Categories
Show Playlists

Episode 026 – Tangerine Dream returns to Seattle

first aired 09.26.23

Tangerine Dream in their latest configuration returns to Seattle for the first time in over a decade — this week I’ve got lots of music from the band as well as contemporary acts that reflect the inspiration of those legends

Brand new music from Lau Nau, Lusine, Benoit Pioulard, Chronotope Project, Dal-um, Ki Oni

More from Brendan Pollard, Caterina Barbieri, David Arkenstone, Suzanne Ciani with Jonathan Pitoussi, Kubuschmitt, and the late Norm Chambers

Convergence Zone arrives Tuesdays at 10:30PM PDT on 90.7 KSER-FM, 89.9 KXIR-FM, and kser.org

Categories
Show Playlists

Episode 025 – Fall Drive 2023

Fall Drive 2023 – first aired 09.19.2023

first aired 09.19.2023

KSER’s Fall Membership Drive Converges with the final week of summer, and the 25th episode of my program, Convergence Zone

nearly half a year celebrating the musical atmospheres of the Pacific Northwest — and beyond…

please join me Tuesday night for a celebration of the show so far and the power of radio to unite us all — and please consider supporting the show  with your donation at KSER.org.  I’d appreciate if you mention Convergence Zone in the comment field

Ahead of the Long Dark, we embrace joy through new music, great regional artists, and look ahead to an array of live shows in the area

Brand new progressive ambient from Chronotope Project; the gorgeous new single from Pure Bathing Culture, it’s called ‘The River’; the new debut single from darkwave duo Soft Release, the “fortuitous convergence” of Carolyn B. from Mt Fog and Andy S. from Select Level

David Arkenstone returns to the region and his tour kicks off on Friday in Monroe, Washington — I’ll have more excerpts from our conversation about his band and his brand new album, ‘Winterlüde’

Lots more from friends of the show like Terminus Void, Erwilian, Rudy Adrian, Dreamstate Logic, Siren and the Sea, Chuck van Zyl, and a celebration of Tangerine Dream’s return visit to Seattle by playing their famous song ‘Phaedra’ in its entirety

Convergence Zone arrives for the KSER Fall Membership Drive – Tuesday,September 19 at 10:30PM PDT on 90.7 KSER-FM, 89.9 KXIR-FM, and kser.org

Categories
Show Playlists

Episode 024 – David Arkenstone exclusive

first aired 09.13.2023

I’m stoked about so many great concerts coming up this autumn and winter — with atmospheric music from regional artists and touring legends

David Arkenstone joined me for an interview about his discography; his PNW tour that begins in Monroe, WA on Friday Sep 22; and his new album “Winterlüde” – I’ll share excerpts from our conversation AND an EXCLUSIVE debut of a song from the album before it comes out Wednesday!

I’ve got music from bands that have shows coming up soon — Locsil and Lawrence English; Lane Lines; Eydís Evenson; and the latest incarnation of Tangerine Dream

Brand new music from the Gemstones IV compilation on the Cyclical Dreams label

Regional gems from Mt Fog, Deborah Martin & Jill Haley, NAVVI, and Moon Duo

And a long-lost 1982 song by Steve Roach!

Convergence Zone arrives Tuesday night at 10:30 PM PDT on 90.7 KSER-FM; 89.9 KXIR-FM; streaming at kser.org, TuneIn, and smart speakers everywhere

Categories
Interviews

Interview: David Arkenstone (Pt 1)

First aired on Convergence Zone.024 – 09.12.23

5-time Grammy winner David Arkenstone sat down with Jim Causey for an interview about his new album Winterlüde, his upcoming tour of the Pacific Northwest, and his creative process.

This recording includes excerpts from that interview first aired on Convergence Zone on Tuesday, September 12, 2023

We discussed his early years working with Narada Records, his new album Winterlüde, and his creative process during the pandemic lockdown.

The David Arkenstone and Friends autumn tour begins on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Wagner Performing Arts Center in Monroe, WA, and I hope to see you there! He has multiple dates spanning Victoria and Vancouver BC, Tacoma, Portland, Eugene, and much more.

