Daydreaming with Mia Landy.
Theory Therapy 36 is an hour of introspective ambient by Sydney/Eora’s Mia Landy. We’re such a big fan of the handful of mixes Mia has done so far—especially the isolation mix they put up on their soundcloud last year—that we had to ask her to contribute to the series.
Their Theory Therapy mix, like their other recordings, is completely absorbing. It has an almost dreamlike quality to it. Voices bubble just below the surface, songs drift off in unexpected directions and there’s a kind of warm analog crackle throughout that makes it feel vaguely lo-fi and slightly nostalgic.
How are you today?
I am ok! Today was my first day out of covid isolation so it was nice to enter the world again. Definitely feeling that post covid lethargy though.
What was the last song you listened to?
The last song was ‘boucles’ by Ouri which I actually came across whilst looking for music for this mix. The whole release bt002: self hypnosis tape is so beautiful! Been listening to it non-stop the past couple of days.
What is your favourite place or time to listen to music?
I like to listen to music when I’m walking or on public transport. My mum recently moved down the coast and I always look forward to the 3 hour train ride as I find its the best place to just sit and listen without distraction. It’s the Kiama train line which is also the most beautiful journey from the city.
What do you like about living in Sydney?
I like the sense of community. There’s people I won’t see for months or years yet I still feel will always be connected to in Sydney. I feel like everyone has such an unspoken respect towards one another.
Where's your favourite spot to eat in Sydney?
I’d say Sushiwow on King St for good sushi! Probably my most frequented spot. Also La Ricetta on Enmore Rd for Italian.
What outside of music inspires you when creating a mix?
Definitely my emotional state at the time. The mixes I’ve put together in the past year have all been during periods of isolation. The feeling of being alone has become an influence for all of them.
Can you tell us a little about the mix? What were you feeling when you made it?
Honestly I put this together during a pretty emotionally turbulent couple of weeks. It was really nice to take some time away from everything and to spend time on this. It gave me some time to really reflect on how I was feeling, which was quite burnt out and anxious.
It wasn’t a conscious decision of mine, but after finishing it I realised that a lot of the tracks feature guitars and vocals, and I think that is an accurate reflection of the type of music I have always connected to the most.
Where did you record the mix?
I put this together in my bedroom in Darlington.
Where would you recommend listening to it?
Somewhere where you’re alone ideally. A long train ride or walk, somewhere where you have time.
Are there any tracks you’ve used in the mix that are special or significant to you?
The first time I heard ‘So Hot (Wash Away All Of My Tears)’ by Amp I listened to it so many times. I remember listening to it on the train ride home from my mum’s one time and feeling particularly moved. Also the Doveman Remix of 'Futile Devices’ by Sufjan Stevens. Although I didn’t hear this version until more recently, Sufjan Stevens holds a special place in my inner teenage heart <3
Theory Therapy mixes are about sharing the music that you personally find therapeutic, cathartic or restorative. What does that mean for you?
I find that I connect most with music that makes me reflect on my deeper feelings. I struggle to verbalise how I’m feeling sometimes but I find that emotive music definitely helps me to process things. I also find that putting a mix together is such an introspective experience. Sharing it with other people makes me feel quite vulnerable, although, it also feels quite cathartic in itself.
Is there a particular album or piece of music that you find yourself returning to for similar reasons?
I think Beach Music by Alex G is a big one, Alex G generally is someone who I always return to. Also the song ‘The Tiger Hunts Alone’ by loveliescrushing. I was originally going to include it in this mix but it didn’t make the cut. Also Kid A by Radiohead <3
What’s on the cards so far for 2022?
It’s my last year of my Visual Communication degree this year so I’m very busy with that at the moment. Hopefully will get to put some more mixes together on the side. It’s nice taking a break from the visual stuff to focus on music stuff!
Tracklist:
Lisa Lerkenfeldt - Champagne Smoke
Ouri, Zach Framptom - figure profane
African-American Sound Recordings - Colors That Don’t Exist on Earth
Celestial - LONELY WEEKEND
More Eaze - thinking of u
Byron Westbrook - Refraction Haze
Oneohtrix Point Never, Elizabeth Fraser - Tales From The Trash Stratum
Brin, Dntel, More Eaze - We Find Our Center
Raum - Sunlight Crying
Sufjan Stevens - Futile Devices (Doveman Remix)
Jeannine Shulz - Attraction
Space Afrika - Lose You Beau
Vanessa Amara - Leopards, Pt. 3
Amp - So Hot (Wash Away All Of My Tears)
Devin Shaffer - HOW??
DJ In A Dream - Belladonna River Rush