Musical Experimentalist Jessica Ackerley Is Blazing Trails
Ever-evolving experimental guitarist and composer Jessica Ackerley talks about – among other things – their eclectic and ambitious new solo album.
experimental
Chanel Beads’ Bedroom Pop Is Dynamic on Their Debut LP
Chanel Beads’ LP uncovers flashes of revelation—insights that carry bedroom pop to a new level of ambitiousness while staying faithful to its homemade appeal.
Colin Newman and Malka Spigel on Nanocluster, Collaboration, and Musical Independence
Colin Newman and Malka Spigel discuss their collaborative project Nanocluster and the importance of collaboration to maintain artistic independence.
Leaving Records Are Bigger and Weirder Than Ever Turning 15
Los Angeles experimental label Leaving Records embrace an “all genre” aesthetic. At 15 years old, their artists are moving the cultural needle in a big way.
Fire-Toolz’s ‘Breeze’ Dares to Imagine Joy Within Chaos
It’s a rare artist indeed who can turn tools for expressing existential dread toward a grateful appreciation of life, but Fire-Toolz accomplishes this on Breeze.
Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion Reunite for Genre-Defying LP
The combined forces of composer/vocalist/violinist Caroline Shaw and accomplished ensemble Sō Percussion continue to thrill and amaze.
Brian Eno, Holger Czukay, and J. Peter Schwalm Provide Food for Thought
After more than 25 years, Brian Eno’s Sushi! Roti! Reibekuchen!—a once-in-a-lifetime gig by three experimental giants—finally sees the light of day.
Claire Rousay Shifts from Field Recordings to Quasi-Pop Ballads
Sentiment is a deeply melancholic work suffused with a gentle beauty in the emotions Claire Rousay expresses in the lyrics and the ambient delights.
Ambient Matters: The Best Ambient Albums of April 2024
April was a glorious stew for lovers of this music, and you’ll want to make sure to check out our new playlist showcasing this month’s best ambient entries.
Mary Lattimore and Walt McClements Create Order with the ‘Rain on the Road’
Call it experimental or ambient: harpist Mary Lattimore and accordionist Walt McClements sonically ruminate on their repetitive cycle between life and music.
‘Ghosted II’ Continues Enigmatic Project Led by Oren Ambarchi
Ghosted II is the intensely cerebral successor to 2022’s Ghosted, with Oren Ambarchi’s ensemble plumbing the depths of post-rock and avant-jazz.
Amy Aileen Wood Emits a Warm, Percussive Vibe on ‘The Heartening’
The experimental nature always hovers above Amy Aileen Wood’s The Heartening, but there’s warmth and a sense of welcome that never seems cold or distant.