Stimming – Sugar and Lemon
Hamburg’s Stimming ought not to need much introduction. From his breakthrough 2009 hit “Una Peña;” through his serial consistency, superb remix work, and classic records like Kleine Nachtmusik, Reflections, Stimming, and Alpe Lusia (among countless others); and his wonderfully charming (especially for a German) gear reviews on Electronic Beats TV–the guy has never ceased high-value contribution to electronic music culture. No surprise then that his latest self-released album, Friedrich, is gorgeous. As emotionally available as anything he’s ever done, the record feels to me like a soft tribute to loving oneself. It’s relaxed in its vulnerability, not melodramatic, and mostly precise, but rough around the edges where it counts. It’s human. You can grab it on bandcamp or for streaming, but Stimming was also kind enough to let me share with you my favorite track on the album here.
Stimming – “Sugar and Lemon” (mp3)
Ross Koopmans – Awake
Following in much the same stylistic vein is this sublime piece of electronica from London-based Canadian artist Ross Koopmans. Minimalist in the best way, this is the kind of shimmering, semi-ambient music that is hard not to enjoy. Even for those who don’t seek out the gentler side of electronic music, a song like this is so quietly calming. Maybe I’m just an overstimulated father of two kids under 3, but it seems to me like something this tranquil would have utility in anyone’s life. This is from Koopmans’s recent REBIRTH EP, which you can grab on bandcamp or find for streaming all one.
Ross Koopmans – “Awake”
Brecon & Verity Standen – Settled Restlessness
Finally tonight is another fine bit of contemplative electronica, this time from Welsh producer Brecon (Will Brown). Framed around a touching vocal from composer and choir leader Verity Standen, this is roughly as sparse as the two previous tunes, but with greater heft, both sonically and emotionally. Despite its relative minimalism, there’s an excellent sense for movement at work here. The track never stays still; it carefully weaves its way out of a quiet start; through a dynamic, multi-arpeggiating central body; and into fragile felted piano chords–but does all this wholly in service of Standen’s remarkable vocal. This is the second single from Brecon’s Mum’s Life EP, out later this year on Sheffield imprint With Bells; you can grab it on bandcamp, or for streaming all over.
Brecon – “Settled Restlessness” ft. Verity Standen (mp3)