Joshua Van Tassel has a new video for his track “Shadows Smile For You” from the recently released LP Dance Music, Vol. 2 (More Songs for Slow Motion) out now on Backward Music. The album was inspired by one of the world’s earliest electronic instruments, the Ondes Martenot (OHND mar-tə-NOH), and it began to take shape when the Toronto-based composer/percussionist came into possession of an Ondea, an Ondes Martenot modernized by Calgary’s David Kean.
Written in conjunction with The Venuti String Quartet, the album is also a directive to slow down the pace of one’s life. Van Tassel offers:
“It’s becoming cliche at this point to say ‘I want to make something for people to slow down,’ something that’s simply beautiful. But I love the idea of the pace of it, and the overall vibe of trying to make something that’s slow-motion and beautiful. It’s music that can serve a function, rather than music with words that are very specific, like a breakup song. With instrumental music, there’s more room for you to plant your own story within it.”
The visuals for “Shadows Smile For You” perfectly echo the album’s unhurried approach to life. The musician explains:
“The video features dancer and choreographer Kate Holden exploring the intimacy and mystery of light in relation to three body parts moving very slowly, extremely close up.”
While you’re at it, don’t miss Joshua Van Tassel’s video for “Muttering Spells.”
