The debut EP from Ola Szmidt called Ep1 is a six-track offering bearing Szmidt’s trademark loop station and eerie vocals.
The project also features James Kelly (Sampling, Sound Processing, Instrument arrangements), Corey Mwamba (Vibraphone), Cyriel Diels (Saxophone), and David Dhonau (Cello) who delicately add extra layers of rich sound and beautiful textures.
A classically trained flautist, installation artist and recent winner of Steve Reid InNovation Award. The EP is a result of mentoring from Steve Reid Foundation trustees: Emily Moxon (Brownswood Recordings) and Kieran Hebden aka Four Tet. The project was compiled and mastered by Hebden who meticulously went through a pile of tracks sent to him by Szmidt.
Highlights include the soul-stirring and deeply meditative ‘Autuam’, the poignant ‘Satellites’ a song written after Brexit about the effects the decision had on some of her close friends, the minimal ‘Wrapped’ sees her really working her vocals while ‘Bass One’ is a lovely, stripped back piece of delicate music.
This emotive and stunning EP is something you need – breathtaking stuff.
