My research for this project has mainly been listening to artists who I listen to regularly and new artists I’ve discovered through delving into my listening of ambient and experimental music. My main inspiration has got to be harpist, Lara Somogyi. She is a contemporary classical harpist based in America and has released exciting compositions for solo harp and electronics. Her session work has led her to work extensively on TV and film score working with the likes of Hans Zimmer. One of my coursemates discovered Somogyi’s work in our first year of university and thought I might enjoy her compositions. Her instinct was correct as I am still enchanted by Somogyi’s debut album ‘!’ two years later. This exciting work features atmospheric soundscapes using loop and effects pedals and pedal harp. It has been my main source of inspiration for my EP. I have also been inspired by a brilliant harpist called Emily 'Harpist' Hopkins. She has a very informative Youtube channel where she reviews guitar effects pedals that are effective on the harp. This has been a useful source for me when developing my knowledge on effects pedals and how I can use them on my harp. Other harpists who’s work inspire me are: Nailah Hunter, Laura Lotti, Romy Wymer, Luna Li, Dara Watson, Cerys Hafana, Kety Fusco, Esther Sévérac and Remy Van Kesteren.
Other than harpists, I have been influenced by composers such as Steve Reich and Brian Eno. Minimalist patterns have always been what I seek to listen to as background music. Steve Reich’s avant-garde compositions can have me listening to his entrancing repetitive phrases for hours on end, particularly his Music for 18 Musicians recorded in 1978. I hope to capture the essence of these exciting patterns in my music. I’ve also enjoyed listening to all music by ambient music pioneer Brian Eno, but his Ambient 1: Music for Airports released in 1978 has inspired me deeply. It is a calming set of atmospheric tracks featuring vocal and piano improvisations, synthesisers and tape loops with irregular but slow and repetitive motivic movements. It is the first work to be coined under the genre of ambient music. This genre of music is intended to create space for listeners to think and can be created for use of background stimulation. Listening to this music has made me realise that I would like my EP to enable listeners to look within and create their own interpretations of my music. Contrary to what most musicians want for their audience, my goal is to make listeners feel that they can fall asleep listening to my music. From my work in community and healthcare music, I have always been interested in the calming and meditative effects of music. I hope that my music can be a source used for wellbeing effects.
Some other artists and genres include: dream pop, shoegaze, folk, impressionism with bands such as Cocteau Twins and Men I Trust being a big source of inspiration for a dreamy sound.
Various art mediums inspire me such as impressionist art, contemporary dance, films (particularly Studio Ghibli films) and also nature from my Welsh upbringing. I feel that all influences mentioned in this blog will have an effect on the sound and visual aesthetic of my EP.
Check out this playlist with music that has inspired me for my EP.
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