I’ve finished a new Spot on the Hill album, and I’m excited to share it. But this time around, I’m trying to adjust to the logic of the algorithmic gods by releasing a steady stream of “singles” in advance of the album’s official release. Having a steady release schedule is supposed to help your music gain more attention on algorithmic playlists; I’m testing that theory with this release.
“Single” seems like a ridiculous term when the relevant genres are neoclassical, drone and compositional ambient. The word itself seems to imply that the there’s a mass audience — that there is some potential for having a “hit single.” But, of course, there’s no army of teens and 20-somethings out there waiting for ambient singles to drop.
Nonetheless, there are thankfully some listeners who are deeply committed to these genres. So, it’s all relative. Maybe 50 streams isn’t 1 million streams, but it would be better than 10. Besides, it has to be called something. So, here we are: Technically, an individual song being released in advance of a full album is a single.
“Pipe and drone” is buried deep on my forthcoming album, Overtones. In the flow of the album, I think it makes sense as the ninth track. But on its own, I’m glad to release it first. It has some elements that are common in my music, such as long legato string lines (this time with my new viola, rather than a violin). It also has a new element, (digital) bagpipes. It balances drone and melody, with the drone providing a steady, mesmerizing undercurrent while the melody takes your mind and ears in different directions — and then back again.
Here it is, “Pipe and drone.” It and the rest of the album will be available on Bandcamp, Spotify and all the other major streaming services on May 30.