Sounds Like Home

Still under the impression of COVID-19 lockdowns, in early 2022 I thought, ‘Without access to a studio, what could musicians use to still produce music at home?’

So, I began trawling through my little flat in search of objects that gave out musical sounds. I did not want to sample, rather properly play them like makeshift instruments.

Turns out, I found quite a lot.

The idea has spawned five singles so far; several more are waiting to become a follow-up album at some point.

The Fedi.Directory wrote that the album ‘embeds sounds from everyday objects found around the house mixed with conventional instruments.’ They continue with a bit of flattery: ‘The songs are serious and high quality, despite the unusual method of performing them!’ (fedi.directory/tag/indie-music)

Thanks a lot, and that’s right; among the ‘everyday objects’ are a ceramic washbasin, a bathtub, cupboard doors, large tin cans filled with rice and coffee beans, respectively, various small glass containers with tin lids, a wall-mounted clock, a matchbox, and several others. The ‘conventional instruments’ always include one or more acoustic guitar(s) — usually using one of several open tunings —, often five-string bass guitars (fretless acoustic or fretted electric), steel tongue drums (a.k.a. handpans), melodicas, mouth harps, and many more. Also, vocal tracks — sometimes literally dozens, all performed by Babu Menos, as well as all the instruments.

The making of the album was supported with a stipend from the German copyright collecting society GEMA out of government COVID funds.