SOUNDWAVE : 7 : FRANK RIGGIO

During the first few weeks of lockdown under COVID-19 it became clear that previous entertainments and enjoyments no longer obtained.

Pre-COVID-19 I would be reading five books at once. I’d read a chapter or section from each book before moving on to the next. Post-COVID-19 and I’m lucky if I can muster up the concentration to read for 10 or 15 minutes. I hear this is a common phenomenon.

Likewise, television failed to provide distraction. Aside from the usual hurdle of deciding what to watch came the realization that none of the shows being promoted by Apple, Amazon, Hulu, etc spoke to me and even when they did, such as Contagion, I’d wonder why no one was wearing face masks or not standing at least six feet apart sooner.

Like books, I could barely pay attention to the podcasts I used to like so much. And music, like television, seemed irrelevant to the world I now lived in. Everything seemed inane. Except for music that fell under the categories of ambient, classical, experimental and instrumental. There were no lyrics to be frustrated by and the music I was listening to was the perfect soundtrack to my perosnal experience of the pandemic. Surely there were other people who’d appreciate it and maybe get some solace from the mjsic so I launched this show.

Very quickly decided to ask foks I know to guest deejay on SOUNDWAVE and its worked out very well. Sean Horton, founder fo the Decibel Festival and Nordic Soul, shared a mix that’s an emotional journey. My old friend Steven Howard wove a wonderful mix that incorporated field recordings that reminded me of the world that’s waiting for us. Vince Millett, founder of Broken Drum Records and host of the Secret Archives of the Vatican podcast delivered a mix that leaned towards the Asian and Middle Eastern music. Last week writer James Curcio spun a mix that mediated on mortality, isolation and simulacra.

This week’s show comes courtesy of Frank Riggio. I’m particularly excited about today’s because I’ve asked Frank to come on solipsistic NATION several times to talk about his music but Frank politely declined every single time. Frank is one of those artists who believes his music speaks for him. Fair enough. But if Frank wouldn’t do an interview maybe he’d do a mix for SOUNDWAVE. And lucky for us, he did. Frank selected some fantastic music that I know you’re going to love. I additional to great tunes, Frank also helps push the experimental aspects that I want SOUNDWAVE to explore.

Frank will talk about today’s music below. If you want to heat more of Franks’ music you’ll be happy to know that Frank recently released a new album under the name Aqka Torr and the album is called Fascina. It’s different from what you’ll hear on today’s mix and it’s very sexy and it’s mysterious.

Join us again next week when our guest deejay will be ambient musician Robert Rich.

See you then!

Frank Riggio

This mix was a great opportunity for me to put together some of the songs that I’m currently listening alongside new unreleased Frank Riggio tracks.

You’ll find here smooth transitions and cool mashups, especially the last one, this final 4 tracks mashup around that amazing LORN song with Hecq, Syl Kougaï and Amon Tobin.

I’m fascinated by all of these musicians featured in this mix, they’re consistently in my playlist, for years.

Music has always given me great recomfort in shitty moments in my life, even more in this crazy times. Being isolated that way with my daughter is not really something I expected experiencing in my life.

I truly believe humanity will never be the same after this pandemic, it’s the end of a cycle. I don’t want to sound defeatist but I’m definitely not enthusiastic for what’s coming next.

In a world where everything; every humans, every objects became “prohibited” to touch, the senses and feelings are really broken.

Music isn’t palpable, it’s odorless and invisible, it doesn’t really exist… so hearing, listening music is possibly the greatest thing you can do now, especially for your mental health.

Hope you enjoy this mix, be safe an take care of you and yours.

Frank Riggio “Forthcoming/Unreleased”

Amon Tobin “Heart Of The Sun”

LORN “BROKEN MANTRA”

Frank Riggio “Forthcoming/Unreleased”

Amon Tobin “Red Moon”

Frank Riggio “Forthcoming/Unreleased”

LORN “PERFEKT DARK”

Frank Riggio “Forthcoming/Unreleased”

Flying Lotus “Land Of Honey”

LORN “UNFOLDING”

HECQ “Typhon”

Syl Kougaï “Corvus (Vulcain Mix)”

Amon Tobin “Feed”

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