Jacob "NTHNL" Rudin, a Brooklyn-based flutist and multi-instrumentalist, has steadily carved out a niche for himself in the new age, ambient, and experimental electronic music scenes. Known for his innovative sound and deep musical explorations, Rudin’s previous works, Cosmic Flute, and its sequel, Cosmic Flute Rides Again, established him as a formidable presence in these genres. Now, his newest album, Ontogenesis, promises to be his most profound and introspective work yet, combining musical artistry with scientific inquiry to explore the depths of the human mind.
Ontogenesis is the third album in Rudin’s Tranquility Studies series, a project initiated in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic. The series was born out of Rudin’s desire to create music that induces peace and introspection. By blending electronic binaural frequencies with performances on various instruments, he constructs soundscapes that are simultaneously calming, poetic, and deeply musical. These compositions use brainwave entrainment techniques, which employ specific frequencies to resonate sympathetically with the mind, promoting a state of tranquility.
Rudin’s work is deeply influenced by his passion for meditation and healing. He regularly performs and hosts sound baths throughout New York City, using his music to facilitate relaxation and introspection. During the creation of Ontogenesis, Rudin collaborated with Leslie Graves, a yoga instructor and fellow musician. Together, they aimed to enhance the album’s meditative qualities by incorporating binaural beats and Solfeggio frequencies, crafting an album designed to accompany yoga practice and meditation.
The initial concept for Ontogenesis, originally titled "Music of the Body," was to create a meditation journey through the body. Over the span of a year, Rudin and Graves refined the material, deciding that the album’s progression should reflect both temporal and spatial elements. The collaboration involved Graves providing keywords for each chakra, which Rudin interpreted through sound on the piano. The album progresses from the root chakra upwards, eventually extending to extra-corporeal chakras. This unique approach results in an ambient, mystical collection of tracks grounded by binaural frequencies, making it an ideal companion for yoga and meditation.
Ontogenesis also draws inspiration from the concept of life's journey as encoded in our DNA. The term "Ontogenesis" was inspired by Erwin Schrödinger’s book, What is Life? which delves into the physical basis of life and its reproduction. In Ontogenesis, the music mirrors the progression of life, moving through the body and reflecting the stages from conception to death, encouraging reflection and acceptance at each stage.
Fans can look forward to experiencing this deeply meditative work when Ontogenesis is released on July 12. The single "Synthesis, Memory" is already available for preview on Spotify, offering a glimpse into the album’s serene and complex soundscapes.
Jacob "NTHNL" Rudin is a versatile artist, blending classical training with modern experimentation. Since 2012, he has created both electronic and acoustic music, working in the realms of healing and contemporary music. His diverse sonic practice includes experimental sound design, field recording, and virtuoso performances on a wide range of instruments. Living in Brooklyn, Rudin teaches music, hosts regular sound baths, and performs under the moniker NTHNL, as well as in various musical collaborations.
With Ontogenesis, Rudin continues to push the boundaries of ambient music, offering listeners a richly layered and deeply reflective experience that underscores his talent and innovative spirit.
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