The Sight Below

The creator of the mix, Rafael Anton Irisarri, is an American composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and media artist based in Seattle, Washington. Over the past decade, Irisarri has released more than a dozen captivating LPs on labels such as Ghostly International, Touch, Miasmah, Room40, and others. His distinctive brand of ambient music is emotionally immersive and deeply moving, defying easy description. Besides his solo work, Irisarri organizes the Substrata Festival and collaborates in projects like Orcas with Benoit Pioulard, and more recently, Gailes with Thomas Meluch. Some time ago, he gave an in-depth interview that we invite you to read for further insight into this fascinating artist.

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STM 088 is an enthralling audio expedition across a range of sublime sonic landscapes. Irisarri has woven together 19 unforgettable records, blending sounds that resonate with even the most discerning listeners. With timeless pieces from artists such as Kraftwerk, John Cage, Seefeel, Scanner, Harold Budd & Eno, and Cluster, the mix speaks for itself. By incorporating his own track “The Rains of Castamere,” Irisarri completes this monumental selection. His thoughtful arrangement creates a sense of organic wholeness and emotional depth, each part flowing seamlessly into the next to evoke new layers of feeling. This mix requires no defense; its intimate atmospheres and hypnotic rhythms, wrapped in harmonious melodies, are irresistibly captivating. For full appreciation, a high-fidelity sound system, a comfortable setting, and a clear, open mind are recommended to truly absorb this radiant beauty.

Records and connections

STM 088 resembles Terry Frost’s abstract painting R.B. and W. Spiral for A., where fluid brushstrokes evoke an imagined sunlit desert journey. Like the painting, the mix dispels pretension and harshness. The three large spirals reflect Irisarri’s core idea—an expression of his past, present, and future in music.