Note: This post was written in 2025 and backdated to appear on the day I wrote and published the track.
Where to begin? This is one of those oddball pieces that became more or less what I was sort of trying to do in a roundabout way. It’s not quite a “pants” track – I had a plan – but that plan was nebulous at best. It’s as much an exploration of texture and rhythm as anything.
- Narcissus Rising Ray Toler 4:43
It veers strongly into Systems Music territory1As evidenced by my use of the Spitfire Kepler library but is just as firmly in Eno-esque ambient land with some intentional flirtation with standard orchestral arranging.
Visual Music
One of the most intriguing things about this piece as I write in 2025 is that it’s one of the most “visual” pieces of music I’ve written. I have incredibly strong mental imagery that accompanies it every time I hear it. I don’t really want to describe that on the off chance that I make a video for it some day (it’s not high on my list, but is certainly one that I think would benefit, possibly as part of a demo reel).
Production was straightforward. The instruments are doing the vast majority of the work, with only minor effects being used.
It’s odd to me that something so full and vibrant, especially when it generates such strong mental images for me, is one that I just don’t have much to say about. Perhaps it’s speaking for itself.
Colophon
Instruments & Samples
Keyscape, Slate + Ash Choreographs & Cycles, Spitfire Symphonic String Evolutions, Spitfire Kepler Orchestra, Stratus
Effects, Mixing, & Mastering
FabFilter, Gullfoss, PanMan, Valhalla Delay
Image Credit: PxHere
Notes
- 1As evidenced by my use of the Spitfire Kepler library