breathing light

Things are looking up, right? Concerts are being planned, the vaccine rollout is going swimmingly in the US, I even quit my old job and got a shiny new one. Everyone should be on cloud nine. But no, unfortunately, it seems that after a year of discomfort (thankfully that’s all it was) and disinterest, the problem isn’t fear or a bad job or lack of socializing or events – it’s just my bad brain. My jaw is still perma-clenched and only ONE thing is helping – that, of course, is music. Specifically the type that’s like a cool slice of cucumber for your third eye.

Ever since the Nashville Ambient Ensemble record came out and worked its wonders on me, I’ve been digging into new age and meditation music voraciously. I’m seeking out 528Hz frequencies as a shortcut to soothing my overworked, overtired, over-everything brain. Drawing on a few of the members’ solo projects, some modular moments, a lot of new-to-me artists found by perusing the amazing directory that is Black Bandcamp, and oh yeah, I put the entire 1980 Laura Allan record, Reflections, on there too because she is the reason that “Traction in the Rain” is as beautiful as it is, sorry Croz.

So, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and if you’re like me and can’t easily start meditating, luckily these artists have done the work for you. Let each note reverberate throughout your body, still your mind, and let you feel peace and optimism, if only for 2 hours and 18 minutes.

TRACKLIST:
Luke Schneider – mundi tuum est
Laura Allan with Paul Horn – Nicasio
Laraaji – Trance Celestial – Movement 2
marine eyes – pink moment
Julianna Barwick – Wishing Well
Light Humidity – Silt & Sodder
Turn on the Sunlight – Warm Waves
Nailah Hunter – Quiet Light
Laura Allan with Paul Horn – As I Am
Andrew Tuttle & Padang Food Tigers – Inveterate Observatories
Zachary Paul – kether
Bhajan Bhoy feat. Prana Crafter – Strung Out
Mary Lattimore – Chop on the Climbout
Jeffrey Silverstein – Beginner’s Mind
Sarah Louise – Jewel of the Blue Ridge
Ki Oni – Channel Islands
claire rousay – a kind of promise
Laura Allan with Paul Horn – Waterfall
Belly Full of Stars – Pattern 2
Chroma Fields – Remote Vision
Michael Hix – Vico
Laura Allan with Paul Horn – Passage

All songs available on Bandcamp.