Collected: Vol 7

Volume 7 is an ASIP artist-related special; on the odd chance you missed some of the amazing records put out by our small extended world of producers. I was thinking of maybe starting a new rating system for ASIP alumni - something along the lines of “How Annoyed I Am ASIP Didn’t Release This Out Of Five.”

Alex Albrecht - Someday Sara

Alex Albrecht on Anjunadeep wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card, but listening now, it makes complete sense. Alex’s sensibility and stewardship of —quite simply— feel-good music can be heard through his ambient field recordings all the way to the warm-up dance floor. Anjuna veers towards the more accessible side of things, of course, so here Alex has dialed up the beats, but kept consistent with the organic instruments and storied pianolines.

If you liked his release here on ASIP, imagine this record as Disc Two (Evening) versus our Disc One (Daytime) to put it in 90’s Trance Compilation verbiage.

Abul Mogard & Rafael Anton Irisarri - Live at Le Guess Who?

Guido and Rafael’s 2024 collaboration, Impossibly Distant, Impossiblt Close, is the most fitting album title I’ve ever encountered. Listening to it on headphones was a revelation—an immense soundscape unfolding while the smallest details surfaced with startling clarity. Naturally, experiencing this record of the duo playing live is just as mesmerizing.

Also, Berliners, please note our very own Lihla will be performing at the same show as these two greats on March 20th… don’t miss!

Yagya - Vor

Shawn Reynaldo (First Floor) recently featured this album in his newsletter, and his short review pretty much hit the nail on the head. Something along the lines of- and I may be paraphrasing here with my own POV- ‘dub techno is getting pretty popular again, but no-one does it better than some of the overlooked OGs’. Well, Yagya is one of the OGs, and on Vor, he returns to his purest manifestation. Bellowing clouds of dubby warmth take you right back to the tin shed pitter-patter vibe of Rigning, with more confident flourishes to be found after years of perfecting his style.

Deepchild - Beloved

Rick Bull swings from banging techno to swirling moods of ambiance over on his Bandcamp, so it’s hard to know when to dive in if you only enjoy one of the two (luckily, I enjoy both!) ‘Beloved’ is a similar vibe to his vocal approaches on his ASIP release ‘Mycological Patterns’, and in a textured Burial-esque way, can be even more engrossing and intriguing at points.

Markus Guentner - Black Dahlia

Markus has been getting some amazing and well-deserved praise for his new album on Affin, Black Dahlia. You don’t need to ask me, his #1 fan if it’s any good… But those who listen to Markus’ music are a special breed in today’s overbearing world. His music and sound design are truly enveloping, and great rewards can be found if attention is given from front to back. Black Dahlia is a precious reminder of this attentive listening approach, as Markus has taken an even more metallic and experimental approach to his usual widescreen world-building - it’s not all comfort in there, but the reward is just the same.

Jo Johnson - Alterations 1: Unbroken

Jo is up there with some of the masters of synthesizer minimalism, but instead of pioneering the sound in the 70’s, she’s keeping the atmospheric and dystopian side of this music well and truly alive. And I mean that in a positive light, of course. Much darkness can be found in her compositions, but she is never overbearing to the point of negativity. It was her delicate approach alongside Hilary Robinson that made their 9128 release so glorious, and once again, this record is another class in session.

No embed enabled on this one, so head on over and dive in.

Find these albums and many more over on my Bandcamp Collection.

2024 Label Compilation (mixed by todos)

Handing over a year’s worth of releases to todos and watching the magic unfold is always an exhilarating experience. His ability to craft a narrative from such a rich and varied palette is unparalleled, offering fresh insights into the music and the year behind us. A true specialist in narrative witchcraft, todos continues to redefine DJ mixes with such a limited palette to build from. This year’s selection posed an increasingly complex challenge, with its mix of tempos and styles, but it’s a testament to the incredible work of the ASIP artists in 2024, all tied together under the meticulous eye of our trusted selector.

