Phil Tomsett - Noise Print / The Acceptance Cycle

The 'Noise Print' project began from a desire to create deep, earthy textures. I had an image of walking along a narrow forest path and being very present in the moment. For this album I changed my usual approach by setting a one-hour time limit for each studio session. As soon as I set this limitation my ‘chattery brain’ started stirring up doubts about my ability to work under these confines- an hour wasn’t long enough to create ‘amazing music’ and that setting such restraints would be stopping me from producing quality work. However, once I started working, a different, more grounded version of myself emerged-more sure footed and less neurotic and anxious, focused on the present moment rather than getting anxious over future outcomes. And the outcomes were good, I was really happy with the material I was creating and the whole of Noise Print was made in these sessions.

While I made the album I started to think about identity, shadow selves, unconscious selves, versions of ourselves that are quite different from the everyday person we think we are. In many ways this was quite comforting, the thought that my everyday self could take it’s hands of the wheel and let a grown up much more capable person could get on with the work. On reflection I realise that making music is one situation in my life where I’m able to tap into this state without too much difficulty (most of the time) but it was during the making of Noise Print that I actually noticed it was happening.

This led me to think about the concept of shadow selves-alternate versions of our subconscious selves that operate beyond our everyday distractions and influences. Like the image of the forest track-a space where the noisy mental clutter fades, and a deeper, older self takes over.

To sum this one up-it’s like a walk along a narrow forest path and the present moment is very much alive-your mind is right in ‘the now’ with past and future losing any meaning. The ‘Noise Print’ title came about by me thinking if you could print to tape the sound of your psyche/consciousness when your are in this present focused, deep state.

The Acceptance Cycle: This is a bit easier to write about as it’s essentially a conclusion to The Sound of Someone Leaving album. That album was about loss in many of its forms. 'The Acceptance Cycle' (like its title suggests) is about the cycle you go through in reaching acceptance. The final track (Cycle Seven) has an element of acceptance about it, with the preceding six tracks taking the listener through a range of emotions before reaching that final place- with the Title track setting the scene at the start.

To sum this one up-it’s an expressive outpouring of emotions that come after a shock or traumatic event (The Sound of Someone Leaving) which eventually leads you to a place of peace and acceptance. The two pieces are connected- but it’s hard to say how, it’s more of a feeling, like one is ‘discovered’ almost by surprise after listening to the other.

- Phil Tomsett - April 2024

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Music composed by Phil Tomsett

Mastered by Phil (The Acceptance Cycle) / Adam (Noise Print)

Designed by Daniel Crossley (Fluid Audio)

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Made by hand,

Continuing on from last month, we present a beautiful map edition deluxe package; Ordnance Survey maps (circa. 1948-1961 (England locations). Each one is cloth-backed and bound; presented in beautiful old maps of sonic exploration. Along with the maps we have beautiful A6 prints on 250gsm uncoated card, antique slides (circa.1931-1954), vintage photographs, full size 2 x CDs (The Acceptance Cycle & Noise Print), book inserts from 'The Lonely Journey' (circa. 1938) edition, vintage travel tickets, photo negatives, nostalgia edition postcards and reel to reel field recording tape. Housed in brown waxed bags - stamped / numbered / scented. Truly limited edition (70 copies)!

Made with love...