Was excited to recently discover that my album Respire made it on to this lovely list from the Headphonaught site. A lot of really wonderful artists on there and I’m honored to be in such great company.

End of year lists are popping up and I’m honored to discover I was added to the top albums of 2012 list for Stadiums & Shrines. Dustin Wong, Julia Holter, Tame Impala, Heathered Pearls, etc. are also on there. Not bad company. Happy holidays! Hug those you love as many times as you can. Cheers!

Honored and thankful for kind and deeply understanding words about my work from ATTN: Magazine. Thank you!

 

I recently answered some questions about my music and why I do what I do for the Headphonaught blog out of Scotland. Thanks Thomas for the opportunity. =)

Thrilled to see some thoughtful words about the new album from Thomas at the Headphonaught blog. Cheers!

 

Delighted to discover some lovely and very true words about my new album from Richard Allen at A Closer Listen.

My new album is out. Now, the details and a stream of the whole album. 

AVAILABLE AT:
Beatport
iTunes
eMusic
Amazon





Respire is a body of work that explores the power and intimacy found in deep connections between people. The album is built around recordings of rhythmic and meditative breathing made by myself and some close friends in a quiet room. From there, even the instruments recorded in the aftermath were treated as breathing entities. Inhaling and exhaling. Washing in and out. Everything moving in, through and around the sounds of friends sitting silently in each other’s presence, just being. All of these elements are knit together – guitars, piano, breathing and heartbeats – to create a work that is delicate, intimate and, at times, visceral in nature.

TRACKLIST:
1. Butterfly Flaps Its Wings 
2. Yours Mine Ours
3. Ocean Breath 
4. Ocean Breath (313 Version) 
5. Breathe Out The Sea

For the following whom I greatly love and who have been light and inspiration in return: God, Anna Swartz, Claire Swartz, Noelle Swartz, Liza Swartz, Mom & Dad Swartz, The Owen Family, Michael Carian, Monique Prieur, Candice Belanger, Justin Van Slembrouck, Janie Van Slembrouck, Mom & Dad Van Slembrouck, Stephenie McWalters, Dan Edwards, Tom Currie, Philip Zott 

Very special thanks to Anna Swartz, Daniel Half, Monique Prieur, Windy & Carl, Brock Van Wey, Candice Belanger, Michael Carian, Justin Van Slembrouck, Krystle Lilliestierna 

This album was recorded, mixed and mastered in high resolution audio with numerous subtleties. The mix of each piece will sound different from system to system due to the full scope of frequencies captured during the recording process. To protect the integrity of the dynamics and subtleties contained within each mix, mastering was treated minimally and tastefully. Listening volume should be considered as one would consider adding salt to a dish. Add to taste. In other words, if you need it louder, turn it up. 

Photography by Monique Prieur 
Artwork by Daniel Half 
All compositions written, arranged and performed by Steve Swartz 
Breathing by Candice Belanger, Michael Carian and Steve Swartz 
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Steve Swartz at Utter East - Detroit, MI 

© 2012 UTTER EAST / ASCAP

FutureSequence posted some very flattering and lovely words about the new album today. VERY honored!

Super stoked to discover today that my new album was featured on the always excellent Stadiums & Shrines website. Dave Sutton had many nice words to share and I’m quite honored to say the least.

Image derived from a Delaney Allen photograph.