Birds of a Feather
An ongoing three inch CD series.
''The swans are always in my thoughts and give splendor to (my) life. (It’s) strange to learn that nothing in the whole world affect me - nothing in art, literature, or music - in the same ways as do these swans and cranes and wild geese. Their voices and being.” Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
The role of birds as muse, as musical guide and inspiration has been well documented in classical music, from Mozart’s pet starling to Beethoven’s birdsong filled Pastoral Symphony and Sibelius’s swan hymn to Messaien’s birdsong compositions.
Birds of a Feather celebrates the role of birds in ambient music, and the beautiful fragility of birds more generally.
So many different types of birds are struggling to eke out an existence in an increasingly urbanized world, in some cases they adapt and survive.
In others like the case of New Zealand’s flightless and critically endangered Kakapo, which has a permanent human support team and whole island dedicated to helping the species recover, even the most drastic measures may come to late.
But always birds inspire us with their mastery of flight, their epic migrations, their tragic vulnerability and their against the odds tales of survival.
Birds of a Feather will be a series of at least 12 three inch cds released as pairs in runs of 100 over the next year. Each cd comes in a handmade sleeve and contains a statement from the artist.
The first two EPs are by Iran ’s Porya Hatami and Canada ’s Michael Trommer.
Excerpts can be listened to here
Tracks by Porya Hatami and Michael Trommer
Mastered by 12k and Michael Trommer
Birds of a Feather is dedicated to Jean Sibelius and my grandfather Ron Gray, a great lover of magpies, who passed away at the age of 99 on the day this series was was launched Sept 11. RIP.
Each EP costs A$7 or you can buy both for $12. Postage is $3.
This series is no available at Bandcamp
To buy one of the EPs click below, please specify which one you want either Porya's or Michael Trommer's in the notes to seller section.
Reviews:
''The Black Woodpecker is a wonderful start to what promises to be another worthwhile series from this forward-thinking label.'' A Closer Listen
''The music curls around the loon like a mist; other birds join the conversation, but only as commentators. This is the music of the wild: initial notes the same, subsequent notes rising or falling on the scale.'' (On the Great Northern Loon) -- A Closer Listen
''Hatami’s textures at once feel charmingly intimate and introspective, whilst also hypnotic and infinite.'' Cyclic Defrost on The Black Woodpecker
''Overall, Flaming Pines curates an enchanting journey into the world of birds, making us appreciate their existence, the role they play on our human life, and indeed inspiration. Another beautiful touch to this collection is the gorgeous artwork by Kate Carr depicting the birds in each installment. Add to that the incredible mastering by Taylor Deupree of 12k , and you’ve got a little treasure that you’ll keep for the years to come. I recommend you grab this limited run series if you can!'' -- Headphone Commute on the first four Birds of a Feather EPs
''Impeccable miniatures. I look forward to collecting the entire aviary.'' Igloo Mag (Read more)