Encoded

I've been a fan of ambient music since my childhood years, going back to 1994 when I first heard "A Warm Place" by Nine Inch Nails. My first thought was "what is this beautiful music and why is it on this album?" and it opened me up to the world of ambient music.

I would try to incorporate ambient textures into all of my work, whether it fit or not because it spoke to me. In 2015 I started releasing music as Time Rival to give myself an outlet for all of my ambient explorations. In 2016 I released my self titled album as an attempt to make something equal parts atmospheric, melodic and engaging with a focus on my (rudimentary) piano skills. I've written and recorded plenty of music since then, but I'm often called back to that album as an example of what my intentions are with ambient music.

Ten years later, I have for you my latest ambient album "Encoded". I've gone back to what I was aiming for when I started the Time Rival journey. Atmospheric, melodic and engaging with a focus on my (still rudimentary) piano skills.

I hope you enjoy it.

Composed & produced by Michael Southard Mastered by Michael Southard Artwork by Michael Southard

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