Influence/Confluence: A Playlist of Sonic Inspiration
As I prepare for the release of my upcoming album Green Green Earth, I've been reflecting on the sounds that have shaped my creative process. These aren’t just tracks I love—they’re sonic landscapes that have profoundly influenced my approach to music. The Influence / Confluence playlist is a curated journey through ambient, minimalist, and experimental works that have been formative to my own creative journey.
I’m happy to share this playlist on my growing YouTube channel, where I’ll continue exploring ways to connect through music and sound. Each track offers a glimpse into the inspiration behind Green Green Earth, and I’d love to hear how these pieces resonate with you.
Dive into the playlist and join the conversation: 🔗 Watch and listen now.
The Playlist
Ariel Kalma – "Manege" (Osmose, 1978)
A pioneer of environmental and cosmic soundscapes, Kalma's Osmose blends field recordings with meditative explorations. This track envelops the listener in a swirl of organic textures and cyclical rhythms.Hiroshi Yoshimura – "Creek" (Green, 1986)
From his masterpiece inspired by natural beauty, "Creek" is a delicate and flowing ambient piece that mirrors the tranquility of a forest stream. Yoshimura's work continues to resonate as a hallmark of environmental sound.Anouar Brahem Quartet – "Halfaouine" (Thimar, 1998)
Brahem’s oud bridges Middle Eastern and jazz traditions, weaving intricate melodies with deep resonance. "Halfaouine" transports listeners to a realm of cultural synthesis.Brian Eno – "An Ending (Ascent)" (Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks, 1983)
This iconic track embodies the weightlessness of space, with its timeless textures. Eno’s pioneering work remains a cornerstone of the genre.Jon Hassell and Brian Eno – "Delta Rain Dream" (Fourth World Vol. 1, 1980)
Hassell’s “Fourth World” concept merges global influences with ambient aesthetics. This track’s hypnotic quality shows the seamless fusion of organic and electronic elements.Christina Vantzou – "No. 4 String Quartet" (No. 4, 2018)
Vantzou’s ethereal compositions weave minimalist strings with ambient textures, creating a sense of suspension and contemplation.Steve McLinn (Ojas) – "My House Goes Walking Everyday" (PINA, 1987)
A rare gem blending experimental electronics in ethereal shades, McLinn’s work is a hidden treasure of the new age movement.Akira Rabelais – "Pferdente" (Spellewauerynsherde, 2004)
This track reimagines medieval choral fragments through modern processing, with an otherworldly, haunting atmosphere.Aphex Twin – "Fingerbib" (Richard D. James Album, 1996)
An uplifting classic from the peak Aphex era. This is a perfect example of why Aphex Twin is a such a legend, Emotional, joyous electronics, like no other.Tim Hecker – "Black Refraction" (Virgins, 2013)
Hecker’s trademark textured drones and subtle circular piano melodies blur the line between crumbling apart and meticulous order.Paul Horn - Unity (Inside the Taj Mahal, 1977)
A deep expression from Paul Horn, connecting self to space, These sounds set me on a lifetime path of discovery and listening.Emeralds – "Does It Look Like I’m Here?" (Does It Look Like I’m Here?, 2010)
A mesmerizing blend of swirling electronics and blurred drones, this track brings both nostalgia and expansion.Laraaji – "Segue To Infinity (Glimpse)" (Glimpses of Infinity, 2023)
Laraaji’s celestial tones offer a joyful, transcendent listening experience. His work bridges spiritual practice and musical exploration.Terry Riley – "Poppy Nogood" (A Rainbow in Curved Air, 1969)
A minimalist masterpiece, Riley’s hypnotic patterns and looping structures paved the way for modern experimental music.Alice Coltrane - Jai Rama Chandra (Turiya Sings, 1982)
From the rare Turiya Sings cassette, these meditative songs always transport me to a peaceful, deep dream state.Nils Frahm – "Says" (Spaces, 2013)
Frahm’s dynamic piano work and electronic layers build to a cathartic, cinematic climax, an intimate but grand closer.Max Richter – "On The Nature of Daylight" (The Blue Notebooks, 2004)
A poignant, cinematic composition blending orchestral strings and minimalism, this track evokes deep emotional resonance, reflecting themes of nature and human experience.Shri. P. Venkatappa Dogra - “Kuhoo Kuhoo Bole Koyaliya” (Suvarna Sundari OST, 1957)
Stunning Carnatic saxophone from the master Sri Venkatappa Dogra of Puttur, this track from the 1957 movie Suvarna Sundari weaves through the mind like a dream.Ryuichi Sakamoto – "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" (Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, 1983)
Sakamoto’s hauntingly beautiful piano piece merges ambient, classical, and Eastern influences, carrying both serenity and tension that complements environmental soundscapes.William Basinski – "Shortwavemusic" (Weltecho V/A, 2003)
Closing with this mesmerizing, melancholic work, Basinski’s piece captures the decay of mankind making it a poignant meditation on time, memory, and entropy in music.
Connection to Green Green Earth
This playlist mirrors the themes and tones woven into my new album. As you explore these soundscapes, you’ll hear the echoes of my deep relationship with nature and the environment—an invitation to experience the world’s beauty through sound.
Stay connected:
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🌿 Share your thoughts: What track speaks to you most? Drop a comment or message me—I’d love to hear!
Thanks for listening.
🙏✨