The Return of the sonic landscapes in music
Welcome to the world of Njordlyd, where music transcends its traditional boundaries and becomes an immersive experience. Njordlyd is the brainchild of an artist who explores the realms of experimental, dark, and industrial ambient soundscapes.
Each composition is not just a track but a dynamic journey that takes the listener on a sonic adventure. Like chapters in an ever-growing sonic narrative, every release from Njordlyd unfolds a new dimension, inviting you to immerse yourself in the evolving tapestry of musical exploration.
That’s what makes this glorious music so special and inviting for artists to be inspired by. (See the Music meets Art challenge)
The Visionary Behind Njordlyd
“When creating music, I let the sounds, ideas, mood, and current inspiration control me until a certain point, where it all turns, and I naturally take over the control.” These words from the creator of Njordlyd encapsulate the philosophy behind the project. The artist draws upon various influences and allows the creative process to guide the music. This approach results in compositions that are not confined by conventional structures but instead flow organically, guided by the emotions and inspirations that fuel them.
From Underground to the Surface
The journey of Njordlyd began in 1991, establishing the artist as an integral part of the underground music scene. Over the years, Njordlyd has been involved in numerous music projects, collaborations, and releases that have shaped the sonic identity of the artist. A phase of self-discovery between 1998 and 2014 was dedicated to defining a unique sonic signature that would set Njordlyd apart from the mainstream.
In November 2014, the Njordlyd project officially surfaced with the release of the “Silent Echoes” EP in 2015. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the artist’s musical journey, introducing audiences to the distinct Njordlyd sound. The momentum continued with the release of the 2-track single “Ghost Running” in 2017, further solidifying Njordlyd’s presence in the ambient music landscape.
Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/track/3YEDFVWH3btz1HpiNJAZCq?si=20d5099fce5541b7
Unfolding Music in Phases
A visionary three-year plan, initiated in 2021, has laid the foundation for Njordlyd’s future releases. Divided into distinct phases, this plan aims to explore different aspects of the sonic landscape. Phase 1, spanning from April 2021 to April 2022, witnessed the release of five impactful 1-track singles: “Circles,” “Subconsciously,” “Perception,” “Voices,” and “Clouds.” Each of these singles takes listeners on a captivating sonic journey, showcasing the artist’s ability to create immersive soundscapes.
Phase 2, starting in September 2022, introduced the 2-track single “Interlaced” and the album “Getting Closer” in November 2022. This phase delved deeper into the intricacies of Njordlyd’s sonic palette, exploring the interplay of different elements and textures. The phase concluded in early 2023 with the release of the single “Correlations Part Two” in February and the EP “Correlations” in March. These releases marked a culmination of the sonic exploration that unfolded throughout Phase 2.
September 2023 marked the beginning of Phase 3, with the release of the single “Adrift.” This was followed by “With Time” in October 2023, leading up to the highly anticipated release of the album “The Absence of Noise” in early February 2024. Phase 3 promises to be a culmination of the artist’s musical evolution, bringing together the diverse influences and inspirations that shape Njordlyd’s sonic identity.
The Name and Influences of Njordlyd
The name Njordlyd is a personal choice that holds special significance for the artist. Derived from a liking for the Norse god associated with the sea, sailing, fishing, and fertility, the name Njord embodies a connection to nature and the elements. The addition of “lyd,” meaning sound, transforms Njord into a pseudonym that reflects the artist’s profound association with music—a representation of a distinctive sonic identity.
The musical inspiration for Njordlyd flows from a diverse spectrum. Influences from artists such as Future Sound of London, Biosphere, Burial, Mount Shrine, Brian Eno, Harold Budd, Massive Attack, Portishead, and Marconi Union can be heard woven into the intricate fabric of Njordlyd’s compositions. These artists have shaped the artist’s sonic sensibilities and contributed to the rich tapestry of influences that define the Njordlyd sound.
If you are a seeker of unconventional and immersive music experiences, then Njordlyd offers a sonic journey unlike any other. With each release, Njordlyd invites you to dive into a world of experimental, dark, and industrial ambient soundscapes—a world where music is more than just sound, but a transformative experience. Explore the evolving tapestry of Njordlyd’s sonic narrative, and let yourself be transported to new dimensions of musical exploration.
Newest Release: “Influx”
“Influx” (Track one): The term “influx” signifies a significant arrival or the introduction of a large elements, whether it’s people or things. In this track, the listeners are introduced to a multitude of diverse elements – an extensive array of sounds, samples, and field recordings that flow throughout the piece.
The track commences with the sensation of a “hot summer afternoon.” It’s a time when the heat is so intense that any activity feels challenging, yet an undercurrent of tension and restlessness persists in the background. Disruptive, non-soothing sounds interrupts the moment, amplifying the sense of unease and the need to move forward, even against conflicting circumstances.
The Album: “The absence of noise”
“The Absence of Noise” is my second album as Njordlyd. The title of the album does not refer to the absence of noises in my music, as noises serve as a fundamental element in my compositions. Instead, it reflects how I use music creation as an escape from the “noises” in life – the constant disturbances, endless responsibilities, and countless issues demanding attention. This album is a departure from these everyday distractions, a chance to be alone, unrestricted and free from constraints. When I create music, I experience a sense of freedom and solitude. It is a temporary mindset that provides me with a sense of control, even though I usually have a clear purpose in mind when creating music. Although I drift away from the “noises,” I remain in command, orchestrating the musical journey.
The music on this album takes the listener on a voyage through a somewhat darker and more cosmic landscape compared to my last work. It’s entirely sample-based, featuring an array of field recordings, metro sounds, barking dogs, distorted noises, instruments, and reimagined musical fragments. My passion for manipulating samples and reshaping audio content has only grown since the completion of my previous album, “Getting Closer,” and the EP, “Correlations.”
If you listen closely, you will uncover subtle, uncharted layers of samples that transform ordinary soundscapes into something entirely new or different. These nuances are nestled within the spaces between the samples, waiting to be discovered.
Full album launching soon.