Experimental sounds from the producer behind one of this year’s standout LPs.
We kick off June with a deeply atmospheric Theory Therapy mix from mu tate, who has pieced together a hypnagogic medley of experimental sounds, composed of intimate field recordings, haunting looped-based compositions and hazy, arpeggiated guitar.
Hailing from Riga and now living in London, Artur Strekalov is one of the many producers pushing the boundaries of what ambient music can be. In fact, describing him as an ambient producer does a disservice to his exploratory work, especially his debut LP on Experiences Ltd. We’re only mid-way through 2021, but Let Me Put Myself Together already feels like a standout from this year, in part because of its ability to so seamlessly move between genres and musical influences. Aside from producing music, Artur is also the host of Inexact on radio.syg.ma, a fantastic mix series dedicated to deep listening and post-genre music. It’s a pleasure to welcome the UK-based artist on to the series. Sit back, put on your headphones and soak up the ambience.
How are you today?
Yeah pretty good, thanks for having me on the show.
Your new album Let Me Put Myself Together is out on Shy’s Experiences Ltd. How did you guys meet and how did that release come about?
We never spoke before but I pretty much just messaged Shy on instagram asking if he would consider helping me release the album. By that time the record was already done for months and I was ready to just drop it on Bandcamp. Shy is probably the most genuine person I’ve ever met in music.
Can you tell us a little bit about the mix? What were you feeling when you made it?
I think these songs all have this sort of a grounding quality to them or it’s just how they made me feel.
Where did you record the mix?
At home in north London.
Where would you recommend listening to it?
Outside on a warm spring/summer night.
Are there any tracks you’ve used in the mix that are special or significant to you?
I think that Ulla track is relatable. There’s some Air Krew stuff in there as well as that JJ + JS track that I got obsessed with and a Grouper track that I listen to a lot. All of these are significant in one way or another.
Theory Therapy mixes are about sharing the music that you personally find therapeutic and restorative. What does that mean for you?
I think at the moment therapeutic and restorative for me is taking a break to do nothing and let myself listen to music.
Is there a particular album or piece of music that you find yourself returning to for tranquillity?
I love all of the old OPN stuff. That juno 60 sound will never get old. And pretty much all of Grouper. Soundtracks from Elder Scrolls games.
What do you have planned for the second half of the year?
Going home to see my parents in Latvia. A trip to Tbilisi, Georgia and many other places hopefully. Lots more nature trips and walks. Gardening. Some more collaborative music with friends and maybe another solo record or a cassette release.
Tracklist:
Kate Carr - The Day Elephants Surrounded Our Car
Ulla - Untitled
Grouper - Living Room
Solphara - Pose
Picnic - Dewey
Gigi Masin - Swallow's Tempest
Theodore Cale Schafer - It's Late
OL - Money Is A Gas
JJ + JS - Pale Glow
Duster - Moon Age
AIR Krew - Work Of Four
AIR Krew - Old Asics (w Крутицкий Кат)
AV Moves - So Say So