Spaceman’s Transmissions

For this episode of Spaceman's Transmissions, I'm proud to present the appropriately named Sofamixes. I was given this (upon request, natch) quite a long time ago, and have let its beauty saturate my mind upon many occasions. Well, now that we've had quite a bit of snow in Maryland and having spent the last few hours outside making snowballs and running around with the kids, I came in to thaw out with some hot chocolate, a hot potato, and this mix. Got to say, I'm having a very difficult time trying to figure out the best part of getting warm. I'm guessing the music. As I stare out the window at the snow outside on this graciously clear (but cold!) day, this mix is providing the perfect backdrop to my current mental state.

Sofamixes hails to us from Ghent, Belgium, and hosts some very eclectic and interesting mixes. Even a FRANK ZAPPA MIX, how cool is that (I love Zappa). Sofamixes has been quite busy with another Mixcloud profile under the name OSCAR LOMAN, supplying us with old-time mixes that feature some of the best artwork that I've seen. Be sure to get a pleasant earful from both mix profiles, and for those inclined for a second Winter Wanderland mix, it can be found HERE. Allow this mix to warm your soul in the frigid winter months, and let it's peaceful intent provide you an aural blanket that thaws your mind and body.

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It's pretty obvious that one thing that attracts us to music is that it's a marker for events in our lives. How many times have we heard a song from the past and been transported the that particular time and place that brands a moment to the music? There's no better way to recreate the sense of experiences than from music that surrounds particular events, so that we can recall and relive these special periods again and again. And film makers know this. They create the anxiety, elation, pride, and so on that envelopes character's actions.

With this offering, I've chosen to create a mix of offerings from films. A lot of times, I'll really tune into the music in a film, and make it a point to search the music out. I have a lot of soundtracks, and I do listen to them quite often. I didn't put a lot of things on this that I would have liked, as I tried to stick with a particular format. Some of my favorites soundtracks that didn't make the cut are Devdas, Purple Rain (I have every Prince album!), The Truth About Charlie, Sprout, Oceans Eleven or Twelve, A.I., A Beautiful Mind, Amelie, Hair, etc., and so on. I purposely tried to steer clear (as well as I could) from the very dark and orchestral heavy soundtrack music that exists more prominently, and chose pieces that ebbed and flowed with organic transitions.

I hope that you like this mix. Popcorn is optional. Throughout your life, when you hear a sound or song that inspires you, let inspiration become moment specific. No one has the same life soundtrack as you do. Peace.

Turn on, tune in, sleep...

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TRACK LISTING

“Dream March” by Brian Tyler from Six String Samurai Soundtrack (Start Time: 00:00)

“Transmissions” by Ben Lovett from The Signal Soundtrack (Start Time: 00:52)

“El Greco” by Vangelis from El Greco (Start Time: 05:16)

“Numbers” by Jamin Wynans from Ink: The Complete Soundtrack (Start Time: 15:03)

“Love On A Real Train (Risky Business)” by Tangerine Dream from Risky Business (Start Time: 16:19)

“Locker Room 1 (Dialogue)” from Napoleon Dynamite (Start Time: 20:02)

“Old Souls” by Hans Zimmer from Inception Soundtrack (Start Time: 20:17)

“Structure & Discipline” by Thomas Newman from American Beauty Soundtrack (Start Time: 25:50)

“Goodbye” by Kevin Shields from Lost In Translation Soundtrack (Start Time: 28:50)

“Monsters In The Field” by Jamin Wynans from Ink: The Complete Soundtrack (Start Time: 31:08)

“One Million Dollars” by Ben Lovett from The Last Lullaby Soundtrack (Start Time: 32:20)

“Wall Of Breath” by Peter Gabriel from The Last Temptation Of Christ Soundtrack (Start Time: 34:13)

“Alternate Ending Montage” by John Swihart from Napoleon Dynamite Soundtrack (Start Time: 36:18)

