Finding inspiration in modular synthesis and sound collage, Spirit Lights is the ambient electronic project of Joshua MacGregor (formerly one half of electronic/dance duo Dream Coast).
After the sudden shutdown of clubs in 2020, Joshua found himself drawn to the stillness of ambient music, soon amassing a collection of analogue synth recordings. The debut Spirit Lights EP (WYWS, 2022), stand-alone singles on 4000 Records and collaborative work with Noir et Blanc (Rouge, 2023) has seen support from a myriad of community radio stations around Australia.
Joshua’s work features layers of swirling arpeggios, drifting pads and drones that evoke a sense of tranquility and introspection. Inspired by ambient electronic pioneers such as Jon Hopkins, James Holden, and Tangerine Dream, his creative process is deeply rooted in exploration. Using analogue synthesizers for their warm, organic sound, Joshua spends countless hours experimenting to create unique tones and progressions.
Forming hypnotic soundscapes in the process, these recordings are then refined and arranged into cohesive albeit dream-like pieces. To date, he has performed his immersive live set at Yonder Festival, Synthetique, Hidden Sequence and at other Meanjin staple venues such as Black Bear Lodge, The Bearded Lady and, The Cave Inn.
