Release Date: July 11, 2025
The first release in the Aural Realms series
Originally composed in 2001 and inspired by a poem written by my oldest daughter while she was in high school, Candles has quietly evolved over the years—its form changing, but its emotional essence remaining intact. It stands as a meditation on memory, warmth, and the fragile glow of something deeply personal.
This release also marks the beginning of Aural Realms—an ongoing series of long-form ambient compositions. The series will include both reimagined versions of earlier works and brand new immersive pieces, all shaped to invite deep listening, creative focus, and emotional reflection.
Whether you’re seeking a calm space to work, unwind after a long day, or simply breathe in the stillness, Candles (Aural Realms Version) offers a soundscape designed to support presence and peace.
Let the sound drift. Let the moment breathe.
Review of Candles (Aural Realms Version) by Mike at Sequences Magazine
Although a new name to me, Keith Richie has been creating Electronic Music for several
years and has recorded and released some excellent music along the way.
Firmly in the Ambient school, his style is also melodic and recalls the essence of a
bygone age with an almost medieval sensibility in terms of the instrumentation,
although at the same time being thoroughly modern.
His compositions often transport you to landscapes both vast and intimate, weaving a
tapestry of sound that feels timeless. His ability to merge delicate, ethereal tones with
more grounded elements, creates an immersive experience that compares very well
alongside other works in electronic ambient music.
Candles
The ‘Candles’ composition demonstrates his ability to create a soundscape that
supports deep listening and relaxation while retaining melodic elements that gently
propose an alternative meaning.
Although ‘Candles’ has evolved since its creation in 2000, it still retains the original
charm of the track inspired by a poem written by his oldest daughter while she was in
high school. That innocence has been retained even now, as has the emotional essence
of the piece.
From the faintest of drones to deep sweeping pads of string and woodwind style
sounds, the background is set for the melodic elements to dance together and carry the
listener into a relaxing dream of quiet reflection.
Mike – Sequences Magazine