Music For Northern Landscape

A conceptual collection of soundtracks, composed for the harsh yet beautiful landscapes of the northern regions.

Polar M's latest release is a captivating collection of soundtracks, deeply influenced by the grandeur of nature in northern regions. This project was sparked by the work of Akiyoshi Kitagawa, a filmmaker and photographer from Hokkaido. The original music, crafted for Kitagawa's visuals, has been reimagined with additional field recordings and strings, resulting in a deeply evocative musical portrayal of northern landscapes.

The album features an array of tracks, varying from emotional compositions that convey human emotions against the backdrop of vast nature, to rhythm tracks reminiscent of the expansive terrain, and ambient pieces that subtly evoke the essence of natural phenomena.

Polar M's latest work is a vibrant fusion of various musical influences-alternative, post-classical, new age, and ambient-skillfully intertwined with the natural themes that have consistently inspired their compositions. This blend results in a rich and multifaceted auditory journey, reflecting the diverse beauty of nature.

Contributing to this project, Motohiro Sunouchi, a Hokkaido-based researcher in media environment studies, archive information science, and acoustic information science, has provided field recordings. The strings, played by Asano Mekaru and Kira Miyako, add depth and texture to the compositions. Mekaru, a renowned violinist and violist, has been actively involved in live performances and recordings for various artists, while Miyako lends her skills on the cello.

The album cover features a beautiful still from Akiyoshi Kitagawa's visuals, the very inspiration for this production, encapsulating the essence of the music within.