SM007
Tetsu Umehara - Ephemeral
Tetsu Umehara, a Japanese artist with German roots, returns to Small Méasures with his second full-length album, Ephemeral. This latest work continues to reflect his interdisciplinary approach, blending music, architecture, contemporary art, and performing arts into a singular cohesive vision.
Tetsu’s fascination with architecture, born during his childhood in Düsseldorf, heavily influences the album, allowing him to explore the interplay between sound, space, and memory. This approach, which documents the transient nature of sounds and stories within lived environments, is a continuation of the "music and placeability" concept first explored in his debut album, Handwritten
"I want to keep wandering, feeling the vast continuity of time, and continue encountering music anew."
Throughout Ephemeral, Tetsu continues to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics that recordings and writings evoke, capturing the human experience in an increasingly complex world.
Through the fusion of synthesisers, drum machines, guitars, vocals, samples, and field recordings, the album also serves as a soundtrack to his own journey, akin to a planner’s sanctuary or a sculptor’s mirror, reflecting the ever-changing, multifaceted nature of life.
"The more I make music, the more I think about music, the more I feel that, in reality, there may be no such concept as past or future."
Tetsu Umehara - Ephemeral
Tetsu Umehara, a Japanese artist with German roots, returns to Small Méasures with his second full-length album, Ephemeral. This latest work continues to reflect his interdisciplinary approach, blending music, architecture, contemporary art, and performing arts into a singular cohesive vision.
Tetsu’s fascination with architecture, born during his childhood in Düsseldorf, heavily influences the album, allowing him to explore the interplay between sound, space, and memory. This approach, which documents the transient nature of sounds and stories within lived environments, is a continuation of the "music and placeability" concept first explored in his debut album, Handwritten
"I want to keep wandering, feeling the vast continuity of time, and continue encountering music anew."
Throughout Ephemeral, Tetsu continues to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics that recordings and writings evoke, capturing the human experience in an increasingly complex world.
Through the fusion of synthesisers, drum machines, guitars, vocals, samples, and field recordings, the album also serves as a soundtrack to his own journey, akin to a planner’s sanctuary or a sculptor’s mirror, reflecting the ever-changing, multifaceted nature of life.
"The more I make music, the more I think about music, the more I feel that, in reality, there may be no such concept as past or future."
Old Console - Co-producer Yetsuby
Timekeeper - (Sound Programming, Sound Sample: yoshikimasuda)
Mastering - Kabamix
Artwork - Tetsu Umehara
Design - Jack Hardwicke
SM006
Gonubie - Signals at Both Ears
Born and based in Cape Town, South Africa, Gonubie is an interdisciplinary artist with a background in fine art, landscape architecture and urban design. A classically trained musician and flautist, her debut album, Signals at Both Ears, acts as a personal sonic exploration of the notion of space and ideas surrounding the making of home.
On Signals at Both Ears, sonic elements are combined organically through a process akin to painting. Incorporating the movement of synthesisers and percussive drumming with expansive chords, the compositions aim to immerse the listener in a world where sound is the primary tool for navigation and finding refuge.
“It is the spatial nature of sound through both its structural layering of components and its ability to craft the feeling of space intangibly that I carry with me in both music making and sharing.”
Work on the album began as a break from her work under the moniker ‘raresoftware’, a role that sees her DJ at some of South Africa’s most renowned underground parties, radio shows and festivals. Whilst her work behind the decks leans towards underground dance music, Gonubie developed a love of ambient music in private and began creating music under her new alias.
Taking her name from a river and area in South Africa’s Eastern Cape where her mother was raised, Gonubie’s focus is the process in which the individual components of a song form an experience and translate to feeling. For Gonubie it is the human mechanism that allows for a listener's immersion into a world crafted by sound.
“The name for this record is derived from the process of ‘binaural fusion’ in which sounds received from each individual ear are processed by the brain to produce a unified perception.”
Gonubie - Signals at Both Ears
Born and based in Cape Town, South Africa, Gonubie is an interdisciplinary artist with a background in fine art, landscape architecture and urban design. A classically trained musician and flautist, her debut album, Signals at Both Ears, acts as a personal sonic exploration of the notion of space and ideas surrounding the making of home.
On Signals at Both Ears, sonic elements are combined organically through a process akin to painting. Incorporating the movement of synthesisers and percussive drumming with expansive chords, the compositions aim to immerse the listener in a world where sound is the primary tool for navigation and finding refuge.
