Scattered Silence
Preston makes effective use of layers and dynamics......evoking a wavering, fragile peace.”
(2016)
Modern society brings many distracting noises that confine our attention. This album is a collection of ideas dedicated to the tiny moments between the roaring of daily life.
Since moving to Seattle a few years ago, I’ve been searching for ways to manage the noise of living in a loud city. Some people love the clamor, they feel empowered by it. Initially, I sort of felt choked by it; I started craving silence, in the same way someone craves coffee. I began amassing some of the interesting reasons people use silence.
- To hide
- To reflect
- To commemorate
- To decompress, or feel a sense of tranquility
- Remaining silent on a particular topic is sometimes viewed as a statement about the topic itself
I began crafting soundscapes that attempted to embody these things. A lot of the songs have prominent moments dedicated to the spaces between the notes.
Deliberately, I did not evolve themes throughout the album, each song feels like its own unconnected world. I'm hoping it’s helped to create a sense of disarray. Sometimes, the songs are about how we feel when we experience noiselessness. Other times, they're about something mundane - like pulling out your phone during a bus commute. You could just look out the window, but you don't. It's as if you're trying to avoid that silent moment reminding you you're a person. Other times it’s about slowing down, even if it’s just for a minute, and really looking at something. Those moments are so significant; sometimes I wish we could spend more time there.
Album Art by Emily Clouse
Release Date: May 20, 2016
With Reticence
A Scarlett Secrecy
Isolation
Stillness
ex silentio
Between the Noise
Reflection
Staying In the Moment