A Moment of Stillness
This month, I asked John Purcell to collaborate with me, kind of hoping he'd want to play around with some ambient music. He approached me with exactly that idea. Throughout our decade long friendship, we've bonded over more experimental music that not many other folks we know actively seek out, and this mixtape is a full expression of that friendship.
Ambient music rewards both active and passive listening, so don't be afraid to throw this on and let it all wash over you. But also, I guarantee you'd love lighting a candle, sitting in a dark room, and hearing every single moment. There is a warmth that grows in you when you do.
Like the mixtapes? Help me spread the love by throwing a few bucks my way via BuyMeACoffee. Thanks to everyone who has already supported me there. I've covered my Apple Music subscription costs and now I'm working towards upgrading my cassette recording tech so they don't sound like garbage.
And hey, if you like it, why not share the mix or this newsletter with a friend?
The Glow Inside
Created in collaboration with John Purcell for good sound.
A few words from John:
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This time of year always has me reaching for ambient music and I was excited to put together this mix of ambient sounds with Brady. Here are some random thoughts about some of the tracks I chose.
William Basinski - Wheel of Fortune
I have listened to this song (one of his shorter pieces) countless times as I was planning on using it for the credit sequence of my last short film. I ended up abandoning that idea but the piece remains gorgeous to me even after so many listens.
Yo La Tengo - James and Ira...
Back in April 2020, Yo La Tengo recorded some improvisations in their practice space as New York was experiencing its first, brutal wave of COVID, releasing the resulting recordings on Bandcamp the same day. At a time when the world felt super scary, these hopeful, meditative pieces were a salve for my brain.
Fridge - Cut Up Piano & Xylophone
I have loved this piece for many years. I think it's a great example of making computer music that still sounds incredibly human.
Tim Hecker - The Piano Drop
Brady actually chose this song, but I was reminded that I once set up a concert for Tim Hecker in Dublin in 2010. However, the concert never actually happened because that fucking Icelandic volcano exploded the day before and there was no way for Tim to get a flight to Ireland lol.
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Love you all. Hope you enjoy!
Join Me: Support Artists on Bandcamp Friday, 11/4
Screw it. We're doing the same "Join Me" this month, because it rocks. Bandcamp Friday is one of the coolest initiatives in music, and there's no better time to buy a record from your favorite artist or just take a chance on someone you've never heard of. Bandcamp waive's their normal cut of the purchase, so all that good money goes straight to the artist.
If you're looking for recommendations, Bandcamp has so many good write-ups on their site with exciting releases in a variety of genres, new and notable tunes, and more.
Right now I'm torn between Mimi Roman, Sarah Davachi, and Mary Lou Williams.
RIYL: supporting artists, music
Check out Hovvdy's "Ruby", which I bought on Bandcamp Friday last month.
Some Other Things That John Loves
(that you might love too!)
2220 Arts + Archives - Recently I've been volunteering at 2220 Arts + Archive, an excellent co-op art space in Los Angeles that focuses on music, film, and literature. The programming is excellent and the venue itself is my favorite in the city.
Triangle of Sadness - I loved the new Ruben Östlund film Triangle of Sadness. Big fan of him as a director.
Raspberry Ponchiks - I am absolutely obsessed with the raspberry jam ponchik from Art's Bakery in Glendale. I am currently at 1-2 ponchiks per week but am confident that number will rise over time.
White Supremacy Doesn't Need Our Help - Finally, and because I am fun, here is a great piece by Olayemi Olurin about how White Supremacy does not need our help :).