Substantial Inspiration

Just like a carpenter knows his tools, a soundscape artist knows the sound of each instrument and how to blend them into unique auditory experiences. The more time you spend with these musical tools, the better you get at coming up with interesting and creative ideas. And to keep improving, it's good to watch and learn from other musicians. YouTube is a great place for this. It lets you see how many gifted, though often not so well-known, artists create their work. One artist I found this way is Substan. I was really impressed by his music and sound design skills.

This soundscape was born out of Substan's ambient music project named 'Layers of Delusion'. As you'll notice, the version hosted on myNoise—the one you're currently listening to—diverges from Substan's original concept. I adapted the source material to fit the particularities of the myNoise player and added the distinctive tones of my beloved Rhodes piano. This instrument introduces an element of lightness, and contributes in creating a more uplifting and dreamlike ambiance than the original composition.

Another key element is noise. Ambient music is somewhat unique in its perception of noise. Instead of seeing it as a nuisance, it's considered an integral component that adds depth and texture to the sound. It infuses the music with a touch of nostalgia or introspection and deepens the emotional resonance between the listener and the music.

At 15, Substan discovered two major aspects of his life: the world of synthesizers and... his future wife. These have been very important to him ever since. Today, Substan works part-time in a residential facility where he helps individuals with severe behavior issues. This challenging work is balanced by his jobs in the creative field. Even though it's not the ideal situation, he's making progress towards his goal of fully shifting to creative work. He plans to earn his living from his Patreon subscribers, by selling sound packs, and through jobs in media composition. Substan is always thankful for his blessings: a simple life, his two children who now are 15 and 23, and his wonderful wife who's been with him for 28 years! Substan's life, like his music, is a harmonious blend of hard work, love, and creativity... a delightful blend that's a favorite here on myNoise.

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