Theory Therapy 34: Concave Reflection
An epic strings mix fit for a film, recorded in Chicago.
Theory Therapy 34 is a highly immersive strings recording pieced together by Concave Reflection aka Tommy Paslaski, one-third of Chicago-based group Purelink. The mix feels like a soundtrack to an on-screen drama, not just because strings are commonly used in films or that they can capture specific emotions so well, but also in the way that each of Tommy’s selections feel like subtle thematic shifts.
As you may already know, we’re releasing an 11-track tape with Tommy on March 4th. It’s our first physical release as a label and we can’t wait for you to hear the full album. In the meantime, we feel like this mix and interview will more than suffice. Enjoy.
How are you today?
I’m doing okay :)!
What was the last song you listened to?
Lana Del Ray - White Dress lol
Your new album is out soon on Theory Therapy. What were your biggest non-musical influences? Feel free to list.
For creating music—sourcing from life experiences, memories.
Otherwise, film is the “non-musical” medium I’ve been most interested in lately. This past year, I’ve been exploring movies by Bergman, Cassavetes, Mizoguchi, Kiarostami, Iñárritu, Kar-Wai, Haneke, Godard, Bresson, Rohmer, Tarkovsky, Kieślowski, Altman, Ducournau, Ming-liang, Sang-Soo, Hamaguchi, Weerasethakul—more to name and to discover.
Who are your biggest musical influences at the moment?
Honestly, my friends here in Chicago come to mind first and foremost (kindtree, Millia, outsidenightair, milkweed, Forest Management, Faithful, to name just a few). The FOIL crew out in Richmond, VA—(DJ Pinwheel, DJ Shenoudah National Park, DJ Candle, Sters, Cor2Pel, In Fosa, Landscaping, etc.)
Far too many artists and labels to try to list them all. Most recently, I’ve been listening to Grouper, Kara Lis-Coverdale, Gas, Ben Bondy, Dean Blunt, Space Afrika, Perila, Hoavi, 2Lanes, Klein, DJ Manny.
What helps you get into a creative mindset?
Being relaxed and centered. Engaging in the moment. Focusing on process over outcomes.
Where is your favourite place or time to listen to music?
I guess my favorite time is when I’m with someone else who I can sit with and just listen—not have to fill the space with words. That’s something I feel is special.
Can you tell us a little about the mix? What were you feeling when you made it?
I play the cello and I love strings, so I wanted to make a strings mix. But I wanted it to be a range of styles that all incorporate strings to bring out emotion somehow, instead of leaning into more traditional stuff.
Where did you record the mix?
In my apartment in Logan Square, Chicago.
Where would you recommend listening to it?
In a moody headspace, maybe during the day time. (And loud is always better for strings in my opinion.)
Are there any tracks you’ve used in the mix that are special or significant to you?
Malibu’s music speaks to me in a really personal way, her track Camargue.
Also, the excerpt of Bobby Krlic - Fire Temple from the Midsommar OST. I find it inspiring and evocative both in and out of context of the movie.
Theory Therapy mixes are about sharing the music that you personally find therapeutic, cathartic or restorative. What does that mean for you?
To me, music that’s rooted in emotion can have a certain healing power. Music that moves you, makes you laugh, makes you feel something, takes you somewhere. It’s like that Emily Dickinson quote about how you can travel the world without ever really leaving your home.
Is there a particular album or piece of music that you find yourself returning to for similar reasons?
Gas - Pop
Yves Tumor - Limerence
Loidis EP
What’s on the cards so far for 2022?
Purelink! New music later this year on Lillerne and UWU Dustbath, a few other projects in the works TBA.
Tracklist:
Ride - Chrome Waves
Dean Blunt - WOOSAH
Space Afrika - Preparing the Perfect Response ~
Lucinda Chua - Live Excerpt from Swimming with Arthur Russell [Boiler Room]
Matchess - Of Freedom
Bobby Krlic - Fire Temple
Eartheater - Below the Clavicle
Lil Peep - Gym Class
Oliver Coates - J Lover One
Andras - POETS day
Laila Sakini - Stephens Secret
Malibu - Camargue
PDP III - Calendar of Days
Velleitie - Interlude for Withdrawing with the Intention of Returning
Velleitie - The Ferrule
Forest Management - A Smell So Sweet
Kelsey Lu - Excerpt from HYDROHARMONIA III “432”
Lucy Railton - Excerpt from Forma
Peter Broderick - The Path To Recovery
