Devon Turnbull, known for his audiophile-focused audio company and listening spaces, has launched Ojas Music, a new record label. The label’s inaugural release is Unna, a minimalist and ambient collaboration between Michael A. Muller and Otto A. Totland, released in partnership with The Vinyl Factory. The project marks a significant step for Turnbull, extending his commitment to high-fidelity sound into music production and distribution.
Unna, the Norwegian word for “away,” explores themes of distance – both physical, between the collaborating artists, and internal, relating to the creative process. The EP promises a delicate soundscape built on contrasting textures, pairing Totland’s piano work with Muller’s contributions on a range of instruments. This release signals Ojas Music’s intention to curate a selection of thoughtfully crafted, sonically rich recordings.
Michael A. Muller is a co-founder of the minimalist instrumental duo Balmorhea, and has a prolific background in solo work and film scoring. He’s released music on Deutsche Grammophon and collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Hania Rani, Alva Noto, Víkingur Ólafsson, The Album Leaf, and Douglas McCombs of Tortoise. His work often centers around evocative melodies and atmospheric arrangements.
Otto A. Totland brings a similarly distinguished pedigree to the collaboration. As one half of the Norwegian experimental/ambient duo Deaf Center, his work has been influential in shaping the minimalist and ambient music landscape, with releases on Type Records and Sonic Pieces. Totland is also known for his critically acclaimed solo piano trilogy, produced by Nils Frahm.
The music on Unna is described as a textural interplay between Totland’s close-miked piano and Muller’s use of double bass, glockenspiel, Mellotron, and Rhodes. This combination aims to create a sound that is both intimate and expansive, reflecting the concept of being “away” – both physically and mentally immersed in the creative process.
Turnbull’s dedication to the listening experience extends beyond the music itself. His HiFi Listening Room Dream No. 1, a permanent installation at 180 Studios, is designed as an audiophile space, meticulously crafted to honor both the music and the listener. This commitment to sonic quality underscores the ethos of Ojas Music.
Unna is currently available from The Vinyl Factory shop on 180g vinyl, limited to 500 copies worldwide. Listeners can experience a preview of the EP with the visualiser for ‘Rolig’.
The launch of Ojas Music and the release of Unna represent a convergence of artistic vision and a dedication to high-fidelity sound. As Turnbull expands his creative endeavors, the label is poised to become a platform for exploring and sharing music that prioritizes sonic depth and immersive listening experiences.
The success of this initial release will likely shape the future direction of Ojas Music, and the label’s next moves will be keenly watched by audiophiles and fans of ambient and minimalist music alike. The focus on limited-edition vinyl suggests a commitment to the physical format and a curated approach to releases.
Share your thoughts on this new collaboration and the launch of Ojas Music in the comments below.
