The minimalist music landscape gained a subtle but significant addition this week with the launch of Ojas Music, a new label spearheaded by Devon Turnbull. The label’s inaugural release, Unna, is a collaboration between Michael A. Muller, co-founder of the instrumental duo Balmorhea, and Otto A. Totland, one half of the Norwegian experimental group Deaf Center. The EP, released in partnership with The Vinyl Factory, represents a meeting of minds from two distinct yet complementary corners of ambient and minimalist composition.
Turnbull, known for his audiophile-focused approach to music and sound, established Ojas Music as an extension of his broader work in audio, hi-fi, and design. His commitment to the listening experience is further exemplified by HiFi Listening Room Dream No. 1, a permanent installation at 180 Studios designed to create an immersive and carefully considered sonic environment. The listening room aims to honor both the music and the listener, a philosophy that clearly informs the launch of his new label.
Unna, the Norwegian word for “away,” embodies a dual meaning, reflecting both the geographical distance between Muller and Totland and the introspective state often achieved during the creative process. The music itself is a delicate interplay of textures, pairing Totland’s intimate, close-miked piano work with Muller’s contributions on double bass, glockenspiel, Mellotron, and Rhodes. This combination creates a soundscape that is both spacious and deeply resonant.
Michael A. Muller brings a wealth of experience to the project. Beyond his work with Balmorhea, formed in Austin, Texas, in 2006, he has established himself as a prolific solo artist and film composer. Balmorhea, known for its minimalist instrumental arrangements, has released albums on labels like Western Vinyl and Deutsche Grammophon. Muller’s collaborative work includes projects with artists such as Hania Rani, Alva Noto, Víkingur Ólafsson, The Album Leaf, and Douglas McCombs of Tortoise, demonstrating a broad range of musical interests, and partnerships.
Otto A. Totland’s contributions are equally noteworthy. As one half of Deaf Center, he helped shape a generation of minimalist and ambient music with the duo’s influential releases on Type Records and Sonic Pieces. His solo work, particularly his piano trilogy produced by Nils Frahm, has garnered critical acclaim for its evocative and emotionally resonant qualities. Totland’s approach to piano composition emphasizes subtlety and nuance, qualities that are prominently featured on Unna.
The release of Unna is limited to 500 copies worldwide on 180g vinyl, available through The Vinyl Factory. Listeners can too experience a visual accompaniment to the track ‘Rolig’ via a dedicated visualiser. This limited edition underscores the label’s commitment to a curated and high-quality presentation of its releases.
The launch of Ojas Music and the release of Unna signal a promising start for Turnbull’s new venture. The label’s focus on immersive listening experiences and collaborations between established artists in the minimalist and ambient genres positions it as a noteworthy addition to the contemporary music scene. The next step for Ojas Music will be to build on this foundation, with future releases planned that continue to prioritize sonic quality and artistic vision.
What are your thoughts on the new release? Share your impressions and discuss the evolving landscape of minimalist music in the comments below.
