Brace yourselves, ambient aficionados, for a new specter has materialized in the realm of atmospheric music labels. SoundGhost Records, the brainchild of plugin developer, sound designer and curator Joshua Stephens (see our recent SoundGhost Jumble review), has emerged from the ether with a singular purpose: to explore uncharted sonic territories and champion the most evocative ambient compositions.
Joining the ranks of boutique labels like 12k, Seil Records, Past Inside The Present, and Dronarivm (just to name a few), SoundGhost Records is poised to leave its own spectral imprint on the ambient music scene. With a keen ear for quality and a passion for the unconventional, this newcomer promises to be more than just another echo in the chamber.
Still Fades – ‘Moment’: A Haunting Debut
To inaugurate its presence, SoundGhost Records has conjured up ‘Moment,’ the debut album by Still Fades (Joshua Stephens). This introspective odyssey through temporal and aural dimensions serves as a fitting introduction to the label’s sonic ethos.
‘Moment’ is a meticulously woven tapestry of solitary instances, each track a portal to serene soundscapes that beckon the listener to venture within. Organic and synthetic textures intertwine, creating a contemplative space where one can lose themselves in meditation and introspection.
What sets ‘Moment’ apart from the ambient horde is its unyielding commitment to authenticity and raw emotion. Recorded live to analog mediums like tape and cassette, the album exudes a warm, nostalgic aura that pays homage to the golden age of ambient music.
While working on this article, I have been listening to the album and it really resonated with me. Moment brims with open, tonal melodies interwoven with delicate, fascinating textures, carefully crafted and never dull. I definitelly recommend giving it a try.
Mastermind Joshua Stephens has poured his expertise as a sound designer into crafting an album that not only stands on its own merits but also lays the foundation for SoundGhost Records’ future explorations.
A Tangible Connection
‘Moment’ will be available as a limited edition cassette, complete with a semi-transparent and frosted cassette shell featuring on-body prints. But the real magic lies in the accompanying extras that make this release truly special.
Each physical copy of ‘Moment’ comes with a unique SPARK card collectable, showcasing a creative idea for you to use in your creative endeavors or daily life. Printed on premium recycled card stock, these color-coded cards are numbered according to the release and feature a suggestion offered by the artist. Collect SPARKS from different releases to build a deck of inspiring ideas for day-to-day use, starting with Spark 001 inside ‘Moment’.
For those who crave an even deeper connection to the music, SoundGhost Records offers a SPECIAL EDITION bundle, which includes the cassette and SPARK card, along with two additional treasures: NOTES and a special edition PRINT.
NOTES are printed booklets written by the artist, offering a glimpse into the thought process behind each track and the album as a whole. These extremely limited booklets are printed on beautifully textured recycled paper stock, providing a tactile and visual experience that complements the music perfectly. Sit back, relax, and delve into the artist’s mind as you listen to ‘Moment’.
The bundle also includes a special edition PRINT of the album artwork, allowing you to display a piece of ‘Moment’ in your home or wherever you like. These A5 prints are produced on pure-white card stock and come hand-stamped on the back for authenticity.
This artisanal approach to packaging is more than just a gimmick; it’s a tangible connection between the artist, the label, and the listener. By holding a physical copy of ‘Moment’, one becomes part of the story, a participant in the very creation of the album. It’s a reminder that music is not just something we consume, but something we experience with all our senses.
Listen and Purchase
You can listen to and purchase Moment on Bandcamp, to support this new venture. Unfortunately, no CD version available.
You can also stream the album on multiple platforms.
Peace, hope all is wellness. Love La’mone here. I play the harp, piano, guitar, and chant/sing. May I send my new music? my cell phone is 586 222 8907 thank you. ( Let’s work good music.
Please try to stay on topic, thank you.