Excision, a double-disc compilation of rare tracks from splits and vinyl-only releases, is due out February 28th through Important Records. Check out a thorough guide to Nadja‘s back catalog by Aidan Baker here.
Tag: Nadja
A self-portrait of Peter Broderick
It’s been a while since Ghostly International last revived its ambient-leaning “SMM” imprint, so the sad sack in all of us rejoiced when we heard about the label’s new Context series recently. Set to drop on March 1, it’s “a hand-picked selection of some of the world’s finest musicians…who traffic in SMM’s slow-moving, texture-focused compositions, simple in instrumentation, but infinitely complex in execution.”
What this means for the rest of us is an immaculately curated compilation of drone, ambient and neo-classical pieces from Jacaszek, Leyland Kirby, Ghostly alum Rafael Anton Irisarri (a.k.a. The Sight Below), and a host of other minor-keyed maestros who bring a tear to our eyes on a regular basis. Here’s the full tracklisting, cover art, and two streaming songs…
Continue reading »
By R. Loren
When envisioning the fabric of sound that would evolve into Sailors With Wax Wings, the notion of creating a “supergroup” was a non issue. Like any project around the house, only the right equipment, the best equipment, is desired to produce the best end result. I was only interested in using those that would bring the perfect texture to build the best end result. Those musicians did just that.
Below, I have narrowed down a release by each contributor that I would consider a favorite. Considering the essential and prolific nature of these artists, it was not easy at all. Nevertheless, take this attempt, followed by short commentaries, as an homage to an incredible list of musicians that warrant infinite respect.
[Photo by Guylaine Bedard]
If you’re like us and actually read Aquarius Records‘ thorough updates every week, you’ve probably noticed one name on the regular: Aidan Baker, either as one-half of Nadja or as the sole purveyor of limited albums, EPs and splits. To break his back catalog down into simpler terms, Baker had 99 releases under his belt at the time of this posting.
Now, there’s two ways to dive into a discography that deep. One: snag whatever compilation(s) may be available. In Baker’s case, that’d be Important‘s rather excellent I Wish Too, To Be Absorbed, which s/t shortlisted as a From the Stacks selection a couple months back. If there’s any piece of evidence that effects pedals and drawn-out drone tunes are just the beginning of what Baker has to offer, it’s this double-disc collection. (Hell, “Summer Chill” lifts its endless drum loop straight out of DJ Shadow’s dusty crate bins.)
That said, it’s only a primer; there’s much more satisfying music to be had between Nadja and Baker’s other projects. And since we’re not about to sift through 99 releases, we asked the man himself about some good places to start…
Continue reading »
AIDAN BAKER gets all up in our business
Trend-setting blogs can only tell you so much about the state of music these days, what with the way they change their damn mind on a daily basis. That’s why self-titled’s staff digs through piles of CDs every day—to sift the classics-in-waiting from that all-too-common realm of complete crap. Here are some standouts at the moment (please right click to save our sample MP3s) …
Continue reading »
