Isolation/Collaboration by New London Drone Orchestra

The New London Drone Orchestra is a protean collective of adventurous spirits from Connecticut (and beyond) who are called to dissolve egos and improvise minimal, gradually developing ambient and drone music organized by graphic scores, spoken instructions, written recipes, and concepts created by members. Our practice is rooted in listening to one another and making room for each player’s sounds. We are privileged to regularly gather and perform in the beautiful and resonant Harkness Chapel at Connecticut College, thanks to sponsorship by their Office of Religious and Spiritual Programs.

In mid-March 2020, our gatherings and plans for recording and performing were suddenly interrupted as the United States was coming to terms with the coronavirus pandemic. The campus was shut down, and home isolation and social distancing protocols were adopted for the greater good. The collective vibe was tense, fearful, and introspective.

To counter this isolation, Orchestra member Tim Wolf put forward a proposal to his fellow droners for a collaborative project: any member who wished to participate would record (with a common tonal center) at least one solo track at home. The tracks would then be shared amongst Orchestra members, who would assemble and mix them into a fully-realized piece. Within two weeks, 7 members recorded 16 individual tracks, and in an additional two weeks, 5 of those members created the mixes that are included in this album.

This collection of mixes expresses our desire that despite individual isolation, our shared experience in this challenging time can be transformed into an affirming communal expression of hope. Drone on.


"A well-defined group sound arises from their nebulous drones, an engaging impression of personality and purpose that succeeds in transcending current constraints.” — Julian Cowley, The Wire

“This magnificent album is audaciously eclectic, but above all profoundly touching.” — William Paulhus, Mes enceintes font défaut

“It's great stuff that not only provides an effective soundtrack to life during the virus, but also serves to simultaneously soothe and yet keep the listener poised and on alert.” — Rick Koster, The Day


ETC-0030

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explorations and experiments; multifaceted collaborations.

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