Tag: Cinematic

eRecord019 Henrik Meierkord – Cello Improvisations

Today we have a new edition in our digital-only series, eRecords!
‘Cello Improvisations’ is a short collection of cello improvisations by Stockholm, Sweden based cellist and composer Henrik Meierkord.

eRecords is a digital record series created by Whitelabrecs, to run alongside our physical releases. These editions aim to transform the digital format into something that can be experienced in a similar way to a listener’s interaction with a real, white label vinyl record. Each edition includes a special PDF scrapbook including polaroids and liner notes.

We do not publish details about the concepts or production methods of a release so that the liner notes and content in each scrapbook will reveal the background of each edition in the series.

catalog: eR019
artist: Henrik Meierkord
release title: Cello Improvisations
release type: EP
location: Stockholm, Sweden

released may 20, 2023

Written and produced by Henrik Meierkord
Mastered by James Edward Armstrong
Cover artwork by Henrik Meierkord
Art and design Andrew Heath

You can find out more information about eRecords in our landing page link, below:

https://whitelabrecs.com/erecord-series/

Out Now! Tum Tum – A Tree Hollow

Also new for May is ‘A Tree Hollow‘ by Texas, USA based composer John Paul Thompson who records as Tum Tum. This record is a conceptual album in which there are three movements and nine tracks. It is inspired by both by Dr. Li Wenliang who became prominent in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the artist’s own personal experiences. This album is out now in a run of 100 CDrs, in our signature gatefold vinyl-effect packaging. If you follow us on Bandcamp (Click HERE) we’ll make sure you’re the first to hear about future releases. Or you can become a subscriber and receive our monthly newsletters by clicking HERE

press release
“Tum Tum is the project of composer John Paul Thompson, who is based in Texas, United States. He is from a family of musicians and began his own journey with the violin at the age of 8 before moving on to guitar, piano, and eventually synthesis and sound design. John Paul also previously ran an independent record label called Pandarosa Records, producing multiple albums and performing alongside several acts in the label’s roster.

Wider artistic initiatives also play a key part in John Paul’s work, with his enthusiasm for photography and his work in music licensing with Chicago-based Comma Music. He is also co-founder of Easyside, an arts + food non-profit working in East Fort Worth. This wider creative lens transforms the series of compositions in this album ‘A Tree Hollow’, into a conceptual album in which there are three movements and nine tracks.

The backstory of this record is told by John Paul in the following album introduction:

“I heard the term ‘a tree hollow’ described in a radio story memorializing the death of Dr. Li Wenliang one year after he passed due to COVID-19. Dr. Li had been the first to sound the alarm and he died of the virus in the nascent days of the global pandemic. “You find a tree hollow in the forest and seal your written secret in there so you can feel better,” Huang Zhisheng, a professor and researcher at the Free University Amsterdam explained of the Chinese tradition. Since his death Dr Li’s lingering social media presence had posthumously transformed, and people were sealing messages on his unattended page – ‘Will I pass my graduate exams tomorrow, Dr. Li?’ – ‘Dr. Li, I pet a cute orange cat today! I’m happy!’ – ‘I can’t’ – ‘I don’t understand.’

In 2018, as I prepared to move away from Chicago with my wife and daughter to rejoin family in Texas, we received news of a friend’s disappearance, then of their death. We pushed the move date forward to make it to the funeral and made a hasty goodbye to our home. Two months later we learned of our niece’s death, stillborn within weeks of her due date. Shortly after that funeral, a family fracture emerged that cast a dark shadow of doubt over our decision to leave Chicago.

In the oppressive Texas rains of late 2018, I began rebuilding a studio in the spare bedroom. As we emerged from grief, as family bonds were slowly restored, as trust in others and ourselves was replenished, and as we found focus and budding purpose in our Fort Worth community, I began writing these pieces – for myself. I eventually decided to share a few of the tracks in early 2019 but ended up sitting on the work for over two years, first delayed by my own self-doubt and then by the cataclysms of 2020. In the face of such global and systemic tragedies, what could I say?

