City of Dawn - Where The World Quietly Sing Their Song (2021)

 

GENRE : ambient, drone, instrumental, post-rock

RECORD LABEL : El Gran E Records

El Gran E Records state on their Bandcamp bio that they're ''bringing you music you didn't know you needed''. Even though this is the first and only release I've listened to of theirs - that statement certainly rings true for this album. I needed it without knowing I did.

The world is in a terrible way right now, and we could all definitely use some emotional and spiritual healing. This album definitely helps with that. City of Dawn is the instrumental ambient/drone project of Damian Duque. He creates beautiful sweeping melancholic soundscapes that shimmers and swells all around you. Inspired by 'Lost In Translation' (one of my all-time favourite movies!), this album is a glorious eruption of beautiful ambient noise. Great meditative healing music for these dark and troubled times. 

Stream/Download the album here...

https://elgranerecords.bandcamp.com/album/where-the-world-quietly-sing-their-song

Julia Gjertsen - Formations (2022)

 

GENRE : modern classical, cinematic, electronica, ambient, instrumental, Norway,

RECORD LABEL : Moderna Records

Moderna Records are a Canadian record label that specialize in all kinds of beautiful modern classical music, and ambient music. I clicked on this album simply because it was the newest album on their Bandcamp page...

'Formations' by Norwegian composer Julia Gjertsen is a breathtaking magical work of art. The central focus of this album is the beautiful rhythmic piano playing, which is both repetitive yet constantly shifting and building towards huge glorious cinematic crescendos, backed by ambient textured electronics, sweeping string sections and soft flutes. A wonderful introspective modern classical album. It makes me think of drifting clouds and waterfalls. I love it. 

Stream/Download the album here :

https://modernarecords.bandcamp.com/album/formations

Moderna Records :

https://modernarecords.bandcamp.com/

Tidiane Thiam - Siftorde (2020)

 

GENRE : African guitar, world, minimalist folk

RECORD LABEL : Sahel Sounds

Tidiane Thiam is a Senegalese musician, folklorist, photographer and artist from Podor - a small riverside town in the North of Senegal. Inspired by a deep knowledge and understanding of Sahel folklore and borrowing from ancient melodies, Tidiane Thiam plays beautiful finger-picked minimalist African folk guitar music. Recorded at night at his home in Podor using a single microphone against the backdrop of crickets and other night sounds, this is deep reflective music for the soul. Enjoy.

Stream/Download the album here :

https://tidianethiam.bandcamp.com/album/siftorde

Sizzlebird - Clear Waters (2017)

 

GENRE : electronic, dubstep, chillwave, , dance

RECORD LABEL : Handle With Care

I can't remember how I came across Sizzlebird and this particular release of his, but I did, and I'm glad I did. 'Clear Waters' consists of two gorgeous pieces of dance-y yet soothing electronic goodness, with beautiful violin and piano adding wonderful colour and texture to the songs. A truly calming listening experience. I'm looking forward to checking out more of Sizzlebird's work.

Stream/Download here : 

https://sizzlebird1.bandcamp.com/album/clear-waters