It's the ticking clock.
Oh sure, it isn't always there - you don't always hear it, but you feel it - feel it in the same way we all do when something is due - when time is running out and we actually have to create. And make no mistake, writing is a creative act and creating is hard - which is why this playlist exists - to make it easier ;-)
I'm in love with this track - in fact - while I normally recommend the whole "one track on repeat thing" - I reckon you could go to Spotify and just stream the entire The Amsterdam Sessions EP - it's pretty awesome music to write to.
For me it's the soundscape they create - yes the piano is great and has such forward momentum - but it's the additional sounds - the ambient noises - the clock, the voices, the outside world creeping in - reminding you that it's there and that you'll have to return to it - soon - and with an essay in hand!
It's beautifully done - I'm a fan. Here's the press release:
When Fabian Rosenberg (Klangriket) and Sjors Mans came across each other through Soundcloud, there was an instant click. Discussing music and sound gear, they eventually decided to make a song together. Their first try-out, called Sarem, was such a good experience that the two musicians felt like collaborating further to see what they could come up with if they shared the same room while writing. This resulted in Fabian leaving Stockholm, his hometown, to visit Sjors at his Amsterdam studio. During four days, they improvised and experimented as much as possible, while taking turns on different musical instruments. This adventure resulted in five tracks that are now called The Amsterdam Sessions.
Ranging from neo-classical to experimental, ambient electronics, this EP is an exploration of sound and an ode to collaborative improvisation.
You can learn more about Klangriket & Fabian Rosenberg here:
You can learn more about Sjors Mans here:
About the Curator: Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the dark forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top. They would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
Although I've always played, I haven't always been a musician. Most of my twenties were spent working with people, buying and selling and learning how the world works. It was in my thirties that I came to America and focused on music and began to develop music2work2.
Latest Posts
Lonely Dream – Drunken Kong Remix – The Archer, Drunken Kong
24 November 2021
But as I’ve moved from ideation to manifestation, the energy of the playlist needed to change – solo piano is good for thinking – but 8 minutes of 130 bpm edm is great for getting things down
Out Of Reach – Cristoph, Yotto, Sansa
8 November 2021
So if you’ve been listening to the playlist recently you know what’s coming. Last week’s track was all about setting the intent for change – away from the more relaxing ideation space of solo instrumentation to this week’s electronic track from Cristoph, Yotto and Sansa.
Mr. Clay – Johnny Klimek, Tom Tykwer
31 October 2021
I’ve known for a while that the feel of the list was going to change – while piano instrumentals are perfect for reflection and ideation – at some point you need some energetic input to get your fingers moving.
Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the Dark Forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top, they would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
As a psychology graduate I studied how sound affects human performance.
As a musician I compose instrumental music that stimulates your brain but doesn't mess with your language centers, leaving you free to be creative and brilliant without distraction.
As a curator I research how music can improve your life and create flow - I can tell you what music to listen to when studying for a test and why listening to sad music can make you feel better.
As a creator / contributor at musicto I’m part of a global creator community that collaborates through music. You can learn more about our community here.