search for something...

search for something you might like...

Soundscapes of Solitude: Exploring Isolationism Sofia Ribeiro Willcox hears experimental Brazilian guitarist, Carlos Ferreira

Soundscapes of Solitude: Exploring Isolationism

Sofia Ribeiro Willcox hears experimental Brazilian guitarist, Carlos Ferreira

by Sofia Ribeiro Willcox, Cultural Exchanger and Explorer
first published: September, 2023

approximate reading time: minutes

my interpretation of 'Isolationism' takes on a political dimension. The pervasive melancholy seems intertwined with the global experience of the 2020 pandemic, with particularly pronounced effects in Brazil.

CARLOS FERREIRA
Isolationism
AKP Recordings

"Living a Metaphor" is a glimpse into the everyday life of a detail-oriented individual. It beautifully captures the fleeting nuances of daily existence, blending melancholic chords with the hustle and bustle of traffic. The blend of using of cold colours with emptiness in the sequence of scenes intensifies this sense of melancholy, serving as a prelude to the forthcoming album by Carlos Ferreira, an experimental Brazilian guitarist and composer signed with AKP Recordings his forthcoming album “Isolationism”.

Ferreira's work delves into the intricate connections between sound, space, time, and memory. His album is an exploration of reverb-soaked guitar tones, piano, clarinet, pipe organ, and atmospheric field recordings. Through this sonic journey, he examines frequency, resonance, and sound vibration, achieving a harmonious balance between cinematic grandeur and lightness, sorrow and hope, gravity and the ephemeral nature of existence.

Isolationism is a transitional album, the start of a new phase of what interests me,” shares Ferreira. “It uses space in a new way, not only as a ground for all of the development and decay of the resonances to be heard, but also as its own expressive arrangement.” 

Comprising eight textured compositions, the album intriguingly juxtaposes elements. Each hypnotic drone track finds a melodic counterpart, ranging from suspended expressions that linger in the air to subtly ominous motifs, from suspenseful hauntings to the otherworldly. This sequencing accentuates the equilibrium of emotional weight within the music, making the album a profoundly personal experience for every listener.

On a personal note, my interpretation of "Isolationism" takes on a political dimension. The pervasive melancholy seems intertwined with the global experience of the 2020 pandemic, with particularly pronounced effects in Brazil. The narrative resonates with the way former President Jair Bolsonaro undermined science during a severe public health crisis, exploiting misinformation for political gain and negating early access to vaccines. This disregard for science and public health led to a mental health crisis and significant losses across Brazilian society during a period of isolation. The repercussions are still being studied in various sectors, extending beyond the human realm.

The availability of "Isolationism" in both digital and cassette formats is a fascinating convergence of different generations, symbolizing agglomeration after a tough period of isolation. It mirrors the resilience of individuals and communities in the face of isolation and adversity, offering solace and reflection through its intricate soundscape.


Essential Information
Main image CarlosFerreira by Leo Caobelli

Sofia Ribeiro Willcox
Cultural Exchanger and Explorer

Sofia has a BA with Hons in Creative and Professional Writing and Film and Television Studies from the University of Wolverhampton (2020-2023). Born in Brazil, Sofia is an enthusiast of pop culture (cinephile and melophile), social sciences (snowflake generation), and poetry (lusophone).


about Sofia Ribeiro Willcox »»

Pete Williams web banner

RECENT STORIES

RANDOM READS

All About and Contributors

HELP OUTSIDELEFT

Outsideleft exists on a precarious no budget budget. We are interested in hearing from deep and deeper pocket types willing to underwrite our cultural vulture activity. We're not so interested in plastering your product all over our stories, but something more subtle and dignified for all parties concerned. Contact us and let's talk. [HELP OUTSIDELEFT]

WRITE FOR OUTSIDELEFT

If Outsideleft had arms they would always be wide open and welcoming to new writers and new ideas. If you've got something to say, something a small dank corner of the world needs to know about, a poem to publish, a book review, a short story, if you love music or the arts or anything else, write something about it and send it along. Of course we don't have anything as conformist as a budget here. But we'd love to see what you can do. Write for Outsideleft, do. [SUBMISSIONS FORM HERE]

WRITERS thru' the Years

Agata Makiela, Alan Devey, Alan Rider, Alex V. Cook, Ancient Champion, Andy Allison, Annemiek, Becca Kelly, Belle Plankton, Bruce Bailey, Caiomhin Millar, Chantal, Cheiron Coelho, Chris Connolly, Christian Present, Damon Hayhurst, Dan Breen, Danny Rose, David Hackney, David O'Byrne, Denni Boyd, Dirty Lillie, DJ Fuzzyfelt, Dr. Rich, Dr. Richard Bennett, Duncan Jones, Erin, Erin Pipes, Erin Scott, Gracey Babs, Graham Baker, Guilaine Arts, H.xx, Hamilton High, Henderson Downing, Holly Martins, J. Charreaux, J.Lee, Jay Lewis, Jaycentee, Jennifer Lynn, Jenny McCann, Jeremy Gluck, Jez Collins, Joe Ambrose, John Robinson, Jonathan Thornton, Julie O, Karl Morgan, Katherine Pargeter, Kelsey Osgood, Kevin McHugh, Kiah Cranston, Kleo Kay, Lake, Lee Paul, Luke Skinner, Malcolm, Marek Pytel, Mark Piggott, Martin Devenney, Meave Haughey, Michelle Williams, Mike Fox, mindy strouse, Neil Campbell, Neil Scott, Ogglypoogly, OL House Writer, Pam, Paul Burns, Paul Hawkins, Paul Mortimer, Paul Quigley, Peter Williams, Pixie McMowat, Pixievic, Rene Williams, Richard John Walker, Rick Casson, Rikki Stein, Ronan Crinion, Rowena Murphy, Ruby Lake, Ryan 'RJO' Stewart, Samantha Charles, Seth Sherwood, Shane O'Reilly, Sheridan Coyle, Sofia Ribeiro Willcox, Sophia Satchell-Baeza, Spanish Pantalones, Speedie John, Spencer Kansa, Steve McCarthy, The Conversation, Tim London, Tim Sparks, Tony Fletcher, Toon Traveller, Trevi, Urs Lerch, Wayne Dean-Richards, and founders, Alarcon & Lamontpaul

OUTSIDELEFT UNIVERSE

Pete Williams, outsideleft night out
OUTSIDELEFT Night Out
weekend

outsideleft content is not for everyone