Ramblings of Altus

February 22, 2009
:: New Blog Location

Hello everyone.
I just wanted to let you know that I'm using another blog program (WordPress) which means there is a new location and RSS feed. Please update your bookmarks and news readers to continue to receive information on everything Altus.

This blog will remain here for those curious to read older posts.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

January 30, 2009
:: Netlabel - Endless Ascent

I thought I had posted about this netlabel before, but apparently not. This is one of those rare netlabels that release only one style of music, in this case light ambient. As in the opposite of dark ambient... which is so prevalent in the genre.

Endless Ascent.
The two latest releases from Seetyca and Stephen Phillips are especially enjoyable.

January 10, 2009
:: What's Planned For 2009?

I'd like to start by thanking everyone who's written me about Winter Embrace III. I'm glad people are enjoying it, and I hope you "dust" it off (so to speak) every Winter season for a listen.

In late 2007, I did a "what to expect for 2008" post. While my ideas didn't go exactly as planned, the three releases for last year (Rapid Eye Movements, Macro & Winter Embrace III) all had their own distinct moods and sounds. This was what I was aiming for, and I'm glad that things turned out that way. I'm planning similar things for 2009, as well as aiming for four releases (every three months).

Excursion Two (March)
In keeping in theme, you can expect more long-play lush melodic ambient from Excursion II. It will be released on the Earth Mantra netlabel.

City of Ashes (June/July)
This will be a special release containing photography by Shawn Sintzel (a long-time friend) to accompany the music. The timing of this release hinges on him compiling a number of photos for me to use as a catalyst, but I hope to release it by mid-Summer. As you might guess from the title, this will be a darker release. I expect it to sound similar to Rapid Eye Movements and Only One Earth to Destroy, although not nearly as oppressive as Only One Earth.

Coma Cluster (September)
I've had a number of requests for longer tracks by some listeners, so this will be a long-play release. It will consist of either one track, or a small number of long tracks that build onto each other. Expect to hear smoothly evolving pads with minimal movement.

The Third Option (December)
This was something I wanted to do last year, but it never happened. I still want to attempt glitch ambient, in my continuing goal to expand my sound.

So I hope this post might entice you for what's to come. It's been a fun journey so far, and it's only just beginning. I'm glad to have you a part of it.

January 03, 2009
:: Altus featured at Eclectic Mix Music Podcast

I'd like to thank George at Eclectic Mix Music Podcast for featuring my music (more specifically tracks from The Elements: Air).

Be sure to check out his vast listing of shows featuring many different styles of music.

December 12, 2008
:: New Release - "Winter Embrace III"

Winter Embrace III
Long-form symphonic/minimalist ambient. A journey through white wilderness, and discovery of hidden vistas.

I hope you enjoy this final chapter to the Winter Embrace series. There's not much I can say. I feel that the music "speaks" for itself, and that my thoughts and emotions come out much more clearly through it.

Season's greetings from Altus.

December 02, 2008
:: Coming December 13th - Winter Embrace III

I'm happy to announce that Winter Embrace III will be available to download in the early hours of December 13th. Ambitar Radio at StillStream.com will be the place to be at 10pm EST (Friday, December 12th) to be one of the first to hear this new release. A download link will be available in the StillStream chatroom first, and then on my site once the show is finished.

This will mark the final chapter to the Winter Embrace series. Originally I had only planned on doing two, but last year a number of people were asking when part three was coming. So I decided I would do one more for the end of 2008.

You'll find that it's similar in style and theme (especially comparing it to part one), however I've "limited" myself to using only real instruments and the human voice. There are no synths in this one. It's still ambient in style, but there are a couple symphonic outbursts that would remind you of The Grand Expanse - "Towards the Galactic Centre".
That was my first foray into teaching myself to create a more symphonic/soundtrack sound, and Winter Embrace III is my next step. I've still got a ways to go, but I'm happy with the results so far.

It's made me happy to see a lot of people really enjoy the Winter Embrace series. Thank you all for your kind comments and e-mails over the years. I truly hope you enjoy this final piece during the last days of 2008 and into 2009.

August 29, 2008
:: Ultima Thule Radio

I just wanted to thank Nev Dorrington and all the folks at Ultima Thule for playing a show's worth of my music last Sunday (August 24th, Show# 723). I hope everyone who listened to the show enjoyed what they heard.

August 23, 2008
:: Cinema Fantastique: Four scenes for a virtual film

Thanks to everyone who was able to tune in and listen to my live performance last night. We had a great turnout of over 70 listeners.
For those who were unable to make it, it's now available to download here.

Thanks to Allen Goodman for hosting the show, and to Pyracantha (Altocumulus) for naming the performance.

I've added a few things to the site. My thoughts on downloading and listening to free music, and links to my live performances in case you missed them before.

Lastly, just so you know I'll be silent here for the next few months. I'm taking a break and doing a complete overhaul of my music system. Adding some new upgrades and software. But you'll get another release out of me before the year is out, and it's very likely going to be Winter Embrace III.

August 16, 2008
:: Live Performance on Friday, August 22nd

Next Friday (August 22nd) I'll be performing live for Ambitar Radio at StillStream. The show starts at 11pm EST, and my performance will probably start an hour into the show.

It'll be a mix of ambient, sequencer and glitchy beats... so there'll be something for everyone. I hope you'll be able to listen in and be part of the fun.

August 04, 2008
:: New Release - "Macro"

Macro

Introducing Macro from Altus.  A series of 22 short tracks covering a broad range of sounds, from melodic ambient to atonal soundscapes, and a few oddities inbetween.

The story behind this release is while I work on new music, I usually start noodling with different sounds.  I end up getting carried away and while the music is good, it's not appropriate to the project I'm working on.  These tracks allow you to hear some of the things I end up coming up with.

Keep in mind that these aren't simply raw ideas.  I've expanded on the initial sound or idea and polished it up for a enjoyable listening experience.

Given that each track is it's own entity (a rare thing with my work), there's no wrong way to play this album.  Pick and choose your favourite tracks, or simply randomize the track listing for a slightly different listen every time.  Have fun with it, that's the idea.

I hope you enjoy hearing some of these "behind the scenes" sounds I'm sharing with you.