"A rare & tender sonic wonder"
BBC 3 Late Junction
Conrad Clipper is the pseudonym of an anonymous composer and multi-instrumentalist, with a focus on prepared, programmed & played piano. He lives and records in Berlin.
His debut album, Cycle of Liminal Rites, was released on Emily Elhaj's Love Lion label (Angel Olsen). This, his follow-up release, was recorded in Arizona and Berlin, and was mixed and mastered by Deerhoof's John Dieterich.
Conrad on the recording of Heron's Book of Dreams:
"Through the window at Arcosanti, I could see the desert, vast and transformative. Inside the room was an upright piano, a Fender Rhodes, and several synths. For five days - every morning, afternoon and evening - I sat in this room with the circular window and wrote the music you can hear on this record. Outside, intimate crowds gathered to watch some of the world's best musicians play unique and unrepeatable sets.
"Arcosanti, AZ is a prototype arcology designed by Paolo Soleri. Picture, if you can, moonbase architecture inspired by late-60s sustainable ideologies. Concrete atriums screened with poplar and olive trees. Shady, calm apses to keep the desert sun off. The low roar of the iron forge, casting the famous Arcosanti bells that are shipped around the world.
"Each year, FORM festival takes place there and selects 1,000 people to attend. I was not selected. Instead, I found myself there working as a photographic assistant to my friend, Tonje. During that week, through Tonje, I met Tortoise, Bill Callahan, The National, Grizzly Bear, Moses Sumney, Perfume Genius, Braids, Skrillex, Hundred Waters and many others.
"Whenever possible, and often during their live shows, I would sneak into the room with the circular window to write and record Heron’s Book of Dreams. This record, then, is for anyone who has found themselves watching as their dreams play out on a stage without them."
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