Getting set to drop soon on Whitelabrecs, we’re pleased to welcome The Prairie Lines which is the new outlet for Bill Bawden, formerly known as Herzog. We’ve long been a follower of Bill’s work through his self-released/netlabel work as Herzog so we’re pleased to present this beautiful set of wintry Ambient/piano pieces. Eyes Down Slowdown features the familiarly beautiful artwork of Slovakian photographer Peter Nejedly and might be a record for those who enjoy work by Scissors and Sellotape, Herzog (of course!) or Andrew Hargreaves – you can listen to a preview of the album by using the Soundcloud player below or keep a check on our Facebook or Instagram pages to preview the packaging when we share it.
Whitelabrecs low-run releases will be made available suddenly without official release dates, meaning they’re likely to sell out fast. The best way to keep informed is to join our mailing list which can be located through our website menu.
press release
“South Londoner Bill Bawden has been releasing delicate ambient music since 2005 under various guises, most notably albums and EPs on Serein, 12Rec, Resting Bell, Audio Gourmet and Rural Colours under the name Herzog. On his first full-length release under his Prairie Lines moniker, Bill has continued to refine his sound, processing piano samples to bring out warm lo-fi textures and layers of static.
The prairie lines are wide open spaces and homely values. Pylons and cables stretching for miles. Lines of migration. Interrupted communications.
eyes down slowdown is a call to become more introspective, to temporarily reject the speed of life around you.
An invitation to a place of worship, stepping into a resonant holy chamber.. this is where we kneel. A secret home away from the buzzing city streets, but also a secret home inside yourself. The performance of a repetitive ritual in order to achieve some result. A bright melodic loop which gradually corrodes. A familiar sequence that gradually falls apart, an examination of what is necessary. A repetition to bring about
a trance-like state.. to see without seeing and hear without hearing. To touch hands from the sky.
A calm landing.., to descend to somewhere new… an open field and a gentle breeze.
To accept the familiar and unfamiliar as one, to be comfortable with life whatever it holds.
Stop haunting my door.. not a physical door but a way in. The ghost is not trying to gain access but preventing you or anyone close to you from gaining access. Smile but prepare. When you look inside yourself, what if you don’t like what you see, or it scares you?”
credits
Catalog number WLR031
Written and produced by Bill Bawden
Mastered by Tim Diagram
Photography by Peter Nejedly
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