Hush Hush Records is proud to present the debut album 'Breath' by Helsinki, Finland-based composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Juha Mäki-Patola. A meditative and pacific instrumental album that revels in rich neo-classical arrangements and calming ambient soundscapes, Juha’s first solo steps into the forefront yields a sublime album that soothes and soars in equal measure.
'Breath' marks Juha’s first solo release, yet he’s been involved in the Finnish music community for over a decade, serving as a member of several bands and working behind-the-scenes as a producer, musician, and recording/mixing/mastering engineer for both local and international artists from various genres. All of this experience helped steer his vision towards the type of music he desired to compose and produce under his own name. Inspired by the great neo-classical composers of this era such as Jóhann Jóhannsson, Nils Frahm, and Max Richter as well as pioneering artists such as Brian Eno, Philip Glass, and Arvo Pärt, Juha began to create introspective and reflective instrumental pieces that sought a specific calmness – compelling but unhurried. Beginning with a few early demos that were shared with Hush Hush in late January 2020, a full-length album began to take shape as Juha continued his creative outburst with steady precision, each new track adding a subtle new shade to his expanding palette. Now paired down to seven cohesive tracks, 'Breath' fully showcases Juha’s soothing sonic vision and introduces a budding new talent in the fertile contemporary neo-classical/ambient community.
This album is grounded in the basic practice of breathing and being a respectful and loving part of our interconnected natural world. These songs are intended to provide a soundtrack to viewing life in a slowed-down state, when small moments can transform into powerful experiences. And these sounds are designed for reflection upon one’s own inner feelings and the deep connection between mind and body. We hope you enjoy, 'Breath.'
credits
released September 25, 2020
All music composed, performed, recorded, mixed, and produced by Juha Mäki-Patola, winter 2019-2020 in Helsinki, Finland.
Cello played by Aleksi Kaufmann.
Mastered by Taylor Deupree.
Photography and artwork layout by Liina Mäki-Patola.
Run by KEXP DJ Alex Ruder, Hush Hush Records is dedicated to curating an emotional and introspective sound that's free of specific genre boundaries and ideal for headphone sessions, late-night travels and intimate encounters.
As a few others have pointed out, this album has gotten me through the past few months with a calming and nurturing soundscape... looking forward to having the first 4 tracks on vinyl finally... wish I could hang out with everyone else who posted a comment about this album... muthubuntu
Benjamin Mørk joins forces with Frode Larsen from The Band Called Oh, making a super-slick electropop tune with soulful vocals. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 1, 2016