By Aaron Schips
This week’s Real Chill Sunday is going to take you on a ride with some of the bigger names in psychedelic and ambient electronic music. I know that all of these producers are pretty well known, but now your Sunday will be that much more musically fulfilling, right? And if you don’t know some of the artists listed below, that’s even better! As long as you like them, that is.
Anyway, without further ado, I present the Real Chill Sunday psychedelic/ambient artist selection. Guaranteed to help your Sunday psyche groove pleasantly.
Brian Eno, “An Ending” (ascent)
I wanted to start at the beginning with An Ending. (Whoa, dude, crazy what you did right there.) The name is cool, but my main reason for putting this first is this: if you asked any artist below (and many in the music industry in general) to cite some influences for their music, I’d bet a pretty penny that Eno’s name would fall onto their lists. He’s been making ambient music since the seventies, and while it doesn’t groove as hard as some other selections below, it’s no less magical and timeless.
Younger Brother, “Happy Pills”
When I started researching tracks for this list, I realized I had to do a Shpongle song. They just epitomize everything I’ve heard about psychedelic electronic music, so I wanted to put in something that spoke to that. Instead of Shpongle, I chose Simon Posford’s lesser-known side project. Younger Brother is similar to Shpongle, but instead of Raja Ram Posford teamed up with Brian Vaughan, an equally compelling producer on Posford’s record label Twisted Records. The first minute or so really sets the stage for this song; I feel like it wouldn’t have been out of place in an episode of Twin Peaks or some strange David Lynch project.
Phutureprimitive Symbiotic Remix of Bluetech’s “Oleander”
I know Phutureprimitive’s heavier stuff, but this was a really pleasant surprise. He’s opened for Shpongle before, so if you liked the Younger Brother track, chances are this will be right up your alley.
Ott, “The Queen of all Everything”
Another UK and Twisted Records act, OTT is a favorite for festivals all over America. I’ve yet to see him live, but he’s up there on my list. This entire album is pretty crazy, and OTT can definitely get heavier, but this calmer track shows why he has such an avid fanbase across America.
Cosmosis, “The Himalaya”
Cosmosmis is another vet of the Goa Psytrance movement that took place in the 90s. Originally started in the UK by Bill Halsley and Jeremy Van Kampen, Cosmosis has since fallen into the sole care of Halsley. There’s so much crazy stuff going on here, I just… listen for yourself.
Rob Garzo, Remix of “Ascension” by Tycho
Rob Garza is one half of Thievery Corporation, and you can see its influence on his remix of this Tycho track. A little more house-y than the other selections, this song still kills it while managing to stay calm.
Aphex Twin, “Xtal”
Of all the artists on this page, Aphex Twin has probably done the most to influence modern-day electronic music. This is the first track off of his wildly popular Selected Ambient Works 85-92. Check it out if you want, it’s unlike anything you’ll ever hear in your life.
Boards of Canada, “Peacock Tail”
These (also UK) guys kill it on the reg. I think this song combines the psych/ambient style in a perfect way, to end another (hopefully) chill Sunday. ☺
BASS CAKE 