“Sometimes It Snows In April” by Prince from Parade (Start Time: 38:47)

“River Of Collections” by Paul Cantelon from Everything Is Illuminated Soundtrack (Start Time: 45:30)

“I Wanna Hold Your Hand (Excerpt)” by Buck Sanders & Marco Beltrami from Warm Bodies (Original Motion Picture Score) (Start Time: 47:21)

“A Sense Of Home” by Peter Gabriel from Long Walk Home: Music From The Rabbit-Proof Fence Soundtrack (Start Time: 48:55)

“The Tower” by Marcelo Zarvos from Sin Nombre (Start Time: 50:49)

“Spotkanie Z Matka” by Vangelis from Blade Runner Trilogy: 25th Anniversary (Start Time: 52:14)

“Aningaaq” by Steven Price from Gravity (Start Time: 56:59)

Welcome to another episode of Spaceman's Transmissions with a requested mix from Silas. I've had the extreme fortune of letting this mix permeate my mind for quite some time now and have picked up on the subtle nuances that flow between sections (although there are realistically no 'sections'; the whole mix is a consistent journey of seamless flow). What we are presented with is a rich wealth of soundscapes, moods, and colors that are contemplative and cerebral. As much as I think most ambient mixes can be a passage into the subconscious depths of slumber, this mix is one that must be taken in while fully attentive of its intensity and directional flow. If Pink Floyd did an ambient-ish concept album, it would sound like this. 

Silas has managed to define, establish, and destroy the fine boundaries of music that encompass ambient elements, and has created cinematic brain food. He's rewritten ambient structure in his own majestic style, and weaved such an amazing tapestry balancing depth with sound. His use of darker themes and degraded colors meld with vinyl flavors. When a presentation like this comes along, I can't help but feel as though it's a very long time in the making (edit: I was told it was 5 or 6 months in the making, ouch!). It definitely makes it difficult to keep up with the imaginative minds of mix gurus like Silas. Much repeated listenings on this to be had, for sure.

Silas was initially inspired by Detroit techno (the disputed birthplace) and electronic music to develop his mixing obsession in 1998 while residing in Somerset. Beginning with artists from such labels as NINJATUNE, MO WAX, and WARP, Silas' tastes evolved to include artists like The Future Sounds Of London and Boards Of Canada (I have everything from them). Eventually, Silas moved to Bristol to dig on the scene while DJ'ing and started discover and taking more atmospheric soundscapes of artists like Aphex Twin, Helios, and Jon Hopkins. Eventually, the sounds of The Cinematic Orchestra (one of my top five), Mogwai, and Sigur Ros (again, my top five) began spark his creative mind to explore that side of his mixing palette, and he created NORTH STREET. With the snowball rolling, he began to create mixes with sounds of his cherished sonic past along with current favorites like Burial, Mogwai, To The Future, Wisp, and Sigur Ros.

Breathwork is a culmination of classical, electronic, field recordings, ambient, dark/light elements, and film scores (which Silas finds very inspirational). Stripped down piano passages are also an obsession of his, and you'll hear appropriately placed flourishes of this throughout the mix. Although there are 31 tracks listed, the number is actually around 45 or so. It all came down to getting good transitions, and realizing the concept perfectly constructed in his head (read the last sentence of the first paragraph again). This all started out as a mix that was supposed to be for personal use only, and through encouragement from a few close friends (who were loaned mix), we are blessed with an unreal journey of deep and consistent themes within a blissful aural experience. It goes without saying, but this is Silas' favorite mix thus far.

So, now that I'm shutting my trap, I'll let the music do the talking. Silas, in my opinion, is obviously proven to have a meticulous ear and mind for dreaming such an epic sonic journey. I'm really blown away to have been given the chance to share this, and I'm looking forward to the new year with many more carefully crafted offerings. Thank, Silas!

Turn on, tune in, sleep...

