SOUNDWAVE : 190: BROKEN CHIP

Today’s guest deejay is Martyn Palmer AKA Broken Chip.

I came across Martyn while scouring Bandcamp for new music, a modern treasure hunt. Immersed in his album The Quiet Garden, I found myself drawn into its depths. I asked Martyn to share a mix with us.

Martyn is an Australian musician and sound artist, a creator of serene soundscapes. His works have graced labels such as Flaming Pines (UK), Feral Media (AU), King Deluxe (CA), and A Future Without (UK). His music, often built on looped sounds, crafts a tranquil, contemplative atmosphere. His latest work, Landscapes, exemplifies this gentle electronic ambience, captivating listeners with its peaceful stillness.

 

Martyn Palmer AKA Broken Chip.
Martyn Palmer AKA Broken Chip.

The name “Broken Chip” arose from his trials with a malfunctioning Roland Juno 106 synthesizer. The 80017a VCF/VCA voice chips began to fail, producing a detuned, raspy sound. Martyn wove this brokenness into his music, finding beauty in imperfection. Though the synthesizer eventually became unusable, the broken sound it produced inspired the name of his project.

Martyn hopes his music serves as ambient background sound, suitable for homes, planes, or trains. Once released, he seldom reflects on its reception, preferring to let listeners discover and experience it on their own. His initial promotion is brief; he avoids persistent self-promotion, letting the music speak for itself.

Martyn has two albums coming out on Home Normal later this year. You can look forward to them, and perhaps, find solace in the quiet moments he creates.

Join us next week when our guest deejay will be Philippe Neau.

See you then.

  1. James Murray & Mike Lazarev “Ānimitta”
  2. THME “Wisdom of restraint”
  3. r beny “Alone in the Pavilion”
  4. Grouper “Alien Observer”
  5. Mark Jenkin “Enys pt.1”
  6. Jonny Nash “Perfume Dream”
  7. Tiny Vipers “Young God”
  8. Masaya Ozaki “Opið Rými”
  9. Daou “Silent Garden”
  10. Federico Durand “Hojas frescas de eucalipto”

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