Canoeing in Métzabok

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The song was constructed around a field recording of Lacandon men paddling across the lake in Métzabok, Chiapas (Southern Mexico). The Lacandon speak “Hach T’an,” which is a Mayan dialect– this is the language you hear in the track. Unfortunately, I am unable to tell you what they are saying, so use your imagination. The sample was provided by my wife, who recently came back from conducting field research in the region. I guess I should forgive her for taking the field recorder for a month. :-)

I constructed the percussion section from a single sample- the paddle hitting the side of the canoe. This sound was chopped, cut, played on keys, drawn into the piano roll, glitched, pitched, blah blah blah. You are also able to hear water splashing off the paddle, oh, and bird chirping! Everyone needs more birds in their lives, especially me. And especially you.

The piano part is from the fifteen minute brainstorming recording session that Sudara generously provided. I’m playing the electric piano, a pad synth, and the electric guitar+violin bow.