It wasn’t until I heard the story of Dr. Li in February of 2021 that I found a renewed interest in this project. These pieces had been a tree hollow in the forest, into which I had sealed my secrets so that I could feel better. That was enough for me, but moreover, I found hope that there might be enough room in them into which an audience might place their own secrets.“

credits

Written, produced and mastered by John Paul Thompson
Cover artwork by John Paul Thompson – john-paul.xyz
Art and design by Andrew Heath

Packaging photos

Here’s a glimpse of the packaging files, which you can see via the slideshow below:

Out Now! Mardit B. Lleshi – Bledi Boraku – Saggio

Our next release is ‘Saggio‘ by Mardit B. Lleshi and Bledi Boraku which is a collaborative album from these two Albanian musicians. The album combines Bledi’s electric guitar tones with the timbres of Mardit’s cello compositions. The minimalist artwork of a dimly lit church shot from outside at night, reflects the imposing yet inviting nature of the music. This album is out now in a run of 100 CDrs, in our signature gatefold vinyl-effect packaging. If you follow us on Bandcamp (Click HERE) we’ll make sure you’re the first to hear about future releases. Or you can become a subscriber and receive our monthly newsletters by clicking HERE

press release
“In this album we welcome Albanian musicians and artists Bledi Boraku and Mardit B. Lleshi, with their album called ‘Saggio’. Their work together combines Bledi’s electric guitar tones with Mardit’s textured cello timbres. Whilst they work together regularly in live performances, this album is their official debut release.

The album was performed and recorded live, capturing the acoustics of the room as a key component of this record. This gives the album another dimension from contemporary classical music, which tends to be produced pristinely, with high-end mixing equipment. There is a balance of darkness and warmth throughout these pieces, which play through seamlessly as one continuous listen.

The impression is given of a live concert, perhaps inside a dimly-lit church as depicted by Benet Nelku’s cover artwork. The grandeur of the church from the outside dark alongside the power of the music is imposing, yet inviting. Inside, a charm and character unravels; Peter Nejedly’s photo in the CD sleeve shows a tired old roof with its dusty beams. Tales from the centuries would be told, if these beams could speak. Instead, the music beams through in the detailed layers of Saggio, a word which translates to ‘wise’.“

credits

Composed, performed & recorded by
Bledi Boraku (electric guitar) – Mardit B. Lleshi (cello)
Tirana, Albania
Mixed by Dritëro Nikqi – Studio C (Prishtinë)
Mastered by James Edward Armstrong
Front image – photo by Benet Nelku
Inner image – photo by Peter Nejedly
Design by Andrew Heath

Packaging photos

Here’s a glimpse of the packaging files, which you can see via the slideshow below:

Out Now! The Dead Bell – A Moment at Dawn

Our next release is ‘A Moment at Dawn‘ by The Dead Bell which is a collaborative album by Mike Cottone (The Green Kingdom) and Euan Millar-McMeeken (glacis). This album combines Mike’s widescreen americana-tinged guitars with Euan’s raw and intimate piano, along with additional sounds and techniques. This album is out now in a run of 100 CDrs, in our signature gatefold vinyl-effect packaging and be sure to also check out our special range of The Dead Bell merch below! If you follow us on Bandcamp (Click HERE) we’ll make sure you’re the first to hear.

press release
“We’re proud to present the debut album from The Dead Bell which is a Trans-Atlantic collaboration between Euan Millar-McMeeken (Glacis) and Michael Cottone (The Green Kingdom). Between them, these experienced artists have released their music through numerous labels including the likes of Home Normal, Lost Tribe Sound, Dronarivm, Oscarson, Sound in Silence, Hidden Vibes, Fluid Audio, Rusted Tone and Past Inside the Present. Some may recall that Euan had a previous release with us back in 2020; another collaborative album which was with Gavin Miller.

Euan is originally from Dundee in Scotland but now works in London, via Newcastle and Edinburgh. He developed his solo and studio work as glacis in 2010,after many years spent performing vocals and keys in a band. Other collaborations include gallowglas with Johan G Winther and Civic Hall with Craig Tattersall. Mike has been active as The Green Kingdom since 2005 and hails from Shelby Township, Michigan. He has developed an electro-acoustic sound that blends guitars, synths, sampled textures and field recordings.

‘A Moment at Dawn’ combines Euan’s intimate-sounding piano recordings and additional software-driven sounds with Mike’s signature guitar and melodic embellishments,with no set theme or concept. The project progressed naturally, as these two musicians shared and developed their sounds and ideas. The cover artwork by Casey Horner had become a focal point for their work and aptly reflects the title of the album; A Moment at Dawn.“

credits

Written and produced by Euan Millar McMeeken and Michael Cottone
Mastered by James Edward Armstrong
Cover photo by Casey Horner
Packaging layout by Michael Cottone

merch range

Here’s a new range of merch we’ve put together for The Dead Bell, to coincide with their debut album ’A Moment at Dawn’. We’ve chosen warm and bright colours, perfect for the spring and summer months ahead:

Firstly we have a unisex hoodie in a choice of two colours:

https://whitelabrecs.bandcamp.com/merch/the-dead-bell-awdis-unisex-pullover-hoodie-digital-album

Then there is the t-shirt, also in a choice of two colours, which sports the full logo:

https://whitelabrecs.bandcamp.com/merch/the-dead-bell-bella-canvas-unisex-t-shirt-digital-album

The Dead Bell is Michael Cottone (The Green Kingdom) and Euan Millar-McMeeken (glacis) and those who order from this range will also get a free digital copy of the album.

