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In Praise of Shadows

by Billy Denk

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mattums
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mattums Excellent job on this album. I think it’s Billy’s best. Some songs seemed like they would be part of a Blade Runner or Dune soundtrack, sounding otherworldly and futuristic. Some songs seem grounded in earthly undertones you can just connect to. Listening to the album made me think and feel and dream of cool things. The complex layering of different sound combinations gave a nice depth as well. Smooth transitions and nice piano notes made for a great album. Great job on this one, Billy! Favorite track: Reflections in Darkness.
Kirk Reynolds
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NOVALENZA
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Dan Stark
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Elysian Fields - KXCI 91.3 FM
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1.
The Sun Was Shining 04:13
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2.
In Fairness to You 05:17
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3.
Unto This Light 05:41
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4.
This Day Has Come 07:06
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5.
Forever Within 04:03
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6.
Reflections in Darkness 07:33
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7.
The Long Cold Winter 04:32
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8.
Spirit Ascension 05:12
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about

The space between illumination and shadow reveals the shape, texture, and depth of our being...

Billy Denk's latest collection, the provocatively titled In Praise of Shadows, is inspired by and named after an essay on Japanese aesthetics by author and novelist Jun’ichirō Tanizaki, first published in 1933 and in English in 1977. In the 16 section essay, comparisons of light with darkness are used to contrast Western and Asian cultures. From “The Sun Was Shining” to “Unto This Light” and “Reflections in Darkness,” the eight tracks capture Billy’s various impressions of the theme.

“On In Praise of Shadows, like my previous recording Night Songs, I have been moving naturally into a more introspective phase of my composing,” he says. “This contrasts with some of the previous works that had more of a feeling of positivity and lightness, infused with repetitive sequencer-created patterns. I’ve always been interested in aesthetics and design, so the themes of that book struck a chord and led to some interesting sonic explorations. My father-in-law, who also shared an interest in design aesthetics, passed away last year and so indirectly, some of the sadness I felt was also channeled into these new pieces, yet with an air of hope for the living. I’m always striving to create a unique feeling in my music that conveys what I am experiencing at the present time and enjoy when others can share in the experience. The idea on In Praise of Shadows is that we can’t define what we see without the contrast between darkness and light.”

credits

released March 3, 2023

Music and production by Billy Denk
Art direction by Beau Skaronea & Erin Denk
Artwork by Billy Denk
Dedicated to Wes Reeves

All compositions ©2023 by William Denk, ASCAP
Waltzing Square Recording.

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Billy Denk Chicago, Illinois

Billy Denk is an ambient electronic composer, guitarist and synthesist, and Wayfarer Records recording artist. Since 2019, he has released seven well-received recordings. He is currently working on his debut release for Wayfarer Records, "Meditations of the Cosmos" ... more

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