David Archer, composer, etc.

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RELEASE: ‘Primordial’, a piano-and-biosphere single made in Haida Gwaii

You can stream and download my new single “Primordial” on Bandcamp. Hear it now.

Cover art by Jeff Powers, illustrator

For the last few years, I have been experimenting with how to combine two things I love – the piano and the sounds of nature – into satisfying music. And I’m grateful to finally get to share this with you.

This track is made of a million pieces. My collection of field recordings from Haida Gwaii and elsewhere in Northern B.C. has been growing since 2018, and you’ll hear some Haida Gwaii sounds in this track, including the ocean, weather, birds, forest, and humans.

Right before covid hit I managed to find an upright Yamaha piano. Incredible timing, in hindsight. The piano now lives in my unfinished studio. As I’ve gotten to know the instrument, I’ve also been learning how to record well in this space.

I’ve also begun learning how to tune the piano. There aren’t any professional tuners here, yet. I’m barely a beginner at this, but it’s been so satisfying, as you’ll hear in the recording.

“Primordial” is part of a full album of piano-and-biosphere music. I hope to share that in the spring, as my chronic illness allows me to work on it.

How you can help me make the full album

  1. Send this to a friend who will enjoy fresh music from you. 

  2. Purchase the track at any price on Bandcamp if you are able. (You can stream for free, regardless.)

LISTEN TO PRIMORDIAL ON BANDCAMP

Some gratitudes: I’m grateful to have the support of friends, family, colleagues, and a little recording gear loaned from Haida Gwaii Radio Society. An extra shout out goes to Jeff Powers, the artist who sketched out the incredible cover art live on Twitch, and another goes to my friends Rob Jacobsen and Jen Znack, who made the teaser video. It’s been really exciting to watch it all come together. Hawaa to the Haida Nation, whose unceded and traditional territory I get to live and work on.

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Oh, and here’s the teaser video I mentioned.