As Portland's Universal Broadcast Network prepares for the launch of their next release, Cracked Reflection by Kagami Smile, local Auscultation lends support with a dreamy rework.
Blending the atmosphere of avant modernist Kagami Smile with the subliminal beat of his Auscultation project, producer Joel Shanahan constructs a spatial shuffle, uplifting into sonic ether. Joel's involvement in the release, including this remix and the mastering of the album, helped to shape the feel of the record.
Peace Portal is pleased to share a first listen of the remix, as we as some of Joel's thoughts on the release.
Can you share about your process remixing this track? In particular what inspired the rhythms you introduced to the ambient original?
I found myself really getting sucked into the shadowy mood of "Yes," in particular. Remixing an ambient tune can be tricky because of the unlimited possibilities, so—to avoid total option paralysis, I tried to have a grip on what direction to take the remix in before I actually started carving up his track.
Additionally, I was working with the track as a finished piece and didn't have stems, which can be a little challenging. After giving it several listens, I really gravitated toward giving it this primitive, pop-electro feel. I cut up some sections to seam a solid, primary chord progression together that I could tether to a rhythm and then I also whipped up some of my own chords and melodies to lengthen the progression. I've played live a ton and I'm constantly thinking about how to make the rhythmic chatter jump off the page. I also just love the hell out of electro and Miami bass and tend to default to those forms pretty often.
Can you set a scene your remix would soundtrack?
Walking in rain and fog to the park, trying to decide between indulging a bad habit or calling an old friend.
What's something you said yes to recently?
I was asked to start a monthly DJ night at Gold Dust Meridian on the first Saturday of every month after years of inactivity and I said yes to that. It's honestly been a great way to reconnect to the community after years of inactivity. Shout out to Glittery Ghoul for hooking it up.
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