Description
#alvanoto #vinyl #vinylrecords
#alvanoto #vinyl #vinylrecords
Born in 1965 in what is presently known as Chemnitz, Germany, Carsten Nicolai, best known by his stage name Alva Noto, is acclaimed for transforming the orchestral landscape. Over a decade later from its initial inception, Nicolai’s adored Xerrox anthology completed its journey in 2024 with its fifth volume. Over time, the concept of replicating samples transpired and ultimately created harmonious melodies that epitomize the intersection of sound and science in its purest form.
Carsten Nicolai is renowned for his multidisciplinary expertise, having flourished in architecture, landscape design, and eventually, the world of music and art. His musical identity, Alva Noto is a legend in the world of soundscapes. His journey started with the creation of the record label NOTON in 1994, which later combined with RasterMusic, paving way for the acclaimed Raster-Noton. In 2017, he went back to the label’s roots and commenced operating NOTON independently.
Nicolai has been a part of various notable collaborations, among which one was with artist Michael Nyman to produce the opera “Sparkie: Cage and Beyond” in 2009. His recognition globally is monumental, as his work has been showcased in prestigious spaces worldwide, such as the Guggenheim, New York, Tate Modern, and Venice Biennale, Italy. Nicolai’s remarkable work with the Raster-Noton label even bagged the Golden Nica prize at Prix Ars Electronica in 2000.
Musically, “Xerrox, Vol.5” brings forth an assortment of emotions through its tracks. The narrative has been elevated with an amalgamation of intertwining glitches with polished strands of orchestral harmonics, both of which break and seal the atmosphere concurrently. Specifically, the track ‘Xerrox Xenonym’, comprised of minimalist yet emotive compositions, mirrors this unique concoction of ambient serenity and electrifying sounds, much like the presence of other influential artists in the genre, such as Aphex Twin or Brian Eno.
Beside his flourishing career in music, Nicolai is widely recognized for his visual artistry. In 2013, he was an official part of Biennale Documenta, a collateral show of the prestigious 55th Venice Biennale of Art. His expertise in the digital and time-based media has been reinforced since 2015 when he assumed the role of a professor in Dresden Academy of Fine Arts.
Moreover, his skills have contributed to the cinematic landscape as well. In collaboration with Ryuichi Sakamoto, another notable artist, Nicolai co-scored the music for Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “The Revenant.” Following this successful venture, he was bestowed with the responsibility to create the sound design for Iñárritu’s virtual reality project “Carne y Arena” in 2018.
The journey of “Xerrox,” like its creator Alva Noto, resonates with individuals’ universal and unique journeys, entwining memories, emotions, and sounds. As we bid farewell to this cherished series, listeners are not just serenaded by the melodies, but they are left with an embodied narrative that they potentially relate to, remember, and retell.