Coming soon… The Dead Bell – A Moment at Dawn

Our next release is a collaboration between glacis and The Green Kingdom with their debut album as The Dead Bell which is called ‘A Moment at Dawn’. This record fuses the raw and intimate sounds of glacis’ piano with TGK’s Americana tinged ambience. This album will be available officially in a run of 100 CDrs in our signature gatefold vinyl-effect sleeves. The album will be out officially on Saturday the 15th of April after a pre-order on the 7th of April. If you follow us on Bandcamp (Click HERE) we’ll make sure you’re the first to hear.

press release
“We’re proud to present the debut album from The Dead Bell which is a Trans-Atlantic collaboration between Euan Millar-McMeeken (Glacis) and Michael Cottone (The Green Kingdom). Between them, these experienced artists have released their music through numerous labels including the likes of Home Normal, Lost Tribe Sound, Dronarivm, Oscarson, Sound in Silence, Hidden Vibes, Fluid Audio, Rusted Tone and Past Inside the Present. Some may recall that Euan had a previous release with us back in 2020; another collaborative album which was with Gavin Miller.

Euan is originally from Dundee in Scotland but now works in London, via Newcastle and Edinburgh. He developed his solo and studio work as glacis in 2010,after many years spent performing vocals and keys in a band. Other collaborations include gallowglas with Johan G Winther and Civic Hall with Craig Tattersall. Mike has been active as The Green Kingdom since 2005 and hails from Shelby Township, Michigan. He has developed an electro-acoustic sound that blends guitars, synths, sampled textures and field recordings.

‘A Moment at Dawn’ combines Euan’s intimate-sounding piano recordings and additional software-driven sounds with Mike’s signature guitar and melodic embellishments,with no set theme or concept. The project progressed naturally, as these two musicians shared and developed their sounds and ideas. The cover artwork by Casey Horner had become a focal point for their work and aptly reflects the title of the album; A Moment at Dawn.“

credits

Written and produced by Euan Millar McMeeken and Michael Cottone
Mastered by James Edward Armstrong
Cover photo by Casey Horner
Packaging layout by Michael Cottone

eRecord017 Matteo Cantaluppi – More Frantic 2012​-​2022

Today we have a new edition in our digital-only series, eRecords!
‘More Frantic 2012-2022’ is an extended album from Italian composer Matteo Cantaluppi, an exploration of Ambient sketches created over a ten year period, between Berlin and Milan.

eRecords is a digital record series created by Whitelabrecs, to run alongside our physical releases. These editions aim to transform the digital format into something that can be experienced in a similar way to a listener’s interaction with a real, white label vinyl record. Each edition includes a special PDF scrapbook including polaroids and liner notes.

We do not publish details about the concepts or production methods of a release so that the liner notes and content in each scrapbook will reveal the background of each edition in the series.

catalog: eR017
artist: Matteo Cantaluppi
release title: More Frantic 2012-2022
release type: album
location: milan, italy

released march 10, 2023

Written, produced and mastered by Matteo Cantaluppi

Cover art by Pietro Bonaiti
Art and design by Harry Towell
Track 2 guitar by Perry Frank
Track 2 noises by Matteo Milea
Track 11 modular synth by Matteo Sand

Special thanks to Matteo Sandri, Matteo Milea and Francesco Perra

You can find out more information about eRecords in our landing page link, below:

https://whitelabrecs.com/erecord-series/

Out Now! Glåsbird – Pacifica

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Our next release is ‘Pacifica‘ by Glåsbird who is an anonymous artist currently working on a multi-album geographical series called A Sonic Expedition and this is the seventh edition of the series, after previous albums being based on Greenland, Svalbard, the Norwegian Fjords, Novaya Zemlya, Siberia and Himalaya. This album is the most experimental to date, with exotic percussion carved out of cheap instruments, tropical poly-rhythms, tape decay and field recordings. This album will be available officially in a run of 100 CDrs in our signature gatefold vinyl-effect sleeves. The album is out today in a run of 100 copies after a short pre-order. The CDs have all sold out however, you can still check out the digital version. If you follow us on Bandcamp (Click HERE) we’ll make sure you’re the first to hear.

