A snapshot of the indelible scene in Bladerunner when Rachael makes her first entrance. Followed by a selection of tracks that all have these profound qualities for musical story telling.
The delicate subtlety of Sigur Ros, the warm harmonies of Underworld.
Eno’s 3M5; a few moments of exquisite beauty that for me describe a place I could happily go and live.
GC 4:14 is one of my personal favourites from 76:14 - without realising I had performed the lead synthesised melody as if it was a ‘Cello - my second instrument.
bvdub - this is so hypnotic and enchanting - I can listen to this on loop for hours without fatigue.
Steve Roach, for me is one of those underrated geniuses that to my mind deserves more recognition. His ambient music in many ways is more refined, better produced and more sophisticated than some of his contemporaries.
I’ve segued in a moment from the new GCOM exoplanet exploration project. I loved imagining the sensation of experiencing a refreshing new atmosphere for the first time.
Another Eno classic for me - a track to lose yourself in.
Had to include a more structurally recognisable work from the late sound design genius Thomas Denis Qebrµs. For those unfamiliar with his work. I implore you to dip in and experience a level of unprecedented audio-sensory immersion. At points, it can be uncomfortable and challenging, but there is something so compelling about hearing a musical form that has never really been heard. He achieved his goal of creating alien music.
We leave the first hour with an optimistic crescendo cue from the Prometheus Soundtrack.
A flashback to the untouchably epic theme from Carl Sagan’s Cosmos, which is right up there as one of my all time favourites.
And this direct reference to Vangelis’s production and orchestration style which provided the reverential inspiration for the opening track Sunset from Sleep Better.
I made a special ambient edit of Reload ‘Event Horizon’ that blends the intro and outro sections without the intense rhythmic central workout.
A nod to contemporary 90’s pioneers, educators and inspirations include BOC, The Orb and Spooky (goodness Orange Coloured Liquid is sublime isn’t it?!)
Richard’s effortlessly sublime Lichen transports me straight back to Cornwall every time.
This mix gave me the opportunity to showcase the extraordinary talents of Jeff Taylor Cross - (Apple’s mastermind behind the evolution of Logic / Pro X) who’s career trajectory though music, design and beyond into app engineering and development is unparalleled. An unsung hero in our world of music production! Please extend an applause for Jeff and his team, without whom most of the current wave of ambient music might actually have never been produced without this incredible, limitless creative music production platform.
I’m a huge fan of Albuquerque’s guitar virtuoso and inspiring educator Andy Othling aka Lowercase Noises - and I highly recommend checking his Youtube channel for the most enchanting live ambient performances. Simple Sounds in Simple Places and also informative ‘how to’ videos.
I had to include the joyful electric autoharp ambience of Laraaji - head to the full 20 minute version, sit or lay back, eyes closed, and deploy some conscious breath-work for a truly transcendental experience my friends!
I love the 528Hz Love Frequency drone sequence from Travis (Machine Drum). And here’s a full hour of 528Hz bliss. Feels good to me!
A special mention to the inspiring Yoko Sen. I’ve included this graceful and sensitive sleep-scape as a tribute to the incredible work she is doing in rescoring the sound of hospitals and creating music for palliative care.
I’ve sequenced some introspective and achingly beautiful modern electro-classical cues and electronic masterpieces. Sienna - recommend exploring his harmonically empathetic catalogue. Ilya Malyuev - another lesser known but extremely accomplished artist that truly needs to be discovered.
Interwoven with Jon Hopkins remix of Sea Of Glass, and a few artists that may not be so familiar to the ambient community. The aim is to increase awareness of the extraordinary and abundant musicality to still be discovered. Which synergistically aligns with Ryan’s visionary imprint and radio station.
I’ve included the debut GC release Incidental Harmony which marked the start of the exploration of pure emotions in sound. And an exclusive debut for a collaboration between myself and Ulrich Schnauss we created more than 15 years ago..have to work out exactly when!
Mmoths - this chord progression is so powerful it stops you in your tracks.
John Beltran - Clouds Pull - the most exquisite and uplifting strings and in my opinion on a par with Sebastien Tellier’s La Ritournelle.
Universal Solution - Liquid Love is so potent, has such positive energy, Gavin is so talented and really knows how to channel emotions into sound. I would recommend anytime you need your spirits uplifting.
Ralf and Florian - Tanzmusik - had to include a tribute to one of Kraftwerks founding members Florian Schneider-Esleben, who we lost in April. This group has had more impact on our world than any other. And this is one of those naively beautiful pioneering works that I return to regularly for that simple and playful charm of melody, harmony and rhythm. Think about it. We might not even be doing what we do without their contribution to electronic music.
Brian Eno’s 1:1 sits in the rotating top of my all time favourites, along with An Ending (Ascent) and Ikebukuro. Unparalleled minimalism and effortless execution. Ambient perfection.
Closing the episode we rewind through time to the 1950’s. And a dusty and crackly 78rpm my Grandmother had kept of a recording my Grandfather (whom I never met) Tommy Middleton performed Jazz Guitar on. The track is entitled ‘Always and Always’. In those moments between verses I can hear Tommy’s chords strums and am reminded where some of my musical DNA comes from.
Couldn’t leave you all without a few poignant words from our friend Ben Kenobi (will never forget watching SW at the age of 7 and the profound impact it has had on my imagination and sonic trajectory).
The Force Will Be With You Always.
Huge thanks to Ryan and the important work he is doing in expanding the voice of this subtle musical form around the world.
Hope you enjoy the music, the feelings and the stories.”
- Tom M 01/07/2020 | Instagram: @tommiddletonmusic