“It is the spatial nature of sound through both its structural layering of components and its ability to craft the feeling of space intangibly that I carry with me in both music making and sharing.”
Work on the album began as a break from her work under the moniker ‘raresoftware’, a role that sees her DJ at some of South Africa’s most renowned underground parties, radio shows and festivals. Whilst her work behind the decks leans towards underground dance music, Gonubie developed a love of ambient music in private and began creating music under her new alias.
Taking her name from a river and area in South Africa’s Eastern Cape where her mother was raised, Gonubie’s focus is the process in which the individual components of a song form an experience and translate to feeling. For Gonubie it is the human mechanism that allows for a listener's immersion into a world crafted by sound.
“The name for this record is derived from the process of ‘binaural fusion’ in which sounds received from each individual ear are processed by the brain to produce a unified perception.”
SM005
Candyfloss Mountain - Escape From Candyfloss Mountain
Candyfloss Mountain is a new collaboration from producers Jon Dix and Joe Quirke (JQ) and was born out of the pair’s shared love of high-energy video game music, vaporwave audio manipulation, academic sound design and anthemic sugary melodies.
Imagining their own animated universe called Candyfloss Mountain, their debut release Escape From Candyfloss Mountain soundtracks the first conceptual game in the notional series. The eleven track album is built around video game staples such as introductory titles, pause screens, boss levels and end credits.
Many of the tracks score a specific level or challenge within the game, leading to the final boss level ‘Slaying Strawberry Lace Dragon’ before the players can finally escape from a strange new world and its deliciously unnerving landscapes.
Elements of the visual world are brought into visual reality by Australian designer Elvis Barlow-Smith on the album's cover art and the CD version is copied to the same black compact discs used for older playstation games.
Candyfloss Mountain - Escape From Candyfloss Mountain
Candyfloss Mountain is a new collaboration from producers Jon Dix and Joe Quirke (JQ) and was born out of the pair’s shared love of high-energy video game music, vaporwave audio manipulation, academic sound design and anthemic sugary melodies.
Imagining their own animated universe called Candyfloss Mountain, their debut release Escape From Candyfloss Mountain soundtracks the first conceptual game in the notional series. The eleven track album is built around video game staples such as introductory titles, pause screens, boss levels and end credits.
Many of the tracks score a specific level or challenge within the game, leading to the final boss level ‘Slaying Strawberry Lace Dragon’ before the players can finally escape from a strange new world and its deliciously unnerving landscapes.
Elements of the visual world are brought into visual reality by Australian designer Elvis Barlow-Smith on the album's cover art and the CD version is copied to the same black compact discs used for older playstation games.
SM004
Tetsu Umehara - Handwritten
Tetsu Umehara was born in Yokohama, Japan, but spent much of his childhood in Dusseldorf, and it was in the western German city that his nascent interest in architecture first blossomed. His debut album, Handwritten, is a personal journey that explores the intersection between architectural urbanism, acoustic ecology and human emotion.
Formed from a diverse range of sounds created from field-recordings taken in, and inspired by, various cities and urban settings, Handwritten pairs guitar, piano and angular percussive elements to create a rich world of aural depth and intricacy.
“If music is a site-specific culture, then the process of making music is nothing more than creating an imaginary place within oneself.”
Whilst Tetsu learned to play music from a young age, architecture always remained a driving passion and he would go on to study architectural design at Tokyo University of the Arts. His studies have continued to create an inner dialogue around sound and space, imagining music for specific sites and visualising architectural designs in his own sonic creations.
Handwritten is an ode to the diverse styles of architecture that have influenced Tetsu. From the modern urban planning of Yokohama’s harbour to the inorganic sprawl of Berlin, Tetsu sees the fluid hand of the artistic creator in a building’s immobile geometry. In an attempt to mirror the disciplined complexity of a city within music, Tetsu has found a way to talk about the interaction of spatial and auditory dynamics.
“It is important that the Handwritten be a record of my musical journey. For me, making the album was like a short trip through the landscapes of my memory.”
A portion of profits will be donated to Human Rights Now (HRN), a Japanese organisation looking to improve human rights around Asia.
https://hrn.or.jp/eng/
Tetsu Umehara - Handwritten
Tetsu Umehara was born in Yokohama, Japan, but spent much of his childhood in Dusseldorf, and it was in the western German city that his nascent interest in architecture first blossomed. His debut album, Handwritten, is a personal journey that explores the intersection between architectural urbanism, acoustic ecology and human emotion.
