Spirit Level by Feeling Flying
Feeling Flying are a duo from Wellington, New Zealand, comprised of Andrew Thomas and Bevan Smith. The two artists – whose solo projects have been released on labels such as Kompakt, !K7, Air Texture, Carpark Records and Hotham Sound – have collaborated since the turn of the millennium, often helping each other out behind the scenes. For Feeling Flying, Andrew and Bevan combine their unique approaches to composition and improvisation to produce music neither could have made alone. Using a four-track tape recorder and the classic Roland D-550, they build soundscapes that draw inspiration from modern classical, jazz, and a wide spectrum of electronic music. The first Feeling Flying album was released by UK label Handstiched* in early 2024. This latest release, ‘Spirit Level’, is a further exploration in minimalism and immersive sound design.
‘Spirit Level’ was produced instinctively by Andrew and Bevan, who used a set method and basic tools, making space for a flowing approach to collaboration. The process started with Andrew improvising piano pieces and sending them to Bevan, who slowed them down by 400% and manipulated the sounds using the Roland D-550. The results were a series of atmospheric and meditative pieces, some of which originated as 45-minute compositions, before being edited into their final forms. On writing ‘Spirit Level’, Andrew and Bevan said “when we started to build out the sound world, it became apparent this work was evoking ideas of transformative and expansive experiences. Of moving through space, without time. Our immersion and connectedness with nature. How we position ourselves in the world, both physically and spiritually.” These emotive and spiritual concepts are beautifully captured in the album’s cover image by Philip Kelly, who presents listeners with a range of moods and metaphors that allows them room to make their own interpretation.
Credits
Written and produced by Bevan Smith and Andrew Thomas
Mastered by Bevan Smith
Photography by Philip Kelly
Art and design by Andrew Heath
License
All rights reserved.Tags
whitelabrecs.com
Whitelabrecs is a record label from Lincolnshire (UK) established in 2016, specialising in highly limited runs of vinyl-effect CDrs and digital-only editions. The label is managed by its founder Harry Towell, who records music as Glåsbird.
The label's discography focuses on contemporary Ambient music, including Drone, Modern Classical and Electro Acoustic.