Jacob “NTHNL” Rudin, a talented flutist and multi-instrumentalist, has made a significant impact in the realms of new age, ambient, and experimental electronic music over the last five years. Known for his groundbreaking debut Cosmic Flute and its successor Cosmic Flute Rides Again, Rudin continues to explore the depths of musical and mental landscapes with his latest album, Ontogenesis. This album is considered his most profound work yet, designed to delve deep into the mind from both musical and scientific perspectives.
Ontogenesis marks the third entry in Rudin’s Tranquility Studies series, a project that began in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic. This series aims to formalize his explorations into creating music that fosters peace and introspection. By integrating electronic binaural frequencies with diverse instrumental performances, Rudin crafts soundscapes that are both calming and poetic. Central to his approach is the technique of brainwave entrainment, which uses specific frequencies to resonate with the mind, promoting tranquility.
Rudin, based in Brooklyn, is a passionate meditation practitioner and advocate for expansion and healing. His ambient work reflects these interests, and he frequently performs and hosts soundbaths throughout New York City. During the creation of Ontogenesis, Rudin partnered with Leslie Graves, a yoga instructor and fellow musician. Together, they aimed to deepen the album’s meditative effects by incorporating binaural beats and Solfeggio frequencies, resulting in a work designed to complement yoga practice and meditation.
Initially conceived as “Music of the Body,” Ontogenesis was envisioned as a meditation journey through the body. Over the course of a year, Rudin refined the material, recognizing that the album’s progression should reflect temporal as well as spatial elements. This unique project involved Graves providing keywords for each chakra, which Rudin then translated into sound on the piano. The album follows the order of the chakras, starting at the root and ascending through the body, ultimately extending to extra-corporeal chakras. The result is an ambient and mystical collection, grounded by binaural frequencies, that enhances yoga practice and meditation.
Rudin’s inspiration for Ontogenesis also draws from the concept of life’s journey as encoded in our DNA. The term “Ontogenesis” was inspired by Erwin Schrödinger’s seminal book, What is Life?, which explores the physical basis of life and its reproduction. Ontogenesis refers to the development of an organism from conception to death. In Ontogenesis, the music mirrors this journey, moving through the body and reflecting the stages of life, from pre-birth to post-death, inviting reflection and acceptance at each stage.
Fans eagerly await the release of Ontogenesis on July 12, with the single “Synthesis, Memory” already available for preview on Spotify. This track offers a taste of the album’s serene and complex soundscapes, promising an immersive experience.
Jacob “NTHNL” Rudin is not only a multi-instrumentalist but also a producer and sound-healing practitioner. He has been creating electronic and acoustic music since 2012, bridging the worlds of healing and contemporary music. His work involves experimental sound design, field recording, and virtuoso performances on a wide range of instruments. Residing in Brooklyn, Rudin teaches music, hosts regular soundbaths, and performs as NTHNL in various musical settings.
Ontogenesis is poised to be a significant addition to his oeuvre, offering listeners a deeply meditative and musically rich experience.
Connect with Jacob “NTHNL” Rudin via:
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