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I've been holding on to this little gem for a little while, and it's been getting a good bit of rotation on the playlist for two obvious reason: 1) it's Junkyard Angel, and 2) it's bloody great! I've been so very fortunate to have received an exclusive mix gifted to me by Mr. Junkyard Angel. I present you with Dusk Light Shadows. He meant only to share it with me privately, but how can this not be heard by anyone and everyone? 

Along with this exclusive mix, I'm also bringing you Waiting For The Rain (link below) which he hosted on Mixcloud and I found to be so very mood enhancing. For some reason, when he creates a mix, I live inside the music. Waiting For The Rain sets a particular mood, and its meaning to exist is warranted by its sublime beauty, intensity, and carefully executed (as well as flawlessly delivered) theme.

Junkyard Angel is one of the more underrated ambient mix creators around, and I'm so blown away by his ear to capture and mold soundscapes to reflect his deep appreciation for all things musical. His mixes never seem disjointed or uncomfortable. He sets the flow, opens the bright box of fear and elation, and stirs them in a musical pot of equal parts wonderment and intensity. Once again, I'm very envious of his drawing of different textures within this mix. And that's a good thing. These mixes have all the elements that I favor: dark and light, and tons of dynamic contrast, while keeping the focus on the melodic beauty at the core. Every time he creates a mix, the bar is raised. Guilty confession time: I've been trying to figure out what it is that attracts me to his mixes so that I could incorporate that element into my own (talk about hero worship!!). It's getting increasingly difficult to even match his mixes, and I appreciate his inspiringly melodic morsels!

If I have one wish, and it's a very small one, it's that Junkyard Angel keeps blessing us with great mixes. Fantastic session, my friend! Peace.

Turn on, tune in, sleep...

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TRACK LISTING

[LISTEN TO WAITING FOR THE RAIN]

While reviewing some new music, I came across the song Stillpoint by Hammock. I was so overwhelmed with its deep, hypnotic swirl and realized that there was no way I couldn't put it in this mix. I was supposed to be doing a final project for an Organizational Communications class, but now I'm sidetracked with putting this out there. How unfortunate. No, not really (actually finished the class, did quite well in it BTW).

After hearing Still Point, I came up with title immediately. I'm truly inspired right now. And I've created a mix that will take your mind on a peaceful, uplifting, and enlightening journey to the ether of your mind. This mix is multi-purpose: you can sleep to it, you can definitely stay awake to it and have your mind blown, or you can choose a state in between the two. I've carefully mixed and mashed up some very tasty ingredients for your mental departure to the deep corners of solitude and escape.

Please feel free to lighten the grip of your mind's gravity. We'll return after a bit. But for now, let go, and bathe yourself in the sweet air of aural colors. As these colors caress your thoughts, your sense of being and awareness will stabilize into a state of solace. Reflect on the beauty of your past memories, and project into the grasp of your future goals. Whatever might be burdening your thoughts, you have my permission to let that go for a bit while we take this journey.

An unending thanks to Andrew Hoffman for giving this mix some radio airplay at WRFI.ORG. Andrew's radio broadcasts add such a special nostalgic feel of yesteryear that I miss, but with music that I really want to hear without any commercials (the way radio should be). So very happy!

I hope you enjoy our epic flight, and that you repeat the adventure in any way that you can. Support the artists, and keep dreaming. Peace.

Turn on, tune in, sleep...

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TRACK LISTING

• 00:00 - "Talking And Bells" by Tonepoet from Communicate EP (Rusted Sun Collective)

• 00:44 - "First Dream Called Ocean" by Helios from Eingya

• 04:08 - "Valtari" by Sigur Ros from Valtari

• 11:51 - "#21 (Lichen)" by Aphex Twin from Selected Ambient Works Volume 2 (Vinyl Version)

• 15:18 - "In Abandoned Places (Excerpt)" by Raison D'Etre from Requiem For Abandoned Souls

• 21:12 - "Stillpoint (Excerpt)" by Hammock from The Sleepover Series Volume 1 (Remastered)

