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Drift Into An Elsewhere

Drift Into An Elsewhere is a contemplative sonic narrative capturing the deep connection between human emotion and nature through music, soundscapes and field recordings of the natural environment of Shetland.

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Drift Into An Elsewhere is a quiet, contemplative and meditative sonic experience. Working with percussion, electronics, soundscapes, spoken word and field recordings of the natural environment in Shetland, Renzo brings in his own unique sound to explore the deep connection between music, human emotion and nature.

The compositions seek to capture and convey uplifting emotional musical narrative that embodies the themes of hope, resilience, community spirit, collective strength and a profound connection with nature. The creative process and the end product act as a sonic exploration of these themes, weaving a musical tapestry that celebrates life, that reflects the strength, resilience and unity demonstrated by Shetland islanders, either as individuals or communities, during and beyond challenging times of the COVID19 pandemic. The incorporation of sounds from nature from various outdoor locations around Shetland offer a unique and evocative layer, symbolising healing and renewal, creating a connection between the work and the broader themes of life's cyclical nature. 

Using soft, ambient, layered sounds, Renzo invites listeners to immerse themselves in this body of work and to be transported to an elsewhere, offering a reflective experience that crosses boundaries of music, improvisation and performance.

Drift Into An Elsewhere was released in August 2024 and is available for purchase as a physical CD, and for streaming and download on all digital platforms including Bandcamp, Amazon Music, Apple Music, iTunes and Spotify. ​​

​In February 2023, five Shetland-based artists were commissioned to create works that captured the experiences, during the first Covid lockdown, of people living in The Shetland Islands. The creation of these works was documented, resulting in the creation of a COVID memorial for Shetland - a book titled Mindin’ Tagidder - which formed part of Remembering Together, a nationwide project commissioned by greenspace scotland with funding from the Scottish Government, delivered by Shetland Arts Development Agency in partnership with Shetland Island’s Council.

Below is an extract from the book that documents the creation of Drift Into An Elsewhere, Renzo's artistic contribution for this project. 

Photos: Gaby Giacchino shot at St Ninian's Tombolo (Bigton), Noss Sound (Bressay) and Lerwick.

Project type

Music album

Credits

Music & text by Renzo Spiteri, performed by:

Renzo Spiteri: percussion, electronics, field recordings

Annalie Irvine: violin

Natalie Cairns-Ratter: violin

Clare Rickets: viola

Sophie Wishart: cello

Billy Mail: voice on tracks 3 & 6

Osla Jamwal-Fraser: voice on track 4

Brett Culp appearing on track 1 by kind permission.

Composed, recorded, mixed & produced by Renzo Spiteri at Orange Dot Studio Shetland, May 2024

Strings & additional percussion recorded at Mareel Recording Studio, Shetland; engineer: Tim Matthew


Total time: 33:00

Acknowledgements

Drift Into An Elsewhere is part of Shetland's Remembering Together project, funded by Scottish government and delivered through greenspace Scotland, Shetland Islands Council and Shetland Arts.

Events

Album released August 2024.

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