Hush Hush Records is proud to present the debut album 'Breath' by Helsinki, Finland-based composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Juha Mäki-Patola. A meditative and pacific instrumental album that revels in rich neo-classical arrangements and calming ambient soundscapes, Juha’s first solo steps into the forefront yields a sublime album that soothes and soars in equal measure.
'Breath' marks Juha’s first solo release, yet he’s been involved in the Finnish music community for over a decade, serving as a member of several bands and working behind-the-scenes as a producer, musician, and recording/mixing/mastering engineer for both local and international artists from various genres. All of this experience helped steer his vision towards the type of music he desired to compose and produce under his own name. Inspired by the great neo-classical composers of this era such as Jóhann Jóhannsson, Nils Frahm, and Max Richter as well as pioneering artists such as Brian Eno, Philip Glass, and Arvo Pärt, Juha began to create introspective and reflective instrumental pieces that sought a specific calmness – compelling but unhurried. Beginning with a few early demos that were shared with Hush Hush in late January 2020, a full-length album became to take shape as Juha continued his creative outburst with steady precision, each new track adding a subtle new shade to his expanding palette. Now paired down to seven cohesive tracks, 'Breath' fully showcases Juha’s soothing sonic vision and introduces a budding new talent in the fertile contemporary neo-classical/ambient community.
This album is grounded in the basic practice of breathing and being a respectful and loving part of our interconnected natural world. These songs are intended to provide a soundtrack to viewing life in a slowed-down state, when small moments can transform into powerful experiences. And these sounds are designed for reflection upon one’s own inner feelings and the deep connection between mind and body. We hope you enjoy, 'Breath.'
"Mäki-Patola olevaistaa tasapainoisia soivuuksia, joissa on riittävästi virikkeitä aktiiviseen kuunteluun, kuitenkaan ambientin yhtä perusolemusta, sen audiotapettimaista ulottuvuutta hukkaamatta. Kappaleet ovat kestoltaankin ja musiikillisen aiheistonsa puolesta selkeästi rajattuja. Kahdeksasta kappaleesta muodostuukin vakaa ja eheä kokonaisuus." - Aki Yli-Salomäki, Yle Radio, 1 Uudet levyt 13.10.2020.