• 26:54 - "Only The Dead Can Be Forgiven" by Ben Lovett from The Last Lullaby

• 29:40 - "Boon" by Bubble from Features Of Spheres

• 36:30 - "Sucof Ni Enots" by Kwajbasket from Aftrthghts

• 39:41 - "System" by Carbon Based Lifeforms from Twentythree

• 46:57 - "Eyes Closed (For Rube)" by Olan Mill from Paths

• 49:35 - "Atlas Song" by Jonsi & Alex from Riceboy Sleeps

• 56:20 - "Talking And Bells II" by Tonepoet from Communicate EP (Rusted Sun Collective)

Welcome to another edition of Spaceman's Transmissions with the sublime beauty of Tumultes, a really peaceful (and requested) mix from The Silent Project I've been wearing this mix out a lot lately. It's spinning at the house, it receives play in the car, and gets regular rotation on the media player. Most importantly, it lives comfortably on the phone, which is reserved for extra amazing sonic pleasures. If I could eat this mix, I would. Trust me, I'm trying to figure out a way!

The Silent Project is a sonic architect that hails from Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe; city that resembles New Orleans in many ways. The cultures and lifestyles of the two cities are quite similar, and the history is shared (I'll have to read up on that a bit, as I've spent some hazy weeks in New Orleans). Despite living in the city, Greg spends a good amount of time in the nature, and that tunes his ear for making such deep masterpieces. He's always looking for the beauty and elegance in the world through way of music (minimalistic forms such as post-rock, or neo-classical), literature (Dostoyevsky), sports (like surfing, very cool), and science and this is reflected in his outlook for the mixes that he creates, and his time as a fundamental researcher for mathematics explains his interest in abstraction. This all culminates in his broad reception of sources for enhancing his life through music. And while he doesn't have a favorite artist that he gravitates towards, he definitely seems to favor labels such as Mille Plateaux (the first period), Warp, Kranky, Type, Touch, and Raster-Noton.

The Silent Project spent some years as a DJ/composer under the name UssF, mainly spinning minimal techno and minimal house (although away from the boards, the preferred listening music of his choice was ambient and electronica). When he had the chance to move abroad and travel, he decided that it was high time to quit the techno scene and focus on what would become The Silent Project. Glad he did, as we are rewarded with rich sonic outings such as what I'm presenting here to you.

There are so many wonderful woven textures within. You will find immense depth within the selections, and be rewarded with great peace. I'm absolutely sure that you will enjoy this session and be taken in by the same peacefulness that possesses The Silent Project when he mentally mixed his aural delights within the grip of Mother Nature. Peace.

Turn on, tune in, sleep...

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NO KNOWN TRACK LISTING

Welcome to another episode of Spaceman's Transmissions. For this venture, we will set your thought-spacepod up nicely for your cosmic exploration. Delve into your innermost mind capsule for a bit, clear out the thought obstacles that hinder you, and project into a state of enduring peace. This mix is optimized for absolute relaxation and can be used in a number of ways. Mostly, it is to be used for sailing past the clouds, beyond the exosphere, and into the deep void. Using starlight as a beacon is permitted. However, do not be distracted by unnecessary influences such as random useless thoughts of anything but your creative flow. As you drift among the cosmos, reflect upon the beauty that life offers, and celebrate that. Upon reentry, your focus will be calibrated and thoughts will be aligned with purpose and motivation.

I purposely tried to mix it up with many diverse styles of music. A bit of ambient, a dash of shoegaze, and a smattering of ethnic colors. For me, and hopefully for you, it kept things a bit interesting. I've got some great guest mixes lined up, and this mix was inspired by those around me that are creating some amazing things.

Turn on, tune in, sleep...

