Establishing the mood with a rising, meditative frequency and syncopated, percussion details with nature sound ad libs and a subversive and immersive bass energy, Benjamin Chenovik and Yoikyasi open Wake Up Inner Earth Star with a transcendental mood that feels akin to a trip into the core essence of our planet.
Glistening astral nuances guide us further as the opus expands with dimensionality and dynamism to manifest a cosmic sound journey that feels galactic, yet grounding. Benjamin’s piano performance is sublime and elegant with rippling keys, bringing to life the more psychedelic nature of our home planet.
The dramatic tendencies of the composition are not lost on us, and we appreciate the creative ebbs and flows that showcase the versatility of what planet Earth truly has to offer. The addition of ethereal vocals adds a shamanic energy to the already spiritually inclined piece, and needless to say, we are hypnotized.
Wake Up Inner Earth Star stands as a testament to the profound artistic synergy between Benjamin Chenovik and synth maestro Yoikyasi. The fifteen minute piece is an evocative, meditative journey that melds classical piano with ethereal synth soundscapes, enhanced by the ambient sounds of nature recorded in the remote, off-grid SomaTree Studios.
Benjamin Chenovik, a world-class pianist and composer, and Yoikyasi, a master of synth, sound design, and production, form the core of this musical endeavor. Their collaboration dates back to 2005, when they were members of The Urban Orchestra, a 12-piece ensemble that left a lasting impression on the Seattle/Tacoma music scene. The group was known for its innovative performances in unconventional spaces, including a legendary impromptu concert on the Chihuli Glass Bridge in Tacoma, Washington, in 2006, which still echoes in local lore. After a hiatus from their orchestral days, Chenovik and Yoikyasi have reunited to create a new sonic landscape, and Wake Up Inner Earth Star marks a significant milestone in this ongoing partnership.
The composition is designed to reflect the duo’s deep connection to nature, philosophy, and spiritual experience. Chenovik’s influences include the minimalist textures of Philip Glass and Steve Reich, the introspective melodies of George Winston, and the spiritual compositions of Arvo Pärt. These influences are evident in his piano work, which balances between delicate, haunting passages and more forceful, driving rhythms.
Yoikyasi, on the other hand, draws from the experimental soundscapes of The Animal Collective, the psychedelic layers of Pink Floyd, and the emotional depth of Arcade Fire. His synth work on Wake Up Inner Earth Star is a masterclass in sound design, seamlessly blending organic and electronic elements to create an immersive auditory experience.
Wake Up Inner Earth Star was recorded at SomaTree Studios, an off-grid sound resort in the heart of the Puget Sound on the Key Peninsula, Washington State. This secluded studio, surrounded by dense forest, provided the perfect environment for the composition’s creation, with many of the ambient sounds used in the piece being recorded on-site.
The ethos behind the single is one of improvisation and spontaneity. The track began as a piano sketch by Chenovik, which he sent to Yoikyasi, who, in turn, improvised a synth track over it. The result was a near-perfect blend of their styles, with the additional animal sounds enhancing the naturalistic and meditative qualities of the piece. The title, Wake Up Inner Earth Star, emerged organically during the recording process, a whispered phrase that encapsulated the spiritual awakening the music sought to invoke. The final moments serve as an ascension and leave us feeling enlightened, yet yearning more!
The duo’s history of performing in the Seattle/Tacoma area includes a variety of events, from dance recitals to spontaneous orchestral performances in public spaces. Their ability to draw crowds and create memorable musical moments is well documented, with their performances still being discussed years later. This reputation for live performance adds a layer of anticipation for any future shows featuring Wake Up Inner Earth Star.
The single has been described by Tobin Ashley Ropes, owner of Mad Hat Tea Company, as “an out-of-body experience,” a quote that perfectly captures the transcendent quality of the music. The piece’s creation, in just two takes, speaks to the effortless flow that defined the recording process, with both artists entering a state of deep creative communion.
Wake Up Inner Earth Star feels like an an invitation to explore the inner realms of consciousness. It is a rare piece of music that not only entertains but also enlightens, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper connection to the world around them. As Chenovik himself puts it, this collaboration marks the beginning of a new chapter in their musical journey, one that promises to delve even further into the mysteries of sound and spirit.
The piece comes with a cinematic visual that was released at 6.33pm on 23rd August (a nod to the numerological abundance of 666). The psychedelic music video, created by Yoa YoikYasi, features live footage of Benjamin Chenovik and enhanced with AI-generated art using Fireframe and Luma Dream Machine. The surreal visuals are skillfully edited and mixed in VideoLeap, resulting in a mesmerizing and immersive experience that blends reality with vivid, dreamlike imagery.
We have added Wake Up Inner Earth Star to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our new TRIPPY playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discographies of both artists!