press release
“Glåsbird’s travelogue of sound advances further, with this seventh edition in the series heading to warmer, more exotic climes. The A Sonic Expedition series is this anonymous artist’s armchair exploration of the world around us and it has to date put down roots in Greenland, Svalbard, Norway, Novaya Zemlya, Siberia and the Himalayas. With this latest excursion, the snowy, treacherous peaks of Everest are traded for the tropically vast Pacific Ocean.

As fans of the artist will already be aware, Glåsbird researches each geographic location with great intrigue and fascination, scouring Google Earth satellite imagery, watching documentaries, reviewing vintage maps and reading articles about its history and culture. Whilst the enormity of this ocean was obvious from looking at the globe, what became apparent was the scale of diversity across the thousands of islands in the region, whether it be the landscapes, culture or even the rare species of bird. Studying history revealed some dark tales, of challenging sea voyages, crocodiles and even cannibalism. As always, it also gave the artist opportunity to make new discoveries, such as how atolls are formed from ancient volcanoes and theories on how the Moai of Easter Island were moved across the landscape.

Glåsbird felt that their now signature modern classical style needed to change for this record, as these ambient portraits of the Pacific offer surely the most adventurous sound to date from this artist. Percussive rhythms were carved out of cheap percussion instruments, exotic poly-rhythms glisten alongside sounds of rolling ocean waves and the thriving nature scenes. Sun bleached tape decays atop warm, ebbing bass and synth tones.

In Pacifica, Glåsbird traces a set route from one island to the next, marked by each track on the album. It begins with a view of La Perouse Pinnacle from inside the French Frigate Shoals. This pillar of rock has been known to cause shipwrecks and general confusion amongst seafarers who’d mistaken it for a ship when seen from distance. The journey continues many miles of sea south, to the triangular shaped Kingman Reef before heading off to explore the lake in the middle of Washington Island, also known as Teraina. The journey heads a long way across the ocean in an easterly direction, to the Galápagos Islands and then onto the remote Easter Island, home of the Moai stones. The next leg of the journey returns in a westerly direction, arriving at Mangareva which is the main part of the Gambier Islands. The French Polynesian paradise island of Bora Bora follows, before a stop at the small wooded island of Tafahi in Tonga. Inyeug, the most northerly island of Vanuatu is the next destination, famed for Queen Elizabeth II’s visit back in 1974. The tempo of the percussive loops notches up a little, as the next track represents the Solomon Islands and then this tour ends on the island of Yap, with echoes of Yapese rituals and lapping ocean waves closing the final piece which is called Rumung.“

credits

Written and produced by Glåsbird
Mastered by James Edward Armstrong
Art and design by Andrew Heath

1. Front cover photography is of Tafahi island seen from
Niuatoputapu (Tonga). The photograph was taken in 1969
by anthropologist Garth Rogers and is licenced under the
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
license.

2. Inner CD photography is a road on Washington Island
(Teraina), Line Islands, Pacific Ocean. It was taken by Dr.
James P. McVey in November 1968 whilst working for the
NOAA Sea Grant Program.

3. Rear CD inset photography is of the palms on Akamaru island
on January 2 2014. The photograph was taken by Fred and
is licenced under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share
Alike 4.0 International license

eRecord016 glåsbird – sirena

Today we have a new edition in our digital-only series, eRecords!
‘sirena’ is a two track EP from anonymous artist Glåsbird, a deep dive into Pacific Ocean seascapes, with wondrous, sleepy Ambient drones.

eRecords is a digital record series created by Whitelabrecs, to run alongside our physical releases. These editions aim to transform the digital format into something that can be experienced in a similar way to a listener’s interaction with a real, white label vinyl record. Each edition includes a special PDF scrapbook including polaroids and liner notes.

We do not publish details about the concepts or production methods of a release so that the liner notes and content in each scrapbook will reveal the background of each edition in the series.

catalog: eR016
artist: glåsbird
release title: sirena
release type: ep
location: unknown

released february 19, 2023

Written and produced by Glåsbird
Mastered by James Edward Armstrong
Artwork by Harry Towell
Art and design by Harry Towell

You can find out more information about eRecords in our landing page link, below:

https://whitelabrecs.com/erecord-series/