There’s nothing better than finding a new artist, a new sound and several accompanying albums to dive into. Tell a lie… there is. When that artist provides a 70 minute insight into his favourite music and influences behind such recently favoured productions.
Isolatedmix 12 is brought to you by Dennis Huddleston aka 36 (or 3Six recordings). With three albums under his belt and several other limited releases, some of you may have already come across his stunning ambient productions on the albums, ‘Hypersona’, ‘Hollow’ or ‘Memories in Widescreen’. They’ve been on my iPod for the past few weeks after a bulk purchase and I would recommend them all to any reader of this blog. But, not before you’ve had a listen to this beauty of course…
Intense and emotive drones alongside minimal classical moments, Dennis has selected some beautiful pieces for this atmospheric isolatedmix. As you can see from the artists included, it’s a dig into some ASIP featured producers (Markus Guentner and Irisarri) along with some I haven’t had the pleasure of, until now. So without further a do, get this on the download, have a read of Dennis’ track notes below, and then go hibernate in front of some breathtaking scenery with this on your headphones.
01. Chris Watson – 10m
02. Thomas Köner – Teimo
03. Deathprod – Treetop Drive 3
04. Markus Guentner – Wenn Musik Der Liebe Nahrung Ist
05. Celer – Balsam
06. William Basinski – El camino Real
07. Arvo Pärt – Für Alina (Rafael Anton Irisarri Cover)
08. Bass Communion – Ghosts On Magnetic Tape II
09. Mono – Due Foglie, Una Candela : Il Soffio Del Vento
10. Christian Fennesz – Plays Charles Matthews
11. Arovane – Scapen Te
12. Grouper – Sick
13. Talvihorros – Handwriting (Part II)
14. Resignation – I (2)
15. 36 – After Time
Chris Watson – 10m
“One man and his microphone, capturing the ordinary and making it sound extra-ordinary”
Thomas Köner – Teimo
“The master of dark, ultra-minimal ambient and a guaranteed sub shaker. This track is quite different though and is his most emotive release for me.”
Deathprod – Treetop Drive 3
“One of my all time fav artists, who sadly no longer makes music under the Deathprod alias. My absolute fav tune of his is “Dead People’s Things” but he also made a very limited release a few years earlier called “Treetop Drive” which was thankfully reissued on the 4CD retrospective. It has quite a Basinski vibe to it and was an instant win for me.”
Markus Guentner – Wenn Musik Der Liebe Nahrung Ist
“I always liked Kompakt, mainly because it is owned by the chief ambient techno maestro himself, Wolfgang Voigt aka Gas. However, while the label can often be a little inconsistent in quality for me, “1981” by Markus Guentner was an instant fav, especially because of this track. It is the perfect blend of shoegaze and atmospheric, emotional ambient. His publisher Sony once contacted me, asking if I wanted to release his last album “Doppelgänger” on my label, which was quite funny. Not because of the music (it is great), but rather it was strange to have a massive, global name like Sony recognise my own personal imprint!”
Celer – Balsam
“Celer make beautiful, longform drones and are alarmingly prolific. Incredibly annoying because they are also consistently brilliant! A love story, with a sad ending, but with a lasting legacy we can all enjoy forever”
William Basinski – El camino Real
“I always loved that John Cage quote “If something is boring after two minutes, try it for four. If still boring, then eight. Then sixteen. Then thirty-two. Eventually one discovers that it is not boring at all.” It seems William Basinski took it to heart and completely mastered the process. For me, once I get a loop burrowed in my head, it’s game over. It’s all I can think about. He makes wonderful music, which sounds beautiful whether you listen to it for 2 minutes or 60.”
Arvo Pärt – Für Alina (Rafael Anton Irisarri Cover)
“I have to give props to Rafael for having the balls to do a cover of this and achieve the impossible – making a tasteful, sensitive remix of a cherished Arvo Pärt tune, which both respects the original and takes it to wonderful new places.”
Bass Communion – Ghosts On Magnetic Tape II
“A classic isolationist album, from a highly successful and prolific artist. I always found Steven a fascinating guy, since he has achieved worldwide commercial fame with Porcupine Tree, yet still takes the time to experiment with music and reach completely different audiences. He also allowed me to remix his BC back catalogue and let me release the CD as a bonus disc with my new vinyl record. How many other rock stars would do that? Respect to Steven Wilson.”
Mono – Due Foglie, Una Candela : Il Soffio Del Vento
“I bought this record, because I thought it was quite amusing that Cameron Crowe ran a vinyl label. The music is anything but laughable and is my favourite Mono record.”
Christian Fennesz – Plays Charles Matthews
“Fennesz turns the organ into an emotional beast of an instrument, releaased on a limited 7″ on the always wonderful Touch label. I spoke to Christian when I put my first album out and he was nice enough to not only to give a complete stranger his address, but also to take the time to listen to my music, leave some lovely feedback and then give it to the Touch guys. Solid bloke.”
Arovane – Scapen Te
“I always thought Arovane got a bit of a raw deal, being compared to Autechre and the like, when the vast majority of his music sounds nothing like them. This tune in particular is incredibly moving and minimal and something I like to dig out often. Alas, he doesn’t make music any more, but thankfully he has a wonderful back catalogue to delve into.”
Grouper – Sick
“Liz makes dreamy, ethereal drones using a Wurlitzer piano and her voice. She has a superb, very individual approach to song writing and has a loyal following now – I should know, i’m one of them! She is getting better and better with every release.”
Talvihorros – Handwriting (Part II)
“Talvihorros is Ben Chatwin from London, who contacted me one day saying he liked my tunes. As it happens, he makes really brilliant, highly emotive music himself and we have kept in touch via email since. Maybe a future collab in the waiting? Regardless, buy his music!”
Resignation – I (2)
“Sadly, I don’t know much about the artist in question, but I found this record on youtube a year or so ago and it made a lasting impression. I’m running out of adjectives to describe these tracks, but needless to say it is brilliant.”
36 – After Time
“It’s me, innit. Thanks for listening”