Find the Autumn 2023 PNW Tour calendar and links to buy tickets: Tour and Ticket Information – Autumn 2023 – David Arkenstone and Friends

These excerpts also include the following songs:

“Night Wind” from the 1987 album “Valley in the Clouds”

“Warm Lights Flicker Across the Lake”, premiered exclusively on Convergence Zone, from the 2023 album “Winterlüde”

“Reflections in the Empty Spaces”, from the 2021 album “Solitude”

You can find the new album at: https://davidarkenstone.bandcamp.com/album/winterl-de

Categories
Show Playlists

Episode 023 – first show live at KSER

First aired 09.05.2023

This week; I’ll be hosting Convergence Zone LIVE from the KSER studio for the first time! Thank you to all the listeners and artists who have supported the show so far

I’ll premiere another gorgeous track by David Arkenstone from his upcoming album “Winterlūde”; this one’s called “Darkening Skies”, a timely song for the rapidly shortening days in the PNW. I’ll also have some details about my upcoming interview with David ahead of his live tour!

Also – new music from amazing regional artists like Pure Bathing Culture, Mount Maxwell, Brass Clouds, Hello Meteor, Hotel Pools; I’ll also have some lovely new music from Steve Roach, Hyperion V, SUSS, and Pabellón Sintético, along with a recent award-winning song by Craig Padilla and Marvin Allen

And my usual blend of classics and surprises, sprinkled in with the sound of my heart pounding its way out of my chest over a live mic!

@converge.fm arrives LIVE on Tuesday September 5, 10:30pm PDT on 90.7 KSER-FM, 89.9 KXIR-FM, and streaming at kser.org, TuneIn, etc etc

TimeArtistTrackAlbum
Hotel PoolsFadedEvenings Vol 1
Pure Bathing CultureThe MementoChalice
Lane LinesTime & SpaceLucid Dreaming
Vallis AlpsOn The Eve Of The RushCleave
Kacey MusgravesSlow BurnGolden Hour
Still CornersWhite SandsThe Last Exit
Climax Golden TwinsMuch Much Slowlyclimax golden twins
David ArkenstoneDarkening SkiesWinterlūde
Craig Padilla & Marvin AllenSunflowers in the WindWeathering the Storm
SUSSLingerSUSS
Hello MeteorWay Of LakesTraditional Dreams For January
Pabellón SintéticoBauhausMies van der Rohe’s dreams [CYD 0087]
tarotplaneDescartes CameraMurmuration
Brass CloudsLiquid LucidEscape Vessels
Mount MaxwellSky EyeLittlefolk
Dan MasonMelatonin HighHypnagogia
Blessed are the Hearts that BendReturningEdgelands
Tangerine DreamRicochet: Part 1 (Steven Wilson stereo remix)Ricochet (Steven Wilson remaster)
TALsoundsSlidesShift
Hyperion VOumuamuaAccretion Disc
Steve RoachTowards The DreamDreamtime Return (24-bit Studio Master)
Categories
Show Playlists

Episode 022 – sounds for late summer

first aired 08.22.2023

This week’s Convergence Zone airs on the last day of Leo — with so much stunning new music on the way

Gorgeous fresh works from Pure Bathing Culture, David Arkenstone, Pabellón Sintético, Hyperion V, Erwilian, Kim Oxlund, and Brass Clouds

Sounds for late summer from Mt Fog, Caterina Barbieri, Hello Meteor, Bruce Mitchell, and sunset virtual

And lots more — arriving Tuesday night at 10:30pm PDT on 90.7 KSER-FM, 89.9 KXIR-FM, and streaming live at kser.org and other fine internet radio services — archived at mixcloud.com/farpointer

