Manu Delago - Zeitgeber

 Manu Delago is a seasoned percussionist and composer, probably best known as the pioneering master of the hang (a tuned, hand-played percussive instrument that looks like two cymbals squashed together - if you haven’t heard the instrument, it’s quite beautiful). You may have seen him featured on Bjork and Aoushka Shankar albums. In the meantime, he has produced a steady output of work under his own name. Delago has a penchant for prominently featuring underutilized instruments, and he is not afraid to compose for non-traditional ensembles, as a glance at the ensemble for his upcoming album Circadian reveals:

Manu Delago – handpan, drums & percussion
Christoph Pepe Auer – clarinets & baritone sax
Alois Eberl – trombone & accordion
Georg Gratzer – flute
Bernie Mallinger – violin
Clemens Sainitzer – cello
Clemens Rofner – bass

In the past - particularly on Silver Kobalt and Metromonk - he has been unafraid to build warm electronic soundscapes with layered synths. Here he flips this mindset, seeking instead "to create an electronic-inspired album in an acoustic form." He explains in the press release, “I wanted to incorporate elements of the electronic music that influences me; I use clarinets and accordion-like warm analogue synthesizers and added strings and trombone to give it an orchestral but yet very intimate character."

Circadian is an ambitious concept album, structured around our sleep rhythms. Delago seeks to emulate the structure of circadian rhythms in the compositions, leading us on a journey through the night as we progress through the album. Intentionally or not, Delago follows in the footsteps of Max Richter, whose 2015 Sleep is informed by nocturnal neuroscience. Will Delago's album match Richter's masterpiece? ... idk, but look

I’m a sucker for fast clip bass-hat-snare kit drumming with asymmetric accents. I find this hard syncopation very cool – think Deantoni Parks. Throw staccato horn blasts on top, and I'm right there with you. I’m also a fan of epic, cinematic strings. Basically, this track was made for my tastes. You wouldn't be at all surprised if this turned up during the climax scene of an episode of Sherlock. And I like Sherlock.

Olafur Arnalds- Undan Hulu

The first post that I made on NoiseDart took place a little over two months ago. It was a tedious   article about Icelandic composer Olafur Arnalds. At that time I had exactly one follower on my facebook page. Me, obviously. Considering the complete anonymity of my blog during that time, it seems only fair that I show him the respect that he truly deserves and share this incredible composer now that a few more people will see it.

At 25 years of age Arnalds has already five EPs, two albums, and the scores of three films under his belt. Few other people in our time have the ability to build complexity and emotivity out of a minimalist approach, using only a few instruments, but using them to their absolute fullest. Recently he has taken more experimental leeway in his methods, offering a fresh angle of his sound, but has never sacrifice the simple, unadorned beauty of his work. One of the first songs that he wrote was titled Undan Hulu, and I was thrilled the other day when he posted a video of him performing this song on German tv when he was only 20 years old. I hope you enjoy my favourite Icelandic composer.

Who is my newest favourite Icelandic composer?

Olafur Arnalds of course. If you've never heard of him then it's time that you did. Coming from the small suburban town of Mosfellsbær in Iceland, Olafur has worked tirelessly since his teens, proving himself as an innovative and talented composer. At the age of 21 he had already achieved great success, having toured with Sigur Rós and sold out the Barbican Hall in London. Four years later he has only risen to greater heights. He has composed and releasing much more material including an extraordinary album entitled "...And They Have Escaped The Weight Of Darkness". 


Arnalds went to University to study classical music for a short time before dropping out after deciding to pursue different aspects of music that he wasn't able to at university. In an interview with The Quietus he said about university that he "didn't really get to do the stuff (he) wanted to." About classical music he admits that "Modern classical music is very complicated and people don't understand it unless they've been studying it themselves. It's locked itself inside of a small circle and it's sad really because there's a lot of good classical music out there; and it's also sad because those in the circle are also prejudiced against other types of music". From that understanding Arnalds has taken his knowledge of classical music and has merged it with electronic production to create a style that is undeniably unique and beautiful.


This quote from Arnald's interview with More Intelligent Life sums up this song : 

"I love minimalism. I don't practice it to the extreme though. I'm much more fond of achieving big things with small things than with big things. I just find it more interesting"








His blog
Erased Tapes (The label that he belongs to is pretty awesome. If you have time check out the other artists)