2020 plays out to the sound of ‘Ghost Sounds’ by Polaroid Notes, who returns to Whitelabrecs following 2017’s ‘Unsung Memories’. The artist, based in the countryside that lies between Munich and the Alps, has released with us on sister labels Tessellate Recordings and Audio Gourmet, as well as Weber & Alcantu, Büro für Erdrotation and his own label Drone Works International. Some may also recall the Rhodes-led ambience of the ‘Moonlight Sessions’, the fourteenth edition of our Home Diaries series.
‘Ghost Sounds’ treads the cinematic lines of atmospheric piano and electronic ambient music, with unsettling undercurrents which occasionally creep into view. It has been in production since November 2019 as the sound of Polaroid Notes was pushed to develop a wider variety. The recording methods, effects and techniques were painstakingly adapted through experimentation and some truly spooky moments were captured. From here, Ghost Sounds became an obvious working title for the album.
The basic approach behind this album is an attempt to deal with our weird and uncertain times in politics, health, social separation, isolation and cocooning. Ghost Sounds tries to capture this strange atmosphere – somewhere between deep despair, silent hope and the wish to wake up from restless and unfullfillable dreams. The album artwork features photography by the artist during the first few winter days of 2020, captured in the Black Forest, which is close to the artist’s working residence during the week.
released November 21, 2020
Written and produced by Polaroid Notes
Mastered by James Edward Armstrong
Photography by Polaroid Notes
Packaging Design by Harry Towell
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