Topograms: “Deadfall, Suthering, Taghairm”
Glossaries: Woodlands/Waterlands
Meanings: dead branch that falls from a tree as a result of wind or its own weight (forestry); noise of the wind through the trees (John Clare) (Poetic) noise; echo; type of divination by listening to the noise of waterfalls (Gaelic)
Tobias Hellkvist (b. 1984) is a Swedish composer, sound designer, foley- and sound artist. Whilst being best known musically for his ambient, drone and electroacoustic output, which has been released worldwide on labels like Home Normal (UK/JPN), Dronarivm (RUS), Fluid Audio (UK) and Dragon’s Eye Recordings (US), he’s also been active in genres such as punk, folk, indie rock and electronica since the early 2000’s.
After releasing his first widely distributed solo album back in 2010, Hellkvist has gained recognition for his music in which he combines dense layers of heavily processed drones and synthesized textures with acoustic instruments and field recordings, blending electronic and organic sound worlds together. His cinematic atmospheres has been referred to as dynamic, varied and “packed full of life”, however some of his works are very minimal and invites the listener into a focused state of mindful listening and awareness.
Over the years, Hellkvist has taken part in various compilations, remix projects and collaborations, and has grown a small following in Japan and parts of Europe and North America. He’s performed live shows in Copenhagen, London and Los Angeles and his compositions has been used in indie short films, commercials, art installations and performances. 2018 saw Hellkvist composing his first score for a short film, as well as finishing another full-length album set for release in June 2019.
Hellkvist is also one half of Mordançage, a collaborative project with Andrew Tasselmyer of Hotel Neon. Their self titled debut album was released in October, 2018.
Aside from the music, Hellkvist also works as a professional sound designer and foley artist – a career that was recently crowned with receiving double Emmy nominations (2017 and 2018) for his sound work on the animated TV-series LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures. He’s also working on the highly popular LEGO Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu series, which has received several nominations and awards worldwide during recent years.
Website: http://www.tobiashellkvist.com
Stationary Travels 