The year began with new label signing Salvatore Mercatante, and his pin-point drum patterns and room-filled IDM. This was followed by an about-turn in style with a new label signing, Lihla, presenting her hypnotizing blend of spoken word and atmospheric multi-instrument talent. Lapsed Pacifist (who happens to be a good friend of todos' in the UK - another full circle moment for the label) presented his debut album, featuring 'rolling waves of lavender synths', which Pop Matters recently listed as one of its best ambient albums of 2024. Keeping things unexpected, we then presented another new artist, Theef, who released a selection of timeless deep techno cuts from a DJ mix he posted online in 2018. It was then a chance for one of ASIPs most cherished sounds to return, as Illuvia continued his monumental exploration into the deep expanse of ethereal ambient drum'n bass. By now, we were approaching the much-celebrated half-century catalog number, and who better than long-time label artist, Markus Guentner to bring it over the line, alongside eight other fantastic talents. Colombian producer OKRAA, evolved his living-and-breathing psychedelic electronics, introducing more breaks and electro to his palette, in a truly unexpected second album. And closing out the year, Hungarian artist swanasa, presented a taster of her sonic capabilities in a short EP, that shone a light on multiple approaches we hope to explore from her very soon.

Thank you for all of your support, comments, and encouragement this year. Here's to those who explore the unique, the nostalgic and the new, and those who forge their own way forward.

Download on Bandcamp

Join us on Friday 20th December, 12pm PST for the full mix premiere and Bandcamp listening party.

todos Continuous DJ mix tracklist:

1. swanasa - Swan Song (edit)
2. Lihla - Resonance
3. Markus Guentner - Father Of Waters
4. Lapsed Pacifist - Tragic
5. Markus Guentner & Arovane - Utopian Fragments (edit) / Illuvia - A New Tomorrow (edit) / swanasa - AHO / Lihla - Becoming Human (edit)
6. OKRAA - La Gran Corriente
7. Salvatore Mercatante - Love Of Lies
8. Illuvia - Tectonic Shift
9. Markus Guentner & Abul Mogard - While Hunting Nightmares And Dreaming For Peace
10. Theef - Strange Nights
11. Salvatore Mercatante - How Many Hands
12. OKRAA - Para Desaprender (edit)
13. Theef - Odd Entity
14. Lapsed Pacifist - Almost Remembered

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Markus Guentner / Kontrapunkt Collaborators

Markus Guentner’s new album, Kontrapunkt showcases eight collaborations with some exceptional artists, each of whom has a unique connection to ASIP’s world in one way or another. Though I did not influence Markus's choice of collaborators, the album somehow found a thread through so many of our past releases, as well as artists I have also respected for a long time. Here are some of my favorite tracks from each artist, in case any of these artists are new to you, or you want to dig a little deeper and an introduction to each of the relationships by Markus himself.

Joachim Spieth

I've known Joachim since the early 2000s, back when we were both involved in the Kompakt Pop Ambient Series. Our collaboration has grown over the years, and we've recently been working together on projects for his label, Affin. It's been a fantastic experience, as I get to contribute my graphic ideas and, of course, some music too. Collaborating with Joachim feels like a natural extension of our long-standing friendship and creative synergy - Markus Guentner

It might seem a bit dated to highlight Joachim’s early Pop Ambient work, especially considering how much he has evolved within the widescreen ambient and techno genres in recent years. However, this track was pivotal in launching the iconic Kompakt Pop Ambient series and remains a timeless classic in my eyes. It’s an essential example of what defined 'Pop Ambient' and the series as a whole. While there are significant stylistic differences when you compare this track with Joachim’s more recent works, that irreplaceable sense of attachment and atmosphere still resonates.