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TRACK LISTING

0:00 - "Overture" by Vangelis from Mythodea

02:05 - "Sun Tracer Part 1" by Phillip Wilkerson from Sun Tracer

08:10 - "A World Beneath The World (Excerpt)" by Labrathisattva from The View From Down Here

17:07 - "Skies" by Dave Preston from Soundtrack For Motion

19:29 -  "Sun Shines Through" by Gopal from Depth Of My Heart

24:43 - "One Path Revealed (Excerpt)" by Paul Avgerinos from Balancing Spheres

29:21 - "Adrift In Peace" by Phillip Wilkerson from Sun Tracer

34:55 - "Launch Approval" by Vangelis from Blade Runner Trilogy: 25th Anniversary Edition

36:49 - "Fading Away" by Vangelis from Blade Runner Trilogy: 25th Anniversary Edition

39:31 - "Sun Tracer Part 2" by Phillip Wilkerson from Sun Tracer

41:51 - "Looking At The Sky" by I’ve Lost from Futuresequence: Sequence 4

47:51 - "Giant Leap" by Valdi Sabev from Impressions Volume 1

50:01 - "Toto, I’ve Got A Feeling We’re Not In Kansas Anymore" by Michael Stearns from Planetary Unfolding

54:37 - "Glittering" by Stellardrone from Seagull Overseas And Stellardrone

So far, I've been absolutely blessed with receiving and reviewing all the of the mixes that I've requested to host. Almost all of what I've gotten have been posted in some manner already, I just do my best to help them get 'out there' any way that I can, because I believe that such incredible mood altering expressions need a bigger outlet. This time, I was afforded with an absolutely new song, and allowed to upload it to Mixcloud, and post it here. Way stoked about this!

For this posting, I bring you akrrrs, who is a fairly recent discovery of mine that has caught my attention through his Dream Sequence series. I've downloaded quite a lot of them and I've had some serious tranquil moments while taking in the deep, soothing sounds that encompass my ears and mind. The music that I've been fortunate to have gathered has prompted me to make a special bedtime playlist which I absolutely cherish. He seems to have an incredible library of consistently great music, and creates such beautiful soundscapes with them. His mixes consistently take me to a horizon upon the outer reaches of the mental solar system, and set me down gently in complete solitude. Not only does akrrrs create such masterful mixes, his artwork for his mixes are absolutely unrivaled and express the beauty of the mixes on the visual front. After taking in his mixes, your mind will be clear, your stamina increased (post-nap). You'll also notice an increase in mental energy, logic and reasoning, and clarity. And libido. No, I'm not kidding, it's science, and totally proven, I think. Uh, trust me...

akrrrs hails to us from the northeastern part of England, and has spent his 'formative' years in Leeds and Manchester. Although he began as a DJ spinning techno and jungle beats in the early 90's, ambient has always been a big part of his musical love (you can still hear small flourishes of older artists like Aphex Twin, The Black Dog, and Global Communication [one of my favorites] in his mixes). He initially started making more ambient-based mixes to soothe his pregnant wife (good medicine, my friend!), and later found that making more beatless mixes didn't disturb his kids. Something about two birds with one stone here. I've named his special presentation mix 'SEQUENTIAL DREAM' in honor of what he's done so far.

akrrrs, thank you so much for allowing me to post your music and help bring it to those who would have otherwise not had a chance to hear it. In my opinion, your mixes are some of the best, and I look forward to hearing new ones all the time. I guarantee the listener a peaceful, and extremely pleasant listening experience. Peace.

turn on, tune in, sleep...

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Günter Schlienz – Watermarked Memories

