'Oahu' is a collaborative release between Dutch sound artists Freiband (the latest project of Frans de Waard, founder of the Korm Plastics label and member of Kapotte Muziek, Beequeen and Goem to name but three) and Machinefabriek (the prolific Rutger Zuydervelt).
The genesis of the project was a 90 second recording of improvised acoustic lapsteel (the Oahu of the title) played by Martin Luiten. From this initial recording, segments of music, each lasting 30 seconds in length, were created then passed back and forth between de Waard and Zuydervelt over a period of four months for further processing, editing and refinement. Finally, with a collection of 20 of these segments, each artist composed their own 20 minute mix using these pieces.
Though the nature of processing and reprocessing applied to the initial recording of the lapsteel makes it at times almost unrecognisable, the harmonic and melodic essence of the instrument is retained and utilised throughout. And whilst unified by the source material at their disposal, these two tracks have a distinct feel and identity that manage to perfectly encapsulate the work of both artists.
credits
released March 7, 2008
Music by Frans de Waard and Rutger Zuydervelt, based on a lapsteel recording (track 1) by Martin Luiten.
It's an album that makes you think, forget, feel and cry.
This is what music is about, making you feel things.
Absolute must for anyone that wants to get into experimental music. nheuro
*In this sprawling audio "cycle", Stephan explores analogue sounds and drones that are peaceful, subtle and abstract at times. Like any large compendium, one must revisit it time and again to capture all that is exquisitely presented. If resolute, there are many beautiful rewards to discover here.
Best w/ headphones... Enjoy!
Interview about Radiance:
http://www.fluid-radio.co.uk/2016/07/stephan-mathieu-the-radiance-interview/
AND
http://www.schwebung-mastering.com <=>
A great finial to the project. It's like a glimpse of sunshine behind the clouds at the funeral. Caretaker's funeral. Like a disturbing calm in the ruins after fire. It brings to mind Basinski's classics. C'est fini. 2097
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