Karen Vogt

My first encounter with Karen was through a request for the Galán/Vogt remix album. Since then, we've developed a close relationship, regularly sharing ideas and having wonderful chats during video calls. Working with Karen has been incredibly inspiring, as her creative vision aligns perfectly with mine. Our collaboration has blossomed into a seamless partnership that I deeply cherish - Markus Guentner

Karen Vogt, a founding member of the Australian band Heligoland, has been creating music for over 20 years. Recently, she has found her niche in more expressive ambient and vocal work. The track I've chosen is a stripped-back piece that perfectly captures Karen’s distinctive approach and serves as a wonderful example of the mesmerizing ways her vocals can evolve.

Sonae

Sonia and I have been good friends for a long time, and our bond is strengthened by our epic five-hour phone calls! We first connected when she remixed my track "Saint" for the "Uncharted Places" ASIP release in 2013. Given our long history and mutual admiration, it was only natural that we would eventually collaborate on a project together. Our collaboration feels like a culmination of years of shared experiences and creative exchanges. - Markus Guentner

Sonia and ASIP have a history that spans over 11 years now as one of the early artists who took a chance on the label with a demo for The Places Series. Since then, Sonia has developed a distinctive style that blends elements of ambient, techno, and experimental music. Her sound is typically abstract, free from conventional rules or clichés, and often explores unexpected directions. Her collaboration with Markus is a prime example, featuring shifting BPMs and a vivid, pulsating heartbeat that showcases her unique approach. The track ‘Rust’ from her 2018 album, ‘I Started Wearing Black’ is a nice companion to her collaboration with Markus.

Pepo Galán

Like Karen Vogt, my first significant interaction with Pepo was for a remix for an album. Shortly after, Pepo and I found ourselves in a perfect coincidence: he asked me for a collaboration for his project ‘Family Harmonies’, while I was simultaneously considering a collaboration for Kontrapunkt." This serendipitous alignment led to a fruitful and harmonious collaboration that we're both very excited about. - Markus Guentner.

With collaborations involving artists like Warmth, Awakened Souls, Karen Vogt, David Cordero, Shinji Wakasa, Max Würden, and many others, Pepo is an obvious choice as a collaborator in the ambient world. His track with Markus stands out as one of the album’s most surprising, elevating Markus’ music to unexpected new heights based on some of the feedback I’ve heard so far. To complement this, I’ve chosen a more nuanced track from his 2018 collaboration with Max Würden which again, shows a perfectly complemented partnership.

Arovane

Uwe and I have known each other for some time, although our interactions have been mostly digital, through emails and such. I was thrilled when he asked me to remix "Scale," a track by him and Hior Chronik released on ASIP in 2016. As a long-time fan and admirer of Uwe's music, it was an honor to collaborate with him. Our collaboration was a highlight for me, blending our musical styles in a way that felt both fresh and familiar. - Markus Guentner

I wasn’t exactly looking forward to this part… Trying to pick a favorite track by Arovane is a bit like choosing a favorite child—you might have one, but admitting it is a different story. There's no need for a history lesson on Uwe here, as his inspiration knows no bounds. Instead, I’ll focus on the track I chose, which is admittedly a bit of a selfish selection. Over the years, Uwe has contributed several times to the label, collaborating with Hior Chronik, but I still vividly remember receiving his AMX remix of his own track After Tomorrow, on the In-Between Remix EP. If there’s ever a track that encapsulates the quintessential Arovane sound outside of his earliest album, this is it.

Benoît Pioulard

Released eleven years ago, Benoît’s "Hymnal" was, and still is, on heavy rotation for me. Our connection felt almost predestined when we met in Seattle while playing at Rafael's Substrata Festival. I've always wanted to collaborate with Benoît’, and finally, the timing was perfect with this new album. Working with him has been a dream come true, and our collaboration has exceeded all my expectations. - Markus Guentner.