Formed from a diverse range of sounds created from field-recordings taken in, and inspired by, various cities and urban settings, Handwritten pairs guitar, piano and angular percussive elements to create a rich world of aural depth and intricacy.
“If music is a site-specific culture, then the process of making music is nothing more than creating an imaginary place within oneself.”
Whilst Tetsu learned to play music from a young age, architecture always remained a driving passion and he would go on to study architectural design at Tokyo University of the Arts. His studies have continued to create an inner dialogue around sound and space, imagining music for specific sites and visualising architectural designs in his own sonic creations.
Handwritten is an ode to the diverse styles of architecture that have influenced Tetsu. From the modern urban planning of Yokohama’s harbour to the inorganic sprawl of Berlin, Tetsu sees the fluid hand of the artistic creator in a building’s immobile geometry. In an attempt to mirror the disciplined complexity of a city within music, Tetsu has found a way to talk about the interaction of spatial and auditory dynamics.
“It is important that the Handwritten be a record of my musical journey. For me, making the album was like a short trip through the landscapes of my memory.”
A portion of profits will be donated to Human Rights Now (HRN), a Japanese organisation looking to improve human rights around Asia.
https://hrn.or.jp/eng/
SM003
Early Fern - Place Of Rest
Since the release of their debut album Music For Baths Vol.I in 2020, North American based multi-instrumentalist Early Fern has continued to work seasonally on farms across America, exploring a diverse selection of practices ranging from mushroom farming to goat rearing.
Though the work could be tough and tiring, Early found time to write and record new music whenever possible. Their latest work, Place of Rest, is a collection of pieces that were created whilst living in a cabin on a friend’s farm, situated on unceded Monacan land in Virginia, between the winter solstice of 2020 and the spring equinox of 2021.
Early refurbished the cabin in preparation for winter, creating a space to explore an auditory world inspired by the calm of nature and the wonder and mystery of the fantastical. Here they were able to find some comfort, creating a place of rest and respite from our difficult times.
As with their small méasures debut, Early continues to use their platform to raise awareness and funds for organisations defending the rights of the indigenous people in America.
"As an artist living in a settler colonial state, it is important to me to materially support resistance to ongoing colonisation and ecological destruction. Funds will go to support pipeline resistance efforts in the US, such as Appalachians Against Pipelines and Stop Line 3."
The cassette and CD will be released on November 10th and features several wonderful illustrations by the artist showcasing some of the beautiful natural spaces they explored over the past year.
Early Fern - Place Of Rest
Since the release of their debut album Music For Baths Vol.I in 2020, North American based multi-instrumentalist Early Fern has continued to work seasonally on farms across America, exploring a diverse selection of practices ranging from mushroom farming to goat rearing.
Though the work could be tough and tiring, Early found time to write and record new music whenever possible. Their latest work, Place of Rest, is a collection of pieces that were created whilst living in a cabin on a friend’s farm, situated on unceded Monacan land in Virginia, between the winter solstice of 2020 and the spring equinox of 2021.
Early refurbished the cabin in preparation for winter, creating a space to explore an auditory world inspired by the calm of nature and the wonder and mystery of the fantastical. Here they were able to find some comfort, creating a place of rest and respite from our difficult times.
As with their small méasures debut, Early continues to use their platform to raise awareness and funds for organisations defending the rights of the indigenous people in America.
"As an artist living in a settler colonial state, it is important to me to materially support resistance to ongoing colonisation and ecological destruction. Funds will go to support pipeline resistance efforts in the US, such as Appalachians Against Pipelines and Stop Line 3."
The cassette and CD will be released on November 10th and features several wonderful illustrations by the artist showcasing some of the beautiful natural spaces they explored over the past year.
SM002
Salamanda - Sphere
Salamanda is the collaborative alias of South Korean producer/DJ duo, and close friends, Uman Therma (Sala) and Yetsuby (Manda). Together they create avant-garde electronic music inspired by minimalist concepts, harmonious rhythms and the work of American composer Steve Reich.
Across the eight tracks of Sphere, their debut for Small Méasures, the pair conjure spherical worlds inspired by bubbles, refracting light and planet earth. Soundscapes laden with percussive elements ebb and flow as arpeggiated stanzas cede to misty synths and shimmering plates, conjuring images of solitary temples sat in vast open plateaus.
