Life Forms by Niran Dasika
Multi award-winning Melbourne trumpeter Niran Dasika introduces 'Life Forms', a minimalist album blending contemplative soundscapes with inspired, improvisational textures. Featuring Melbourne pianist Andrea Keller and double bassist Helen Svoboda, 'Life Forms' unveils a sonic journey that embodies Dasika's fascination with imaginative soundscapes and meticulously honed technique. Dasika describes how his work on the album was rooted in a fascination with trumpet techniques, especially double tonguing, half-valve trills, and alternate valve timbral trills. "Some tracks, particularly the first one, demonstrate my obsession with playing all the timbral variations I can think of on a single note," he adds, creating what he calls a "sonic world" that oscillates between fragility and boldness.
Dasika's inspiration extends beyond music; literature and video games have a deep influence on his compositions. "I draw on the fantastical imagery from my favorite fantasy and science fiction. My last two albums, Suzaku and Mizuchi, were named after fantastical beasts from Japanese and Chinese mythology," he explains. In Life Forms, Dasika invites listeners to envision each piece as its own "monster," a fantastical creature with a unique personality.
'Life Forms' is an album that explores the delicate dynamics of trumpet, piano, and bass, while celebrating the intricate timbres that arise from deeply personal influences and innovative techniques.
Niran Dasika has established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz and improvisational music scenes in Australia and Japan. His accolades include the 2019 APRA AMCOS Professional Development Award and the 2019 Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year, with a notable 2nd place at the 2017 National Jazz Awards. His recent works, including "Kiri" with Sumire Kuribayashi and solo ventures into electronic music like "Endless Spring, Infinite Summer" and "Assorted Drone Music Vol. 1-3," showcase his evolving artistic journey.
Tracklist
| 1. | Life Forms | 6:10 |
| 2. | Noodle | 6:09 |
| 3. | Osmanthus Green | 11:35 |
| 4. | River Song | 7:24 |
| 5. | Lanaryu | 5:49 |
| 6. | All Good Things | 7:34 |
| 7. | Sunless City | 5:55 |
Credits
Niran Dasika (trumpet)
Andrea Keller (piano)
Helen Svoboda (double bass)
Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Pat Telfer
Recorded at the Brian Brown Studio
Album design by Brodie McAlister
