|
Activation: |
|
Activation: |
|
Byron Metcalf
Websites:
|
And all that said there's really nothing like being in the same room together - creating in the moment! That's a special and unique kind of synergistic magic like no other! AV: Byron, you mentioned acting as an "emotional catalyst" rather than a traditional timekeeper. Billy, how did that intuitive rhythmic approach change the way you shaped your "droning densities" and guitar textures? Byron: Well, I think a primary part of what this music is for is to connect with one's emotions, the listener's emotions. So, the intention I bring to my playing and my production style is always aimed at touching someone more deeply—a full range of emotions at times. I've learned over time to fully trust in my intuition regarding this aspect of the music I’m involved in. Billy: Our creative process often began with an initial pulse, generated either by Byron or me, which organically evolved, guided by a heartfelt intuition. At times, the unique tuning of the drums served as inspiration for a resonant drone, forming the foundation upon which the rest of the music emerged. On other occasions, I would introduce a minimalist melodic motif, offering Byron a space to respond and further develop our sonic dialogue. As we continued, our approach to shaping the performance focused on progressively building intensity and enriching texture. Importantly, this evolution was not directed by deliberate intent; instead, the music unfolded naturally, adapting and transforming in real-time as we recorded. AV: You both worked in spaces permeated with years of your own creative energy. Are there specific instruments or pieces of "intimate" equipment on this record that carry a particular soul or history for you? Byron: I have a few favorite frame drums and percussion instruments that I can absolutely rely on to give me the sounds that I'm wanting and striving for. I also have some great microphones and microphone pre-amps that can make these instruments truly come alive in a way that, over time, has created a type of "signature" sound for me. And just as importantly, my studio is designed as a ceremonial space - sacred space - that can really enhance and inspire almost anyone that walks into it, especially me! There are few places I would rather be.
AV: The album has a beautiful balance of Metcalf’s "earthy thunder" and Denk’s "celestial shimmer." Was this a conscious goal from the start, or did the hybridization of tribal and electronic elements happen organically as the tracks evolved? Byron: What you were describing is something that evolved organically as Billy and I worked together and as things evolved. This was our first collaboration so I really didn't have any idea how it might turn out although I trusted the process implicitly. Each track has its own "life force" and I've learned to trust how the music wants to unfold and how it's calling on me to engage with it. Billy: At the outset of the project, we engaged in thoughtful discussions to establish a guiding framework. However, our conversations were less concerned with structural details and more focused on the energetic and spatial qualities we aimed to cultivate within the music. Our primary intention was to create an immersive sonic environment that would both engage and uplift listeners, fostering a sense of positivity and emotional resonance. Guided by this shared vision and missive, the music evolved organically, continually adapting and transforming in response to the interplay of inspiration, intuition, and real-time collaboration. AV: Tracks like "Mind Pigments" seem designed to shift the listener's brain state. What is your shared philosophy on music as a tool for meditation or "rewiring" the analytical mind? Byron: The neurogenesis or "brain rewiring" aspect of music is something that I've been interested in and involved in for decades now. That topic requires a much more detailed and longer conversation than would be appropriate here, but for this particular track that Billy originally worked up, I immediately heard the almost insistent nature of how the listener's logical and rational mind, and thinking processes would be challenged if they fully engaged in a deep listening experience, like in trance dance, meditation or other healing arts practices. So, I wanted to build on and enhance this aspect as the track unfolded and I think we were successful in that regard. AV: In an era of "single-track" listening, Activation feels like a continuous narrative. What does it mean to you, as artists, to release a 59-minute "beacon of wholeness" in 2026? Billy: Byron would be best suited to elaborate on this subject – it was his vision that this recording be experienced as a cohesive, holistic work, to which I agreed and committed to that approach. Byron: My primary intention for the music is to support the listeners' experience of expanded consciousness - of an expanded awareness of who we truly are and our place on this planet and all its inhabitants. I don't adhere to or support the current trend of short music tracks because I think they simply enable the short attention span issue that is so detrimental to our mental health and overall well-being, both individually and collectively. So, for me, I think a music track that's under six minutes is counterproductive in terms of providing something that is truly healing and transformative. It may be pleasant to just listen to, but it's not what I'm interested in. In my view an album that I’m involved in should be listened to in its entirety you fully benefit from what the music can bring and offer. And to be fully honest, about the only reason I have individual tracks on my albums is because streaming services require that. In my ideal world, this new album with Billy, the eight tracks on the album should be seamlessly woven together, almost cross-fading into one another as one continuous journey. When one listens in this way, over time something happens that cannot be truly explained scientifically, but one knows that their life has shifted and changed in a positive way. I'm passionate about this and I could write a dissertation on this topic so I best leave it at that for now. AV: As artists who have seen the industry shift significantly over the years, how important is direct listener support—through platforms like Bandcamp—to the continuation of projects as deeply produced as Activation?
a fair and equitable manner. And as Billy said people like yourself, Michael, are really key to getting the word out about this kind of music and I am deeply grateful. AV: How do you feel about the industry's massive shift toward streaming, and what real-world outcome has that had on your earnings and your ability to fund the art you create? Billy: While the widespread accessibility of music is incredibly positive for reaching new audiences, the current reimbursement model presents significant challenges for artists striving to earn sustainable income. Many, including myself, depend on external sources of funding to support our creative work, often at a considerable personal sacrifice. As a member of Wayfarer Records, an artist-driven collective dedicated to collaboration and shared resources, I benefit from a supportive environment that promotes both individual releases and mutual efforts. Even as I release music – like this recording, Activation – independently, I deeply appreciate the encouragement and backing provided by my label. Byron: I too am grateful that streaming helps more people have access to and hear our music and do so with such incredible ease. In my case, I am aware that many people around the world add some of the music I've created to playlists that are used in various healing arts practices. I don't think that would be possible, at least to this degree, if it were not for streaming services. But as everyone knows, artists are treated incredibly unfairly by these services and these platforms. So, for some artists they've got to generate revenue from live performances and that kind of thing or however they can find a way to do it. Some musicians get involved in film and video and video game production, which can in some cases be very lucrative, but those areas are not anything I've ever been interested in pursuing, although my music has been involved in some documentary films and that kind of thing. AV: The album moves toward the serene "Essential Peace." After the intensity of the creation process, what did this collaboration "activate" within each of you personally? Billy: “Essential Peace” served as the perfect conclusion to our intense musical journey, offering a serene and heartfelt gift intended to envelop the listener in a sense of warmth and unity. This opportunity to create music in collaboration with Byron was deeply gratifying. Through the process, I learned to listen for moments within the music that could be further deepened to evoke more profound emotional resonance. I never hesitated to trust Byron’s musical sensibilities, and the knowledge that we were creating heartfelt music capable of positively impacting the listener made the experience all the more meaningful. Byron: This collaboration activated a sense of excitement and curiosity around working with Billy whom I had not worked with before. So it was something new, fresh and interesting, and that for me, always activates my inner muse. It also activated a renewed and deepening sense of my ability and willingness to trust the creative process which is personally, professionally, and spiritually rewarding. As I respond to these questions, I'm feeling a deep sense of gratitude. AV: On behalf of Ambient Visions and our readers, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Byron Metcalf and Billy Denk for taking the time out of their busy schedules to share the stories and inspirations behind Activation. It is always a privilege to explore the creative process with artists of such caliber, and we truly appreciate the thoughtfulness brought to this conversation. We wish you both continued inspiration and much success with this album and all of your future musical endeavors. |
|
Ambient Visions Best
Viewed in 1600 X 900 Resolution
|
