Emerald Suspension On the Making Of ‘Sounds to Hear Alone’
What was the creative process like for this particular 'Sounds to Hear Alone?'
In the past two years, Emerald Suspension created many brief video and multi-media projects that included new experimental recordings and music. Many of those shared a common tone, and we recognized that a few of them had the potential to be further developed into standalone audio releases. Re-imagining, rerecording, and remastering the audio from those select videos in the past few months gave rise to the tracks on ‘Sounds to Hear Alone.’
Were there any specific recording techniques or equipment used to achieve the desired sound?
An eclectic set of experimentation on this release varies by track and includes instances of no-input mixing, sheet metal vibrated via a transducer, processed signal generator tones, bowed materials, field recordings, and occasional low-talent attempts with traditional instruments. It is terribly inefficient, but we actively resist establishing a set "workflow" and instead discover possibilities through experimentation trial and error.
How does 'Sounds to Hear Alone' fit into your overall artistic vision?
Overall, ‘Sounds to Hear Alone’ is a bit less aggressive than some prior releases, but more somber than others. This album leans towards "dark grey ambient", with elements of drone, noise, and moody experimentation throughout. While some of the tracks approach the realm of harsh noise, the overall tone of the album is decidedly gloomy, surreal, and uneasy.
What draws you to experimental music/art?
It's an interesting question and one we think to ask other such artists and like-minded individuals...and therapists, essentially "What the $%!# is wrong with us?!". For some of us, experimental music/art makes a rare connection to parts of our psyche that are otherwise undefinable; the parts that can be seemingly unrelatable, alienating, and even a little askew. Discovering like-minded people and their work can be surprisingly therapeutic. (...or maybe we are just easily bored and antagonistic to anything 'normal'?)
Have you ever encountered resistance or pushback when experimenting with your art? If so, how did you handle it?
Yes, and we have not handled it well at all.
There is an overall tension between experimentation and staying connected to a sustainable fan base. Some of our followers who are attracted to industrial, punk, post-punk, electronic, noise, avant-garde, shoegaze, jazz, spoken word, IDM, algorithmic music, conceptual art, or other genres we have explored do not necessarily appreciate one or more of those other categories.
We have gained, lost, re-gained, and re-lost listeners over the years due to our experimentation. Ideally, we will continue to connect with those who appreciate ongoing experimentation and slowly grow a following with like-minded people. Thank you for giving that a chance!
