8 Tracks: To Be Moved by with Carmen Villain

Music

Smalltown Supersound has been a record label synonymous with forward thinking music across many years, the Norwegian imprint is a force which has helped to push and channel a wave of musicians who have often gone on to reach critical success.

Carmen Villain first appeared on the label back in 2013, she released an album called "Sleeper". A psychedelic affair, the release sparked the pathway for what has been an intriguing career since. Her take on eclectic electronica, rock, pop and the abstract has been channeled across a series of releases on both albums and EP's for the label. Sometimes we are guided by vocals, yet often we are left in the darkness amidst the mysterious undertones of her own production process.

Her latest album is titled "Both Lines Will Be Blue" and is an entirely musical affair in the sense that there are no lyrics or vocals but simply ethereal soundscapes and the obscure. It's beautiful and haunting in equal measure.

We asked Carmen to take us through some of her favourite records, she's drawn for a concept which encourages free thought and emotion.

See below:

Buy the new album HERE.

LISTEN

Jon Hassell - Empire V

One of many personal favourites from his many wonderful and inspiring releases. It´s stunning what he brings out with his instrument, and love the rhythms. Its so seasick and woozy and beautiful.

Jon Hassell - Empire V

One of many personal favourites from his many wonderful and inspiring releases. It´s stunning what he brings out with his instrument, and love the rhythms. Its so seasick and woozy and beautiful.
Dj Python - Tímbrame

Love how deep this is! Off such a great release. And it´s impossible not to move to his rhythms!
Parris - Puro Rosaceaes

It´s hard to pick a favourite from his tracks, they are all so good. This is from his most recent 12”. I’m a sucker for dub. He goes so deep, and his music works a treat on both the dance floor and at home. And Dwayne is such a lovely guy, too!
Beatrice Dillon - Can I Change My Mind?

Beatrice Dillon is one of my favorite producers, just so clean and crisp and deep. A masterclass in less is more. Impossible not to move to this!
Bendik Giske - Adjust

Bendik is one of the loveliest people around, and a force of beauty and energy on stage. His compositions and the way they come to life through his breath, voice and metal moves me to goosebumps and tears. Adjust is one of my favorite tracks from the last few years. It ticks all the boxes with its melancholic beauty, and when he screams/sings through the arpeggios it takes my breath away.
Kara-Lis Coverdale - Grafts

This is one of the most stunning pieces I´ve heard for a long time. It just sucks me in and I want to live inside it. One of the best composers and producers around.
Loidis - The Floating World (& All Its Pleasures)

I love everything Brain Leeds does, especially as Huerco S. It´s just all so effortless and warm, he pulls soulful fuzzy magic out of his machines. This Loidis 12” is something Ive listened to a lot recently, especially this track. It just glides on and on over a soft beat, and sucks you in.
Jessica Pratt - Fare Thee Well

Jessica’s music never ceases to astound me. She does so much with so little, her songs twist and turn and bring you places you didn’t expect. One of our times best songwriters, period.