We know as well as anyone about partying in the New Year, but 2023 has been a long one and we’re feeling a little more introspective. To that end, this week’s selections are in the pursuit of New Year’s Zen. Join us in gathering some much needed mental fortitude for 2024.
Jeff Buckley – "New Year’s Prayer”
We know as well as anyone about new year’s partying, but feeling a little more introspective this year and gathering our mental fortitude for 2024. So this week’s selections are in the pursuit of some New Year’s zen. We’re kicking it off with an ode to spontaneity and deep thoughts from poet and musician Jeff Buley. This 1994 track will win you over with its meandering intensity, vocal collage, and mesmerizing construction. Amen!
André 3000 – “Ants To You, Gods to Who?”
André 3000’s recent resurfacing as a philosophizing flutist may belie his history as half of hip-hop group Outkast. But we think it’s an excellent case study for the necessary evolution at the center of any artists’ journey. Click play on this one to enjoy a spiritualized sonic wonderland peppered by glittering embellishments and flourishes worthy of Fern Gully itself.
Ruler of Program – “Breathless”
Now for some zen you can dance to. Ruler of Program is Nathan Horowitz, a bedroom beatmaker previously featured as part of KCRW’s Young Creators Project. This latest track features global percussive styles and big walls of piano chords topped off by synths in the style of a primitive flute or gourd to bring that ancient energy. Hopeful in melody and energized by a hip-shaking BPM, this track will help you welcome new year’s day with open arms.
More: Young Creators Project spotlight: Ruler of Program
ANNA – “Receiving (Feat. Laraaji)”
Enter here all you soul seekers, and namaste. This meditative track, the lead single from the debut LP by Brazilian DJ ANNA and collaborator Laraaji, is a purposeful construction of synths and zither designed to light your path to nirvana. Ambient and artfully designed to sit somewhere between the realm of soundscape and song, this seven-minute track and its stunning visualizer are the key to keeping your resolution of daily transcendental meditation practice.
Brendan Eder Ensemble – “Ending”
Chamber music, but make it new and different. We love the dimensions in this instrumental track off of Therapy, the excellent 2023 album from LA ambient composer Brendan Eder. Lilting woodwinds suggest something coming around the corner, while steady brass and strings keep you grounded enough not to float away on panflute hopes and piccolo dreams. A swelling, plot-shifting track, a beautiful woven tapestry of notes, a long slow soft embrace…of the end.