Tag Archives: steven leak

Various Artists – Two Halves vol. 11 (Pan Pan Pan Avian Distress Call)

Posted by John Lithium on

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Label Description:

Here we are – Vol 11 of the ” Two Halves ” series ~

While I enjoy collaborating with others directly ( And am particularly happy with my track on this volume ) one thing that I also really enjoy is combining the sounds of other artists in my mind – Sometimes it’s a ” Styles Clash ” sonic mash up, other times a Sympatico Through-line vibe. But it’s always something that generates heat, excitement to ponder. And almost always, it comes back sounding different and often even better than expected. Another curious artifact, which I think is manifest on this volume, is that theses tend to have, in my view, the consistency of a album by one group / person- It seems somehow connected. I was tempted to write it off on the first couple of volumes but it’s consistent enough now that It bears mentioning – I don’t give the pairs any sort of direction or theme to work with, apart from technical issues when first paired putting in touch, I take a hands off approach. And only a few times have results not come in ( Mitigating Circumstance & All ) So, Some food for thought as a peek behind the curtain.

Hope you enjoy these sounds, and again – Thanks so much to the artists participating for taking this leap of faith & delivering such stellar results ~!


Cover Image = Hali Palombo
http://www.halipalombo.com

{AN} EeL and Steven Leak – the wholly other (M I S T)

Posted by John Lithium on

Label Description:

Introducing the collaboration between {AN} Eel and steven leak. Meditative and epic drones meet visceral, emotive vocals and an unusual combination of instruments in this beautiful musical work from the duo.

credits

released April 25, 2025

Track 1 “ Monday sky”
steven: soundscapes and treatments
neal: paino. vox

Track 2 “the magic mothswarm”
steven: soundscapes and treatments
neal: handclaps, vox, piano

Track 3 “rusted petal chains”
steven: soundscapes and treatments
neal: vox

Track 4 “the wholly other”
steven: soundscapes and treatments
neal: accordion, vox

Track 5 “dark-framed shimmering endpoint”
steven: soundscapes and treatments
neal: gamelan, guitar, vox

steven: I asked Neal if he’d be interested in sending me some music that I could deconstruct, reconstruct and treat as I saw fit. Neal is a truly generous spirit and so I received two packages of stems of music incorporating a variety of instruments as well as Neal’s voice.
The result is “the wholly other”.
I love this music.
I hope you do also.

Neal: This Music in particular resonates with the season for me – It is, the beautiful area we both live in Peterborough /Nogojiwanong ( Nogojiwanong = Translates as ” place at the foot of the rapids ” ) but it has been a particularly difficult winter – And also, we are in a particularly difficult time. However, I find great comfort in being able to come out of the depths of winter ( Literally, Figuratively, Whatever ) and make what at least counts as a gesture in the direction of hope, if not an actual healing balm. So enjoy these lovingingly crafted sounds, as we look forward to a warm future

Steven Leak made his part of this music with an Arturia Minifreak, Red Panda Tensor and Particle pedals, a TC Infinite pedal, cutlery, tuned wine glasses, a stainless steel water bottle, and a Zoom multiplex pedal.

Composed and produced in Peterborough, Ontario Canada by steven leak and Neal Retke
Mixed and Mastered in Denmark (with additional treatments) by Erik Emil Eskildsen