Epistulae, by Samn Johnson

Epistulae

by Samn Johnson

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$5 USD or more

1.	Bäume im Herbst 03:51	buy track
2.	Aporia 06:42	buy track
3.	Ockeghem 04:59	buy track
4.	Enclave 05:44	buy track
5.	apud arbores 05:02	buy track
6.	Blue Shift 03:56	buy track
7.	Hurrian Hymn 02:15	buy track
8.	Klaglied 04:29	buy track
9.	Goals 04:25	buy track
10.	First Snow 05:35	buy track

about

Epistulae, which means letters in Latin, is a collection of music that I made between 2011 and 2017.

This was a time when I was new to producing and had lots of ideas, but limited technical experience. It's been great to circle back in 2021 and rework them in a way that is true to the original intent, but implemented more carefully. Some of these tracks are previously unreleased, while others are from my first two albums, Epistulae Hiemales and Variations.

I think of each track as a little world and they cover a range of genres and emotions. I like the name Epistulae as a nod to the earlier album, and also because they feel like a collection of letters describing different feelings and times of life.

Thank you for listening!

credits

released June 18, 2021

composed, produced, and mixed by Samn Johnson, who also plays some instruments including piano, guitar, viola, melodica, harmonium, and synthesizers.

violins - Anna Piotrowksi
bassoon - Daniel Goldblum
cello - Zac Lavender
viola samples - Molly Collier O'Boyle
mastering - Toshihisa Tsuruoka

album art by Samn Johnson

Fun Note for Nerds:
Several alternate tuning systems are used in this record. Nothing extremely unusual sounding for the most part, and largely limited to different ways of tuning 3rds and 5ths, rather than using 1/4 or 1/6th tones. Here is a list of those tunings. All other tracks are in 12 Equal.

5-Limit Just Intonation: Bäume im Herbst, Aporia
Pythagorean Tuning, Hurrian Hymn
1/6th Comma Meantone: Klaglied
First Snow: Combination of Slendro and Pelog from sampled Gamelan instruments (I think, feel free to correct me)

license

about

Samn Johnson Kalamazoo, Michigan

Samn Johnson is a composer and producer, working in an eclectic style integrating ethereal electronics with contemporary classical composition and historical languages and music. He currently lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

discography

Ageless Sea

Mar 2022
Consolation (EP 1)

Aug 2021
Epistulae

Jun 2021
it comes in waves

Sep 2020
wie ein Nebel...

Apr 2020
Epistulae Hiemales

Apr 2013
Variations

May 2012
Shades

Apr 2011

contact / help

Contact Samn Johnson

Streaming and
Download help

Report this album or account

If you like Samn Johnson, you may also like:

Exit Rumination
by C. Diab

C. Diab describes “Exit Rumination” as “a sonic exorcism,” and its dark, swelling songs are equal parts catharsis and tension. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 26, 2018
go to album
Superclusters
by Bree van Reyk

Percussionist and composer van Reyk explores the intersection between contemporary classical and post-rock with members of Dirty Three. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 8, 2022
go to album
A Call to Arms
by Visionist

Visionist showcases vocals for the first time on his Mute debut, featuring collabs with members of Circuit des Yeux, Black Midi and more. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 5, 2021
go to album
Value
by Visionist

Rich, warm, aqueous music from Visionist, where gauzy synths wind slowly under soft, soulful vocals. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 7, 2017
go to album
Amid The Noise
by Sō Percussion

featured on Bandcamp Radio Oct 13, 2015
go to album
RETURN
by GVSU New Music Ensemble

"Electronic chamber music" from this lauded ensemble, with the musicians "sampling" the notation for a stunning, innovative sound. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 8, 2017
go to album
Impossible Worlds
by Kevin Daniel Cahill

This stunning two-part work from classical guitarist Kevin Daniel Cahill is suffusive ambient that aims for transcendence. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 18, 2023
go to album