ArtistSongTimeAlbum
First Hour
Pure Bathing CultureThe Momento00:00Chalice
Cocteau TwinsPitch the Baby03:52Heaven or Las Vegas
Caroline PolachekBreathless07:02Standing at the Gate – Remix Collection
brass cloudsDream Recall10:00Escape Vessels
Wild NothingSleight of hand12:50Laughing Gas EP
Small Black +
Com Truise
Duplex (Com Truise Remix)16:59Duplex (Com Truise Remix)
Sinéad LohanNo Mermaid20:48No Mermaid
brass cloudsSimulated Sympathy24:43Escape Vessels
Mt. FogWaiting Through These Years27:36Spells of Silence
Sarah McLachlanBack Door Man31:53Solace
Kate BushRubberband Girl35:41The Red Shoes
Four Tet4T Recordings40:174T Recordings
Hyperion VAstatis42:33Accretion Disc
Caterina BarbieriMath of You46:43Myuthafoo
Kim OxlundStars All Burn Away52:24Very Special Things
Second Hour   
David ArkenstoneThe Icy Brook Finds Its Way01:00:00Winterlude
Andreas VollenweiderDancing With the Lion01:04:08Dancing With the Lion
sunset virtualCrystal — cassette only01:08:03visions
ErwilianMasters in this Hall (Live)01:09:32Cascadia
Nils Frahm#2 (Live)01:14:23Tripping with Nils Frahm
Pabellón SintéticoFarnsworth House01:24:09Mies van der Rohe’s dreams
Chuck van ZylNightshift01:29:52BERLIN – A Tribute Album for Mark Shreeve
Bruce MitchellGateway to the Sun01:41:30Hidden Pathways
Mark VernonThe Tyrol, 197201:45:21Call Back Carousel
Brian EnoEverything Merges with the Night01:51:41Another Green World
Hello MeteorHashimi Rubies05:55:31The Lower Path
first aired 08.22.23
Categories
Show Playlists

Episode 021 – Erwilian & David Arkenstone premieres

first aired 08.15.23

This week on Convergence Zone, I’m premiering a new track by the legendary David Arkenstone; I’ve been listening to his music since picking up “Valley in the Clouds” on cassette in 1987.  Since then he’s pushed boundaries of new age, soundtrack, Celtic, ambient, and more — and he’s returning to the Pacific Northwest on tour starting next month.  I’ll have his brand-new single “The Icy Brook Finds Its Way”

I’m also premiering more local New Age, with another track off the upcoming live album by the ensemble Erwilian

Speaking of artists coming to the PNW, synthwave masters Small Black return with November dates in Vancouver BC, Seattle, and Portland, celebrating the 10th anniversary of “Limits of Desire”; I’ve got a banger from the new deluxe reissue, along with the latest by Vancouver’s Noble Oak

Pat Metheny also returns to Jazz Alley in November celebrating some of his early work, and I’ll also include great new neo-jazz from  Javier Nero and a recent piece by Makaya McCraven

Plenty of new ambient from LA duo Fog Net, along with Portland’s Daryl Groetsch, Patricia Wolf, and Seroli

And more surprises – join me Tuesday night at 10:30pm PDT on 90.7 KSER-FM, 89.9 KXIR-FM, and on the web at kser.org

ArtistSongStart TimeAlbum
First Hour
Noble OakEveningstar00:00When It Finds You
HatchieThis Enchanted03:34Giving the World Away
Small BlackBreathless08:15Limits of Desire (Deluxe Edition)
Future IslandsBorn In A War11:54As Long As You Are
Wavestar IIA Call to Arms15:51BERLIN – A Tribute Album for Mark Shreeve
Nathan KawanishiOpulence 0221:01single
Makaya McCravenThe Fours23:06In These Times
David ArkenstoneThe Icy Brook Finds Its Way26:58Winterlude
(09.13.23)
IceblinkHealer31:09Carpet Coccoon
ErwillianFantasy & Dance (live)34:32Cascadia (08.25.23)
Pat Metheny GroupThe First Circle39:20First Circle
Javier Nero Jazz OrchestraKemet (The Black Land)48:28Kemet (The Black Land)
Second Hour
Steve Roach,
Stephen Kent,
Kenneth Newby
Halcyon Days01:00:00Halcyon Days
RedshiftQuenzer – Live in the Studio 200201:09:20BERLIN – A Tribute Album for Mark Shreeve
SaloliBarcarolle01:20:25The Deep End
SaloliBarcarolle (for piano)01:25:04Ghosts: Music for Piano vol. 2
Fog NetPolymer Field01:27:24Headlands
Kim OxlundI Have No Answers01:36:01Very Special Things
Patricia WolfThe Juncos’ Nest01:40:40Seasonal Diary III – Curious Enchantment
Daryl GroetschGardens in Glass01:49:25Gardens in Glass
first aired 08.15.2023
Categories
Show Playlists

Convergence Zone.020

first aired August 8, 2023

Going deep into Leo season for the twentieth episode of Convergence Zone

Premiering the upcoming live album by PNW new-age ensemble Erwilian, along with classics by Doug Cameron and Robert Almblade with Carolyn Cruso, and Lisa Bella Donna