Samantha Glass – Movement 3

Four Tet – Unicorn

White Poppy – Drifters Gold

Pausal –Bottom-Up Pause

Esmerine – Hayale Dalmak

Bulgarian State Radio & Television Femal Vocal Choir – Poleganala e Todora

Matthew Robert Cooper – Miniature 9

Machinedrum – Vizion

Lorn – My Device

Steve Hauschildt – By Buildings

Panabrite – Moonpool

Joseph Lawrence Quimby Jr. – Preform Perform

Felix K – Flower Of Hope

Lorn – Sega Sunset

For this guest mix, I bring you one of the most diverse mixes that I've had the pleasure in hosting. I was contacted by FACTION not to long ago about hosting a mix. I gladly gave his mix POD ): 101 a listen and was not quite ready to be so completely blown away like I was! It's really a very rare treat to find someone whose ears and mind are so big that they create an epic like this with so many elements, colors, moods, transitions, and dynamics in one sitting. It's mind boggling how many different songs (38!) are in the ingredients list, but it comes off like a really deep concept album more so than a mix. Listening to this, you easily get the sense that Faction just hears things differently. Everyone who creates mixes manages to pull things together and try to create their own voice with what's available. Faction is speaking in tongues.

As I've mentioned before, I host what I wish that I had created, and POD ): 101 is absolutely no exception. I will have to say that this is not mix that you'll use to sleep to, but rather one that demands your undivided attention; you don't want to miss a single mood that gets thrown your way. I haven't yet been able to find another mix that so effortlessly and honestly weaves such deep ambient sounds together with pulsating dub and trippy commentary, and make it so organic. In my opinion, it would be a welcome challenge for anyone to live up to the high standard that Faction has set. If there's one mix that has deservedly made it to my sacred bike ride playlist, it's this one. Use this for your commutes, as background and foreground, and be ready to have your mind blown.

Turn on, tune in, dig it...

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TRACK LISTING

• An Intro (Great Dictator Speech) - Owsey

For me, the saddest time is not winter, but the approach of fall. I don't hate the fall season. I love it! But knowing that summer and the vibe it has brought is withering into a memory is a hard pill to swallow. In summer, I'm invincible; I am reborn with every hot burst of sun, thriving to gather the energy of every new day, leaving little or no wasted moments in my wake. Every summer day is a new awakening, brought about by the renewed anticipation of Mother Earth's sun-song upon us. Get the point? I freakin' LOVE summer so much that it pains me to see it dissolve.

The first thing that I notice is a shortened day. Just a few days ago (and it's been a while since I've actually realized this and posted this narrative), I was fully aware that it was dark at 8 o'clock in the evening (edit: at this time, even sooner). Already. Sadness is upon me. Next, the leaves shed new colors and die, and the sky will be overcast with impending change. But all good things must end.

To help ease the pain of shorter days, and colder nights that approach us, I give you solace in the form of a quite amazing amalgamation of sonic textures. This mix is optimized for contemplation of the changing seasons and should be used as you watch the skies go from light to dim during your day. The music in this mix represent both the lament and joy that I feel with each bygone season. Reflect your own state of mind with the music and find comfort within it's grip. Peace.

Turn on, tune in, sleep...

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TRACK LISTING

• "Crickets, Wind, and Fireplace" by Unknown from Unknown (Start Time: 0:00)  

• "Sleep" by Ben Lovett from The Last Lullaby (Start Time: 0:30)

• "Falling From Grace" by Robin Guthrie from Imperial (Start Time: 2:30)    

• "Midnight Fantasy Angel" by Rudy Adrian from Moonwater (Start Time: 6:17)

• "Part 10" by Felixdroid from The Longing (Start Time: 18:29)

• "Humectez La Mouture" by Stars Of The Lid from And Their Refinement Of The Decline (Start Time: 26:51)

• "Mysterious Figures" by Bing Satellites from Twilight Sessions Volume 8 (Start Time: 32:05)

• "Fairytale" by Jon Hopkins from EP1 (Start Time: 39:52)

• "Transmit 1" by infinite_coil from Transmit (Start Time: 43:37)

• "Es Kann Nicht Ewig Winter Sein" by Bersarin Quartett from Bersarin Quartett (Start Time: 53:52)

• "La Petite File de la Mer" by Vangelis from Portraits (So Long Ago, So Clear) (Start Time: 56:56)

• "Crickets, Thunder, and Fireplace" by Unknown from Unknown (Start Time: 62:36)