Monthly Archives: August 2023

Deep Dive: Behind The Notes – Ambient Highways

Music is healing. Music holds things together.

Prince

Deep Dive: Behind The Notes – Ambient Highways

Every musical piece has its own story, a symphony of experiences, emotions, and intentions that led to its birth. In this new series, “Deep Dive: Behind the Notes”, I invite you on a journey to uncover the layers of inspiration behind individual tracks. Our inaugural exploration begins with “Ambient Highways“, the title track of my cherished album. This piece, like every note I compose, has a rich tapestry of stories and emotions intertwined. Let’s embark on this melodic journey and discover the intricate narratives that gave life to “Ambient Highways”.

From Sidetracks to Spotlight: The Initial Journey of ‘Ambient Highway’

Back in 2015, I brought “Ambient Highways” to the world, an album that encapsulated a unique chapter of my musical journey. Yet the origin of its title track traces back even further, to its singular form as “Ambient Highway”.

Before it found its rightful place, “Ambient Highway” initially made its appearance on an album titled “Sidetracks – Volume 3” which was released in 2005. It was next to the last song on the album. The ‘Sidetracks’ series was born out of necessity — a home for melodies that, while brimming with passion and potential, didn’t quite align with the narrative of their intended projects. These weren’t rejected tunes, but rather tracks that had wandered off the path I had set for them. They were the misfits, the wanderers, the songs that sought a different tale to tell. Hence, the ‘Sidetracks’ albums became the sanctuaries for such tracks — a place where they weren’t overshadowed but rather celebrated for their unique identities.

It was amidst this backdrop that “Ambient Highway” found its initial audience. But as time moved on, it became evident that this particular track held a universe within its notes, beckoning for a deeper exploration. This realization propelled its evolution into “Ambient Highways”, growing and morphing, yet retaining the essence of its origin.

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A Special Invitation for Our Readers

Before we embark on this journey to uncover the depths of “Ambient Highways,” did you know that there’s an exclusive realm where our most passionate supporters get to experience these narratives ahead of everyone else? Over at Other Worlds Than These on Patreon, our patrons enjoy early access to articles like this one, granting them a unique perspective before it reaches the wider audience. This means being at the forefront, exploring uncharted territories, and gaining a privileged glimpse into the creative process, including the unveiling of new songs. If you share our appreciation for these musical odysseys and wish to be part of this inner circle, consider joining our community as a patron. Your support fuels these endeavors and unlocks a realm of behind-the-scenes insights

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Genesis on the Journey Home

As memory serves, the birth of “Ambient Highway” took place during a family vacation, specifically on the drive back home. The foundational melody lodged itself firmly in my mind, playing on a loop like an insistent echo. I imagined a delicate arpeggio, reminiscent of a music box, gently unfurling. Over this, the melancholic notes of a soft piano emerged, harmoniously mingling with rich orchestral layers. Yet, despite my deep affection for that initial melody, the early version didn’t quite mirror the soundscape I had envisioned. It took years, and the acquisition of the right equipment, before I could truly breathe life into the song as I had originally heard it in the corridors of my mind.

Crafting the ideal soundscape, especially with a tune as evocative as “Ambient Highway”, was a challenge that demanded both creativity and patience. In those early days, the symphony in my mind outpaced the capabilities of the equipment at my fingertips. Every aspiring and experienced musician knows this frustration well: the pursuit of that perfect tone, that flawless timbre, often feels like trying to catch smoke with bare hands.

With the limited tools I had, I embarked on a relentless quest to capture the orchestral essence that the track deserved. Patching together sounds, tweaking parameters, and countless hours of experimentation became the norm. Often, I’d find myself on the brink of satisfaction, only to feel that something was still amiss. It was like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle where the final picture was clear in my mind, but some of the pieces didn’t quite fit.

For my fellow musicians reading this, you surely recognize this dance. When the sound in your heart doesn’t match what emanates from your speakers, what do you do? Do you adapt, improvise, or continue to chase that elusive echo until it’s realized?

In the end, I reached a serene acceptance with the rendition of the song as it stood. While it might not have fully mirrored my grandest vision, its essence was undeniably genuine and touching. Recognizing its value, I gave “Ambient Highway” its rightful space on ‘Sidetracks Volume 3’, where it could shine in its own distinct light.

Lost and Found: The Resonance of Rediscovery

Over the subsequent years, I grappled with the challenge of finding my musical identity. Searching for a signature sound that truly represented me felt like navigating a labyrinth. Due to personal trauma and the emotional toll it took, I took a hiatus from creating music altogether, pressing pause on my artistic journey for a while.

The path to defining my unique sound was akin to traversing a complex maze. There were moments of clarity, glimpses of the destination, but the journey was fraught with obstacles and uncertainties. Amongst these challenges, a lost track from my past surfaced, promising to be the cornerstone of an entire album.

