Micro Wanders by Lyli J

See Blue Audio: ambient / electronic / beatless / cinematic / downtempo / eclectic / introspective… Shade rather than light...

'Micro Wanders' – Lyli J (SBA #035)

See Blue Audio continues its exploration of new musical territories with the addition of Lyli J to its roster. Continuing the theme of leftfield turns in direction following the twisted beats, breaks and basslines of the ‘Superlunar Lounge’ album by Night Sky Pulse (John Sellekaers), and the longform exploration of tonality in ‘La Mer’ by Tanti Aglaia, the third release in this series of new musical horizons is from an artist who incorporates organic electronic, esoteric chillout, ambient textures, elements of IDM and trip hop, and folk and indie sensibilities into her music. For the thirty-fifth release on See Blue Audio, Lyli J presents 'Micro Wanders’, an album suffused with warm atmospherics and a rich emotional tapestry perfectly suited to springtime and the reawakening energy of the sun.

Lyli J is the name by which French American instrumentalist, singer and electronic producer Lily Jordy releases music. Her story is one of a nomadic life – ten countries in three decades – with a classical background in the cello, guitar and composition. It was in Montreal in 2011 when she first discovered electronic music and the way in which it could allow her to truly express ideas. Since then, Lily has put out a series of releases that have gained critical acclaim and captivated the electronic community.

Now based in Grenoble in France, she is fully immersed in music with festival dates scheduled over the summer, radio play, and her work as a sound designer for audio software company Arturia. Tracks from ‘Micro Wanders’, meanwhile, are also included in her recent live performance at SynthFest France, a streaming event available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/vlb8b9cQBVc

‘Micro Wanders’ features eight tracks that bring together the many elements that make up Lily’s unique musical universe: meandering layers of mystical vocals, Celtic melodies, MicroFreak ‘90s synth emulations, amped-up acoustic guitars, gamelan and natural element percussion, and field recordings. All the tracks come together to evoke a feeling of daydreaming and the resurgence of memories. As the title ‘Micro Wanders’ suggests, the technological and the spiritual play an equal role in the aesthetic of Lyli J.

The introduction of vocal, song-based compositions, including ‘A Song for T (Cicadas)’ and ‘Anahata’, and the folk sensitivities of ‘Lucarne’ and ‘Lueur’ have added a welcome new dimension to the sound of See Blue Audio. Beatless soundscapes, meanwhile, also form part the musical landscape of ‘Micro Wanders’.

This is an album to immerse yourself in; organic and rooted in the natural world, while also contemplative and, at times, transcendental. Lyli J may well be on a personal quest with ‘Micro Wanders’, but it's also one that we can all join and share with her.

Mastered by Thomas Ragsdale.

Photography: R.Cleveland Aaron.

Lyli J (“Lily Jay”), is a French American instrumentalist, singer, sound designer and electronic music producer with a nomadic upbringing.

In her music, the soft felt touch of the piano melts into ancient harmonies, surrounded by ocean-deep textures that warm the soul. She captures her passion for nature by enhancing field recordings and acoustic elements with modern synthesis and IDM grooves.

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