Each of the composers on this tape, gave a copy to a friend or relative. The friend or relative was asked to send the copy to a friend or someone they knew who would appreciate the gift. Of course we supplied them with an envelope and stamps. The request to the receiver of the tape was to listen and send us their thoughts. An important note is that none of the receivers were used to listen to this kind of sounds.
Ben Marat works in a vegetarian restaurant in Los Angeles, he is into pop art and Japanese comics, doesn’t have any specific musical preferences, maybe early Kraut rock.
“The title says it all: this is a dark, bleak tape that succeeds in showing glints of humanity among the pieces. Singular in tone (…), not by choice or action, but by circumstance. A very compelling, if slightly short listen.”
Paul Buonaventura studies medicine in Leicester. He has a large collection of succulents, loves latin-american music:
“In Four Corners of Night, the composers create a convincing world of suspense and fear, hope and heartbreak. The pieces are wonderfully written, multifaceted, displaying depth and complexity. As in real life, the tracks are not all likeable. Their sounds are, at times, reprehensible. As you listen, you will find yourself questioning the redeeming quality of good music. You’ll be on the edge of your seat during the final seconds. And in the end, you will say, “But did they do it?” This tape will haunt you. I’ve already listened to it twenty times, and somehow I’m still not finished. My highest recommendations. LISTEN to it!”
Carmen Polanski lives in Buenos Aires. She works as a pharmacist. Her musical preferences are dictated by Ubuweb, the best resource for avant-garde in the web:
“Very good tape. It is well composed, suspenseful, thought-provoking, and rich in sound. It moves along well and throws in some unexpected changes. The four composers are excellent sound artists, able to balance the composing requirements of a good piece, as well as the artful prose of an interesting tape. I recommend this tape highly to not only field recording lovers but also to those who just want a good listen.”
Sally Langdon, works in a library in Boston. She loves the works by Schubert, but also by Stockhausen. She likes to go to the ocean and listen to Debussy’s La Mer on her headphone:
“When I was still in college, a friend bought me an experimental tape – and I was hooked. I have always been a hard-core devotee of classical music and any record shop owner will tell you, it’s fairly unusual for someone who listens to classical to also listen to field recordings just as avidly(…) The best ones, though,(…) delve into the dark night of the psyche at the same time as they dig into the narrative that forms the tape’s foundation.”
STAALTAPE 