where the subsonic frequencies pound through the concrete and composite materials of the facility. (Side C) By the grace of the good machine, you emerge, reborn into a city night sky that looms with the color of tomorrow. (Side D) Amazing LP, that go's extremely deep and visual.

[dubtek]

Find a Olga Wojciechowska - Maps And Mazes first pressing or reissue. Complete your Olga Wojciechowska collection. Shop Vinyl and CDs.

Patient music that begins, unfurls and resolves. Blending elements of ambient, passion and experimentation cohesively into an album of sonic intimacy. The Artist / Author Olga Wojciechowska opens the drapes to your emotions and blows poetic tone poems into the sails of your mind. Lovely music through and through...

This release will come in two versions. This is the first limited deluxe version in an edition of only 65 copies. It comes in the form of a hand sewn booklet composed of translucent vellum maps, threaded and intricate mazes, a fabric pouch for the factory pressed disc, all stamped, punched, hand worked and enclosed in a large circular and reconfigured antique educational chart…all fitting into a stamped, stiff outer sleeve. There is also a digipak version in an edition of just 150 copies.

[dubtek]

This album is a complete masterpiece. Beautiful sonic dreams will pour from your speakers the moment you press play. A whispered female voice is persistent through the journey and conjures a connecting balance between the ethereal and physical realities found in this music. Sonmi451 continues to develop a sound so beautiful it inspires joy that is palpable. For fans of gorgeous electronic / ambient music, I highly recommend everything by this artist.   Also, the label Time Releases Sound is releasing wonderful music by diverse and talented musicians who are exploring the beautiful sides of sound. TRS puts an extra amount of care and creativity in their releases. with  special editions that are highly limited and essentially works of art in a product packaging format. 

[dubtek]

Apparat ‎– Shapemodes EP

Label: Neo Ouija

Apparat's best musical offering in my humble opinion. An EP to be exact, but the scope of work and the quality of each composition elevates this release to the top of his catalog.

Each track moves through the concepts and technical prowess of IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) masterfully, but also shine with introspective songwriting and even collaborative vocal lyrics.

Wonderfully produced, melodically inspired and also includes lovely album art, "Shape Mode" EP is a must experience for fans of fantastic electronic music. 

[dubtek]

Arovane ‎– Ve Palor

What a wonderful album. Melodic and rhythmic intricacies lift each song sublimely to the next. Every song a beautiful expression of a genre often attempted, but rarely successfully (and masterfully) accomplished. "Ve Parlor" is the work of a musical master, one who is an auteur of sonic art.

I am very grateful that Arovane has maintained the torch for "IDM" music, all the while stoking the fire for something greater then personal musical glory. Bravo to his artistic vision and accomplished musical beauty. !!!

[dubtek]

Cristi Cons ‎– Duette EP

Pure class! This EP dazzles and excites with a sonic momentum that can only be classified as Cristi Cons. 

Each song is perfectly produced and the intention behind each song is clear and inspired. They also represent the hight of the Romanian Minimal music movement. This movement is a torch carried by a handful of great producers, but Cristi Cons is a special gem, gleaming brightly amongst unique jewels. 

His music is part of a movement that I have dubbed "Dinner Techno". Pure audio class, nothing more, or less. 

[dubtek]

The Field : Cupid's Head - The Gas Remixes.

When Gas surfaces with new musical production, it is always a moment of sonic fascination. 

The Gas Moniker is synonymous with deep bass drums and orchestral moods that stretch out with emotional longing and direction. So to find him remixing very looped based tracks is of particular flare.  The A side is a thunderous techno track that layers it soundscapes into sub constructions of towering heights. The B side dives into slow moving waters with its ambience swimming up the sonic stream.  Another Gas release for the permanent collection, and another marker of hope that we may see a new Gas LP soon.

[dubtek]

Mikael Stavöstrand ‎– Reduce

Label - Force Inc. Music Works ‎– FIM-1-049

A warm sonic experience that is defined by the sounds in-between expected melody and progression, rather then the 4 to the floor. 

Each song works its way from minimal openings, into deep and complex passages. These passages achieve a complexity not by layering sound upon sound, but rather by developing specific sonic components into a cohesive whole that fill the listeners sound stage. 

Over all, it is this albums exceptional mastering and production which pushes it into the pantheon of great electronic albums. Exceptional material and an elegant representation of an under appreciated genre. 

[dubtek]

Onur Ozer "Karade" EP.

Label: Gilesku

A new release by one of my favorite Electronic Music artist... 

The A side "Karade" is a mysterious sonic journey that melds futuristic elements with peak time consciousness displacement.  

Ultra linear minimalism drives the listener deeper into a space of high fidelity and precise mastering. While the genius of the song writing invites repeated listening in order to fully appreciate the myriad next levels through out the piece. Additionally, the tonal structure of this song is hypnotic and demands a full attention span in order to fully grasp and appreciate the entire scope of the music. 

The B side is interesting, and I have not fully wrapped (or opened)  my head around it yet. Though, my first impression is that is does not fully do the A side justice with regards to a two track EP.

The recent releases from Onur Ozer really present a fresh new majestic sound, and one that is highly original. Hopefully Ozer will share a new LP with the planet, showcasing his current inspiration. 

Onur is from Turkey and the label Gilesku hails from Slovenia. 

An essential release and a renaissance within the Minimal Techo Genre.