Brand new releases from Chuck van Zyl,  M3NASH, Portland’s Pure Bathing Culture and Saroon 

Sublime aeromatics from Jonsí and Sigur Rös friends for the Fischersund line of perfumes

New tributes to the late Mark Shreeve from Air Sculpture and Ron Boots

Convergence Zone arrives Tuesdays at 10:30pm PDT on 90.7 KSER-FM, 89.9 KXIR-FM, streaming at kser.org, TuneIn, and archived at https://www.mixcloud.com/Farpointer

ArtistSongStart TimeAlbum
First Hour
Robert Almblade & Carolyn CrusoOkanagan00:00The Fifth Element
ErwilianCascadia02:50Cascadia
ErwilianFantasy & DanceCascadia
Doug CameronThe Journey08:46Mil Amores
Mannheim SteamrollerToccata13:23Fresh Aire III
One DoveWhite Love
(radio mix)
18:00Morning Dove White
Pure Bathing CultureCity of Mirrors22:29Roxi’s Dream
Pt I
Cavern of Anti-MatterMelody in high feedback tones28:01Void beats/invocation trex
Sin Fang, Kjartan Holm, FischersundLjo​́​sin kveikt31:48Ljo​́​sin kveikt
Jonsi, Alex Somers, Sin fang
Kjartan Holm
Stafafura37:12Sounds of Fischer volume one
M3NASHComposure of Loneliness38:39Declive
Lisa Bella DonnaNight Flight49:28Night Flight
Second Hour
Uhprelude01:00:00humanus
Uhattentionhumanus
The Fragile FateFloat01:11:03Liliam Ocean
AirSculptureOn Writing01:19:09BERLIN: a tribute for Mark Shreeve
One Arc DegreeTime Invariance01:27:24The Forest and the Milky Way
Ron BootsWhere Are They Now01:34:33BERLIN: a tribute for Mark Shreeve
Chuck van ZylThe Face of the Night
(YouTube edit)
01:43:48Passages
SaroonMall of the Bardo – Traffic Operators on the Transmigration Highway01:52:26Gilgul
first aired 08.08.2023
Categories
Show Playlists

Convergence Zone.019

first aired August 1, 2023

Brand new ambient from Portland’s Saroon and from Methods Body; new dream pop from Pure Bathing Culture

More new music from Johan Agebjörn, from Parallax-5, One Arc Degree, [‘ramp], and Sigur Rós

And a tribute to the late Shuhada’ Sadaqat, born as Sinéad O’Connor

Convergence Zone arrives Tuesday nights at 10:30pm PDT on 90.7 KSER-FM in Everett, 89.9 KXIR-FM in Freeland, and streaming at kser.org, TuneIn, smart speakers, and wherever you consume internet radio

ArtistSongStart TimeAlbum
Pure Bathing CultureIn Gardens Under Evergreen00:00Roxi’s Dream
Pt I
Conjur One ft. Sinéad O ConnorTears from the Moon04:44Conjure One
Tori AmosA Sorta Fairytale10:06Scarlet’s Walk
Diane ArkenstoneFearlessly Falling15:33World Calling
Nation of LanguageAcross that Fine Line19:40A Way Forward
Saint EtienneOnly Love Can Break Your Heart25:05Foxbase Alpha
Siren and the SeaStill in the Race28:28Still in the Race
Japanese BreakfastSlide Tackle31:53Jubilee
Sally Shapiro with Johan AgebjörnForget About You (Johnny Jewel’s Amnesia Remix )35:26Sad Cities
(The Remixes)
Peter Gabriel feat. Sinéad O ConnorBlood of Eden40:17Us
Massive Attack feat. Sinéad o ConnorSpecial Cases46:40100th Window
One Arc DegreeStella Obscura52:46The Forest and the Milky Way
BREAK BREAK 59:00 
The The – Matt Johnson feat. Sinéad O ConnorKingdom of Rain01:00:00Mind Bomb
Johan Agebjörn with Mikael ÖgrenFour Hours to Karhumaki (Subtracted Version)01:05:39Subtraced Soundscapes
Sigur RósGold01:11:50Átta 
Oneohtrix Point NeverChrome Country01:16:54R Plus Seven
Parallax-5Regeneration01:21:50Sonic Awakening
A Covenant of ThornsSerafina01:27:56If the Heavens should Fall
[‘ramp]Arp-en-Ciel excerpts01:32:23Arp-en-ciel
Methods Body Torches01:42:37Plural Not Possessive
Saroon The Beacon01:48:00Gilgul
SaroonSomething, then a whisper01:51:55Gilgul
first aired 08.01.2023
Categories
Show Playlists