Thomas Meluch’s most recent contribution to the label was in collaboration with Viul on the album Konec. Like Uwe, Thomas has an expansive and well-loved body of work, making it difficult to pick a favorite. However, for this occasion, I’m choosing to highlight his more vocal-forward work on Morr Music. This selection takes me back to the first time I discovered the beautiful guitars and melodies of Slowdive, or even the more electronic folk sound of artists like Bibio and early Caribou. Thomas seems to be one of those endlessly talented individuals who can master a vast spectrum of styles, all while keeping his distinctive sound at the forefront. I’ve picked the second track from his 2023 release, ‘Eidetic’ which is the first impactful vocal hit from the album that represents this side of Thomas’ work.

Abul Mogard

I'm a huge, huge fan of Abul's music. Before our collaboration, we had no prior connection, which made reaching out to him feel daunting. I was elated when he replied and agreed to work on a collaborative track. Despite the initial uncertainty, the collaboration turned out to be incredibly rewarding, and I am thrilled with the outcome. - Markus Guentner

Checking the blog tag for Abul Mogard on the site reveals a wealth of mentions and mixes spanning several years. Guido’s music has played a significant role in shaping my taste, and, alongside a few select others, he’s been instrumental in fostering my appreciation for more powerful ambient music (see the Portals: Power Ambient feature). There was a time when I engaged in countless debates about Abul’s identity, which remained a mystery for many years, making him the ambient scene’s equivalent of Burial—before Burial ventured into ambient, of course. Now that his identity is no longer a secret, Guido has been relentless in honing his distinctive style through live performances and collaborations. One of his more recent releases, in collaboration with Rafael Anton Irisarri, is particularly noteworthy. The album’s title has never made more sense after experiencing it in full. The intricate details, combined with the music’s vastness and intimacy, are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Hollie Kenniff

I've admired Hollie Kenniff's music for a long time, especially her work with Mint Julep alongside her husband Keith. When she released her solo album "The Quiet Drift," I immediately thought it would be a perfect match for a collaboration. Despite our musical differences, we share a lot of similarities that made working together a fun and enriching experience. This collaboration is certainly not our last, as I'm already looking forward to future projects with her. - Markus Guentner

As Markus mentions, I think it was Mint Julep that formed a big part of my exposure to Hollie’s music alongside her partner and esteemed producer Keith Kenniff (aka Helios). Mint Julep has that certain Schnauss-ian effect (especially his remixes) so it was easily absorbed into my realm; electronic shoegaze and with a stellar vocalist, you can’t go wrong. But before that, her debut solo record on n5MD blew me away, forming the opening to my Reflection on 2019 feature and without a doubt one of the best records of the year.

~

Markus Guentner’s new album , Kontrapunkt featuring each of the above amazing collaborators is now available, digitally and on gatefold 2LP.

Markus Guentner / Kontrapunkt (ASIPV050)

Even though we are well over fifty vinyl releases now (thanks to my bad vinyl catalog nomenclature), it’s still a celebratory moment to reach the ASIPV050 milestone. And of course, it had to be with Markus.

Markus has been with the label since our first digital release series - The Places Series, with his Talking Clouds EP. I still remember clearly emailing Markus to see if he was interested in my rather humble proposal, and like the true gentleman he has been ever since, he graciously accepted and turned out an amazing set of music.

Since then, Markus has gone on to release three 2LPs through the accidental triptych of Theia, Empire and Extropy, as well as two digital releases; Gradient Spirits, and a single track for Charity - Overtone (David’s Song). He has become the label’s most prolific partner, and has been a pleasure to work with since day one. So it is my absolute honor to introduce his new album which features eight similarly brilliant producers, in Kontrapunkt.

Markus Guentner returns to his longstanding label, A Strangely Isolated Place, following the triptych of Theia, Empire, and Extropy, presenting eight inspiring collaborations on Kontrapunkt.

