Happy November
It’s the first day of November, which doesn’t signify much, I suppose, unless you live in a place that snows like I do. The first snowfall of the year happened here last night, and that’s all anyone is talking about, as usual. How exciting.
Nevertheless, I put out an ambient/electronic record today titled No Longer Here under the name Strange Noises From Next Door. It’s streaming everywhere, and you can click here for the Bandcamp link to listen for free or buy it for $10 if you feel inclined to support. No worries either way.
The album is heavily inspired by Brian Eno, Aphex Twin, Tim Hecker, Stars of the Lid, and many others. Most of the song titles are taken from films I enjoy–be it the name itself or a quote from a film. It floats around in that dark ambient space, most of it being more on the melancholic side of things.
As for the name, I wrote it down in my notes a while ago after viewing Joachim Trier’s film The Worst Person in the World. Without spoiling, there’s a scene in the film where a character discusses their mortality and the notion that what you leave behind is what’ll live on, even after your death.
Obviously, most look to or express that through an optimistic lens. It’s a way to make themselves feel better, with some truth, whenever tragedy strikes. In this film, the character expresses how they don’t care about their work being left behind and remembered because they want to be around to cherish it.
I never heard that viewpoint before—given the “what you leave behind is what matters” narrative is so common—and it connected with me. No Longer Here is my best attempt at capturing the complexity in memory and mortality. How artsy. Hope you enjoy.
Also, thanks to Sydney for the art/cover. You’re the best.