Every note, every chord progression was chosen meticulously, aiming to convey profound emotions and fleeting moments of clarity amidst life’s chaos. Faced with a whirlwind of ideas, I felt trapped behind an invisible barrier. Yet, with determination, I let intuition guide my fingers on the keys, shaping the melodies and harmonies that culminated in the present-day rendition of Ambient Highways.

Suddenly, with that breakthrough, an entire album began to effortlessly take shape.

From a Whisper to an Anthem: The Odyssey of Ambient Highways

It was with “Neutrino” that the barriers began to crumble, an exploratory tune that carved a path of inspiration. This was followed by “V Feeling”, which evolved with a raw, organic elegance. Each melody, each progression, felt like rekindling a passion I feared was lost to time. They coalesced, forming a symphonic letter I had yearned to share.

Following “V Feeling”, a revelation dawned upon me. As I revisited the familiar strains of “Ambient Highway”, I began to tinker, enhancing it with the evolved vision I had nurtured over the years. With the advancement of my equipment and a honed musical acumen, I was finally able to capture the sound that had eluded me for so long. It was a eureka moment — the track began to transform, aligning closer to the symphony I had originally imagined. Its transformation signified its readiness to find a place in the forthcoming album, a creation that was still awaiting its rightful name, but was, undeniably, taking on a life of its own.

While I was engrossed in composing these new melodies, my wife played an instrumental role in shaping the visual identity of the tracks. As each song blossomed, she crafted evocative artwork to accompany my early renditions — a gesture meant for our exclusive fans who were privy to the nascent stages of the album. Her designs weren’t merely placeholders; they breathed life into the music, creating an immersive experience for those fortunate enough to witness the fusion of sound and sight.

The pinnacle of this artistic collaboration came when she listened to what would become the title track. The visual she crafted for “Ambient Highway” was nothing short of transformative. She captured its essence in a striking visual. Her cover art mirrored the depths and heights of my musical sojourn, dispelling any remnants of my creative hurdles. It encapsulated the album’s essence, reflecting the ebb and flow, the highs and lows of my musical journey. Any lingering barriers or doubts I harbored were washed away by her visual interpretation. Her vision for this particular track was so compelling, it led me to christen the entire album “Ambient Highways”, and I felt a renewed connection with the song, prompting its renaming to match the album’s title. This seamless integration of music and art underscored our shared journey, a testament to the harmony of our creative spirits.

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Exclusive Offer for Patreon Supporters

For my cherished supporters on the “Bardic Inspiration Tier” at Patreon, I have something special: the first and final versions of “Ambient Highways”. Witness its evolution from inception to completion.

If you’re not yet a patron, this is your chance! By joining the Bardic Inspiration Tier, you’ll access this exclusive content and other unique rewards. Your support fuels my creativity and helps bring more music to life.

Interested? Become a patron today at https://patreon.com/owtt and dive deeper into the music.

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From Digital Debut to Vinyl Victory

In 2015, the world was introduced to “Ambient Highways,” an album that encapsulated countless hours of passion, introspection, and collaboration. However, my journey with this album was far from over. As the years rolled by, technology and my personal expertise evolved, presenting an opportunity to revisit this personal opus. In 2021, I undertook the task of expanding and remastering the tracks, ensuring that every note, every nuance resonated with even greater clarity and depth than before. But the crowning achievement was yet to come. That same year, “Ambient Highways” made its grand debut on vinyl, a milestone I had always aspired to reach. Holding that record, feeling its weight, and hearing the album in its warm, analog glory was a testament to the journey — from a melody conceived on a family vacation to a tangible piece of art that could be felt and heard in a whole new dimension.

Eighteen years since that initial melody stirred within me, the passage of time feels both swift and infinite. Today, I can immerse myself in “Ambient Highways”, tracing its journey from the first tentative note to its evocative conclusion. For me, this composition serves as a serene haven amidst life’s storms, a lucid instant of reflection. It’s my earnest desire that it provides you with the same solace. I’m elated to share it with you in its truest form, precisely as it was envisioned.

Closing Thoughts

From the nascent strains of a melody born on a family vacation to the fully realized symphony of “Ambient Highways”, this journey has been a testament to the ebb and flow of creativity, the challenges faced, and the triumph of a vision realized. It’s an intimate voyage I’ve been privileged to share with you, giving a glimpse behind the curtain of musical creation.

Did you find this deep dive enlightening and enjoyable? Was venturing into the story behind the notes a journey you’d want to embark on again? Your feedback is invaluable. If you’re keen on diving deeper into more stories behind the music, let me know. Your desire to explore further fuels my passion to share more of these ‘Deep Dives: Behind The Notes’ with you.

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Soundscapes To Explore

• Ambient Highways (Choose Service)
• Ambient Highways – Other Worlds Than These (Vinyl and CD)