Collaborations are nothing new to Markus, but it’s hard to see beyond his strong singular presence as a pioneer of long-form ambient and drone. Collabs have punctuated his albums in various places over the years, and he is no stranger to working as a duo amongst other projects, with such a strong conceptual thread throughout his prior ASIP releases, Kontrapunkt represents a literal pivot and counterpoint in his production approach. Instead of music encapsulating a strong conceptual narrative, Kontrapunkt sees Markus create a dialogue between himself and a collection of inspiring production partners. 

Kontrapunkt opens with ‘Vanish’, a widescreen cinematic odyssey created in collaboration with fellow German and Affin label-head Joachim Spieth, forming the perfect opener with its modest subtleties. Australian-born Karen Vogt, renowned for her voice layering and looping, brings a beautiful, and natural addition to ‘All Light Will Remain’. 

Sonae, who appeared on ASIP’s early digital releases, demonstrates her evolution into experimental flourishes with ‘Farbe Der Nacht’, adding pulsating techno tendencies and a menacing, metallic approach to Markus’ foundations. Multi-instrumentalist Pepo Galán harmonizes beautifully with Markus on ‘Ancestral Images’, adding complex nuances to a slowly evolving euphoric piece. 

A master of synthesis, Arovane delivers a powerful display of supercharged electronics and coils of energy on ‘Utopian Fragments’. Benoît Pioulard's renowned expertise with guitars and tape distortion become a perfect counter to the electronics of Markus, blending styles seamlessly on ‘Father Of Waters’. 

‘An unstoppable force meets an immovable object’ on ‘While Hunting Nightmares And Dreaming For Peace’, as Abul Mogard adds powerful restraint in a meeting of two drone titans. The album concludes with ‘Presence’, where Hollie Kenniff’s uplifting vocals provide a shimmering finish, perfectly bookending an album of perfected counterpoints and evolutions on the Markus Guentner sound.

Kontrapunkt will be available on Gatefold Black/Grey/Blue marble 2LP, digital and streaming on August 30th 2024. Mastered by Gio at Artefacts Mastering, Berlin, and featuring artwork by Noah M / Keep Adding.

ASIP - Deep Breakfast Mix 267

The Deep Breakfast mix series has slowly (quite quickly compared to my isolatedmix efforts!) become one of the greatest ambient-leaning mix series around, pulling in some of the finest curators and artists to grace our small world. From well-known artists and DJs to passionate music collectors, it seems Francesco, the curator, is intent on hosting a series truly meant for every corner of the ambient spectrum.

The name of the mix series gives you an idea of what to expect, and for my submission, I battled hard with what style to attempt in order to live up to the many great mixes that have been featured before. Breakfast to me - deep or not - can often be light and uplifting - chill or even dubtechno on some mornings. But similarly, a deep breakfast may also mean the edges of light at 4 or 5am… and this is more the route I went with this mix. Look out for some of the many upcoming ASIP tracks featured in this one!

Big thanks to Francesco for the invite, and I hope you all enjoy the mix.

Deep Breakfast Series · Deep Breakfast 267 ~ ASIP

Listen on Soundcloud or the ASIP Podcast

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Tracklist:
01. swanasa - AHO (A Strangely Isolated Place, Forthcoming)
02. Hiemal - Pays D'en Haut I (Self)
03. Thomas Koner - Nuut (Night) (Force Inc)
04. Markus Guentner & Abul Mogard - While Hunting Nightmares And Dreaming For Peace (A Strangely Isolated Place, Forthcoming)
05. Ayaavaaki & Purl - Einstein-Rosen Bridge (Passage II) (LILA)
06. LF58 - Utopia (Northern Electronics)
07. Avsluta - It's Always Lonely Being Free (Self)
08. Pete Namlook & Bill Laswell - Angel Tech (Subharmonic)
09. STBL - Carousel Of Light (Self)
10. Mikkel Rev - Lauryl (A Strangely Isolated Place, Forthcoming)
11. James Murray - Grace (Home Normal)
12. Robert Rich - Summer Thunder (Self)
13. OKRAA - Canto Luminoso a la Luna (A Strangely Isolated Place, Forthcoming)