Replay: Convergence Zone.004

(Replayed July 25, 2023 – first aired April 4, 2023)

It’s a time of transition in the Pacific Northwest, from the season of stillness to glimpses of light and warmth.  Celebrated through the ages, whether through the revival of Osiris, the rise of the Aten, the passion of the Christ, or the Hareland Ley feasts of the goddess Ēostre

On this week’s Convergence Zone, we honor these transitions with music for death and rebirth — and we also honor the music of Ryuichi Sakamoto, who died on March 28, 2023 at the age of 71

10:30pm PDT 4/4/23 – 90.7 KSER | Independent Public Radio

ArtistSongAlbumLabelShow Notes
Dreamstate LogicAndromeda TerminalStarboundBrand new music from Seattle! project by Colby Sixx
Dennis Russell Davies dir. Stuttgart OrchestraAct I:
Prelude: Refrain, Verses 1-3
Philip Glass; AkhnatenCBS Masterworks1984 premiere of Philip Glass opera
David BowieLazarusBlackstarISO RecordsFinal album released two days before Bowie’s death
LyciaA FailureIn FlickersProjektDarkwave from 2018
Small BlackTampaCheap Dreams100% Electronicawistful chillwave found-footage vibes
Future IslandsBorn In a WarAs Long as You Are4ADSynthpop
from 2020
GeorgiaRunning Up That HillSeeking Thrills (The Ultimate Thrills Edition)DominoCovering Kate Bush
Pure Bathing CultureBlack StarlingNight PassPortland new agey-dream-pop
Ryuichi SakamotofullmoonasyncMilanpartially recorded in Bastyr University Chapel
Ryuichi Sakamoto20220302 sarabande12MilanJanuary 2023 release
Ryuichi Sakamoto2022030412Milansketches for piano and electronics
end segment one
Craig Padilla & Marvin AllenOnwards and UpwardsWeathering the StormSpotted PeccaryNew! guitar & synth homage to Kosmiche Musik
Ryuichi Sakamoto2022030212Milansketches for piano and electronics
Ryuichi Sakamoto2021031012MilanJanuary 2023 release
Electric YouthMerry Christmas Mr. LawrenceA Tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto – To the Moon and BackMilanToronto synthpop
‘remodel’ of Ryuichi Sakamoto
Terminus VoidDiscoveryOrigins UnknownSeattle synthesist
J. Ronald Smith
Peter GabrielIn Doubt

A Different Drum
Passion: Music for The Last Temptation of ChristReal Worldi/o: The Tour
Seattle
October 8
Arushi JainI Feel Incomplete Without SoundWith & WithoutGHUNGHRUOpening for Suzanne Ciani Seattle
May 20
Suso Saiz…Un Hombre OscuroOdiseaMusic From MemoryOn tour with Age of Reflections
LocsilEquivalent 7EquivalentsKrankyVancouver artist Scott Morgan, featuring samples from work created for Glenn Gould retrospective w/ Sakamoto-san

first aired April 4 2023, replayed July 25 2023

I was already contemplating death and resurrection as I produced this week’s episode of Convergence Zone – and then my friend Nick texted me the sad news that Ryuichi Sakamoto had passed away. 

Sakamoto-san’s impact — from his time in Yellow Magic Orchestra, his work in film scores and acting, and his prolific creations as an ambient and neoclassical artist — is impossible to do justice in words, at least as few as I can summon here.  But I can try and share some of his recent pieces, including one produced in part during his time recording as Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA.

His final album, “12”, dropped in January, consisting of solo sketches that Sakamoto-san recorded in his home over the past few years on piano and electronic instruments.  In several, you can hear him breathe as he begins to play.

Hearing Ryuichi Sakamoto breathe and create — on a quiet and cool early Sunday, on the day I was stunned by his death — was painful and exquisite.  I am so grateful for what he left us all.