Ourselves, as we are
by Carlos Cipa
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Streaming + DownloadIncludes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.Purchasable with gift card
€15 EUR or more
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Record/Vinyl + Digital AlbumIncludes unlimited streaming of Ourselves, as we are via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.ships out within 3 days
€34 EUR or more
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Compact Disc (CD) + Digital AlbumIncludes unlimited streaming of Ourselves, as we are via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.ships out within 3 days
€20 EUR or more
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1. |
Took
03:55
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2. |
Between two strangers
04:38
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3. |
Walk so silently
04:54
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4. |
Unpredictable patterns
04:34
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5. |
Ourselves, as we are
03:42
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6. |
Face the sea
04:46
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7. |
City waiting
04:29
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8. |
Maintenance
06:00
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9. |
Forgotten me
04:23
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about
The idea behind Carlos Cipa’s new album is easy to describe: one room, one piano, one pianist/composer. Taking one’s time. Approaching with the greatest possible impartiality. Simply improvising, at first only from, for, and with oneself. But what at first might seem a simple concept becomes more complex at a closer look.
In recent years, many of us have likely contemplated more than ever on ourselves, and some of us have had the opportunity to get to know ourselves better – or, at least, differently – during this time. It is precisely this process, of coming to terms with our innermost selves, that Carlos Cipa celebrates with his new album and which has inspired his musical expression. Thus, Cipa sees the nine short piano pieces, created in ultimately just a few weeks, as a "conscious introspection", a kind of "zooming in on the object of contemplation, and in this case oneself". It is undoubtedly from very personal and intimate insight which Cipa draws this album.
Apart from the idea of impartiality and self-speculation, Cipa took one other decisive conceptual approach: to play as quietly as possible. The fascinating result is nothing less than the discovery of a new piano sound world, with considerably fewer percussive elements and significantly more string sound, some of which would hardly be perceptible without recording technology or amplification and which, according to Cipa, allows “an even deeper empathy with the instrument”.
In the microcosm of Cipa's “quietness”, which also values the importance of making quiet things audible, background noises – or “sounds that the piano simply makes”, as he says – are unavoidable. Avoiding them has never been Cipa’s intention. He is, of course, not the first musician to give meaning to these supposedly disturbing noises (produced by the mechanical processes in the instrument) and make them part of the music. Not only the musician, but also the instrument, may and should be what it is.
With its quiet, contemplative solo-piano sounds, Ourselves, as we are may not seem groundbreaking at first glance. But, as Cipa points out, “Today, it can be more radical to make a quiet piano album than a totally complex and intricate piece of music.” Undoubtedly, the multifaceted sound palette and disarmingly raw and fragile emotional elements make the music of Ourselves, as we are a deeply vulnerable collection. In the age of fake authenticity, remakes, and pieces commissioned for high-reach mood playlists, this approach is perhaps one of the few remaining ways to create art: to reveal our true selves. Radically personal. Radically intimate. Radically honest. Ourselves, as we are.
In recent years, many of us have likely contemplated more than ever on ourselves, and some of us have had the opportunity to get to know ourselves better – or, at least, differently – during this time. It is precisely this process, of coming to terms with our innermost selves, that Carlos Cipa celebrates with his new album and which has inspired his musical expression. Thus, Cipa sees the nine short piano pieces, created in ultimately just a few weeks, as a "conscious introspection", a kind of "zooming in on the object of contemplation, and in this case oneself". It is undoubtedly from very personal and intimate insight which Cipa draws this album.
Apart from the idea of impartiality and self-speculation, Cipa took one other decisive conceptual approach: to play as quietly as possible. The fascinating result is nothing less than the discovery of a new piano sound world, with considerably fewer percussive elements and significantly more string sound, some of which would hardly be perceptible without recording technology or amplification and which, according to Cipa, allows “an even deeper empathy with the instrument”.
In the microcosm of Cipa's “quietness”, which also values the importance of making quiet things audible, background noises – or “sounds that the piano simply makes”, as he says – are unavoidable. Avoiding them has never been Cipa’s intention. He is, of course, not the first musician to give meaning to these supposedly disturbing noises (produced by the mechanical processes in the instrument) and make them part of the music. Not only the musician, but also the instrument, may and should be what it is.
With its quiet, contemplative solo-piano sounds, Ourselves, as we are may not seem groundbreaking at first glance. But, as Cipa points out, “Today, it can be more radical to make a quiet piano album than a totally complex and intricate piece of music.” Undoubtedly, the multifaceted sound palette and disarmingly raw and fragile emotional elements make the music of Ourselves, as we are a deeply vulnerable collection. In the age of fake authenticity, remakes, and pieces commissioned for high-reach mood playlists, this approach is perhaps one of the few remaining ways to create art: to reveal our true selves. Radically personal. Radically intimate. Radically honest. Ourselves, as we are.
credits
released February 24, 2023
All pieces composed, performed, recorded and produced by Carlos Cipa
Mixed and mastered by Martyn Heyne at Lichte Studio
Recorded somewhere in Berlin in February and March 2022
Visuals and Design by Daily Dialogue
All pieces composed, performed, recorded and produced by Carlos Cipa
Mixed and mastered by Martyn Heyne at Lichte Studio
Recorded somewhere in Berlin in February and March 2022
Visuals and Design by Daily Dialogue
license
all rights reserved
tags
about
Carlos Cipa München, Germany
Carlos Cipa is a Munich-based classically trained pianist, composer and producer in the contemporary classical field.
discography
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Mar 2023 -
Feb 2023 -
Jun 2022 -
Oct 2021
contact / help
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