Hello.
We are finally ready to unveil what is coming next to okla.
The Central European experimental scene has been going strong for several years now, supported tirelessly by fantastic labels and audiences, and we want to help grow it as well.
We are presenting two new works from local artists - a map-charting adventure through an AI soundscape, and a modular flow state meditation to the centre of creativity and passion.
The albums will be released on the 7th of June 2024.
Pre-orders start on the 3rd of May via our Bandcamp profile.
But what ARE the albums, you ask? Well...
OA04
Janek Krukowski - Latent
An idiosyncratic soundscape, curated by Man and performed by Machine.
The latter might excel at finding thin through-lines connecting resembling items but The Man gives it power by listening.
Together, we can explore the latent space.
Utilising cutting edge sound generation models and through patient listening, grouping, and cataloguing, Janek Krukowski persistently mines an emergent microcosm of free-flowing sound collages where rhythm is a distant entity. In this space, dimensions contract and collapse within a manifold of sonic landscapes as the listener is enveloped in a peculiar world of sonics.
‘Latent’ is a hymn to the Latent space, a phenomenon understood as an abstract, multidimensional collection of data combined through the similar characteristics of objects contained therein. Harnessing the latest in academic neural network processing and machine mimicry, Janek generated hours of sounds and then went back to the algorithmic audio-processing well to cut, mangle, transpose, and otherwise process them. Combined with the recordings made by LOM Geofon and Basicucho, they are rendered here as five shuffling soundscapes, familiar yet distinctly alien.
Presented with a simple naming convention, they are free from context or emotive suggestion, inviting the listener to make their own.
Tracklist
A1 I 2:31
A2 II 3:12
A3 III 3:42
A4 IV 2:42
B5 V 17:07
About the Artist
Janek Krukowski is a musician and drummer based in Prague, Czech Republic.
His music consists of studio recordings, samples and field recordings. He is focused on incorporating AI-generated
sounds, rhythms and soundscapes into his music.
Previously, he was a member of Kolega Doriana and Bete Noire.
okla says:
‘Latent’ is super interesting to us, a sound-collage carefully designed by an artist utilizing the latest in academic sound generation - an organized glimpse into a hallucinating machine, if you will. It’s not exactly easy listening but it rewards patient listening with a landscape like no other.
OA05
Wojtek Kiwer - Disconnect
Cut the umbilical cord of toxic mindlessness.
Glimpse into the higher knowledge of life.
Wojtek Kiwer disregards established notions of songwriting to DISCONNECT. Instead, he taps into the primordial creative currents. He becomes one with the waves of intuition as his extensive producing experience propels him forward during the joyful exploration of the unknown.
DISCONNECT results from a conscious decision to develop a new mode of creation. Unbound from the shackles of unattainable perfection and free of fear of failure - he focuses on the here and now. Mindful of each moment, he pours from the unlimited chalice of inspiration and obtains a glimpse into the higher knowledge of life. Captured once and never to be recalled again, these six swirling modular improvisations are precious opportunities for the listeners to find their way to cut the umbilical cord of toxic mindlessness. As they rumble around us, they conjure a magical make space for thoughts, memories, moods, and connotations.
The moment passes and we move on, filled with new energy, riding the wave of life.
Tracklist
A1 PRISM 8:56
A2 BLACK GLITTER 7:30
A3 PARTICLES 6:32
B4 KOI 8:56
B5 DAY OFF 8:00
B6 ORCA 9:04
About the Artist
Wojtek Kiwer is a musician and promoter based in Kraków, Poland.
He creates sound installations, organizes sound walks and music workshops for children and adults, and authors soundtracks to theatre plays, audiobooks, exhibitions, and animated movies.
Currently, he is concentrating on exploring the live-set opportunities of modular synthesis.
okla says:
Kiwer’s latest is a glorious, almost-cinematic modular journey that feels like a breezy walk home at sundown for the mind (and soul). We keep hitting the play button again and again and we’re sure you will love this too.
Both albums will be released digitally and on pro-dubbed cassette via our Bandcamp profile. You can get them as a two-album batch as a special offer or, of course, individually. Additionally, we will also introduce a “Batch+” offer where, for an occasional price you will be able to get both albums plus one (chosen by you!) from Batch1.
I thiiiink that’s it? See you on Friday and tell a friend.
Thanks for your attention. We love you.
okla