“For Sphere, we came up with an abstract concept and image to explore more diversity and encourage imagination. Each track is related to different kinds of sphere we found or imagined. From the big round planet embracing every creature to dancing little bubbles underwater, fragments of ideas floating around, exploding tomatoes, and movement of lights flashing and tickling the eyes…
Or the tracks can be about completely different types of spheres in other people's perspective. We hope Sphere can unleash the imagination and take you on a delightful journey of music.’’
Sphere will be released on tape, CD and digital from September 29. 100% of profits from physical sales will be donated to the Korean Women’s Hotline, a program that helps support Korean women in crisis.
http://enghotline.cafe24.com/
Salamanda - Sphere
Salamanda is the collaborative alias of South Korean producer/DJ duo, and close friends, Uman Therma (Sala) and Yetsuby (Manda). Together they create avant-garde electronic music inspired by minimalist concepts, harmonious rhythms and the work of American composer Steve Reich.
Across the eight tracks of Sphere, their debut for Small Méasures, the pair conjure spherical worlds inspired by bubbles, refracting light and planet earth. Soundscapes laden with percussive elements ebb and flow as arpeggiated stanzas cede to misty synths and shimmering plates, conjuring images of solitary temples sat in vast open plateaus.
“For Sphere, we came up with an abstract concept and image to explore more diversity and encourage imagination. Each track is related to different kinds of sphere we found or imagined. From the big round planet embracing every creature to dancing little bubbles underwater, fragments of ideas floating around, exploding tomatoes, and movement of lights flashing and tickling the eyes…
Or the tracks can be about completely different types of spheres in other people's perspective. We hope Sphere can unleash the imagination and take you on a delightful journey of music.’’
Sphere will be released on tape, CD and digital from September 29. 100% of profits from physical sales will be donated to the Korean Women’s Hotline, a program that helps support Korean women in crisis.
http://enghotline.cafe24.com/
SM001
Early Fern - Music for Baths [Vol.I]
Music for Baths Vol. I is the debut album from former Georgia resident Early Fern, and the inaugural release from new Métron Records project/sub-label small méasures - which aims to donate funds to organisations and causes of the artists choosing.
Having recently quit their full time job and begun seasonal work on organic farms, Early Fern began a process of reconnection in their own life. Taking the plunge to move away from the stresses of 9 to 5, along with the depression and anxiety engendered by participation in that lifestyle, they began to find a new grounding in remote farm-stays in Florida, Texas, and New Mexico. It was during this process that Early began recording music that mirrors their attempts to become more calm, more present, and more connected to their natural surroundings. It was in these sessions that Music for Baths was recorded.
Baths are a place where people have historically visited to find restoration, both mentally and physically, whilst soaking in the tranquility of water. It thus seemed appropriate that this record be an homage to those moments of calm, and to the process of healing. Indeed we can confirm that these tracks are a fantastic accompaniment to a soothing bath.
Early wanted to use the profits from this release to support an organisation close to their heart. Seeding Sovereignty is an indigenous womxn led collective which seeks to dismantle colonial structures and policies in politics, agriculture, and justice. These songs were recorded on colonised land, and by donating to them Early seeks to undo some of the harm of colonial structures and, in a small way, offset some of the privilege from which they benefit in a colonised nation.
seedingsovereignty.org
Early Fern - Music for Baths [Vol.I]
Music for Baths Vol. I is the debut album from former Georgia resident Early Fern, and the inaugural release from new Métron Records project/sub-label small méasures - which aims to donate funds to organisations and causes of the artists choosing.
Having recently quit their full time job and begun seasonal work on organic farms, Early Fern began a process of reconnection in their own life. Taking the plunge to move away from the stresses of 9 to 5, along with the depression and anxiety engendered by participation in that lifestyle, they began to find a new grounding in remote farm-stays in Florida, Texas, and New Mexico. It was during this process that Early began recording music that mirrors their attempts to become more calm, more present, and more connected to their natural surroundings. It was in these sessions that Music for Baths was recorded.
Baths are a place where people have historically visited to find restoration, both mentally and physically, whilst soaking in the tranquility of water. It thus seemed appropriate that this record be an homage to those moments of calm, and to the process of healing. Indeed we can confirm that these tracks are a fantastic accompaniment to a soothing bath.
Early wanted to use the profits from this release to support an organisation close to their heart. Seeding Sovereignty is an indigenous womxn led collective which seeks to dismantle colonial structures and policies in politics, agriculture, and justice. These songs were recorded on colonised land, and by donating to them Early seeks to undo some of the harm of colonial structures and, in a small way, offset some of the privilege from which they benefit in a colonised nation.
seedingsovereignty.org
