Nils Frahm HHV Records 27 Items

An alchemist of the modern age

Hailing from the beating heart of Berlin’s music scene, Nils Frahm’s journey began with classical roots and soon evolved into an avant-garde force that defies categorization. Born in 1982 in Hamburg, Germany, he grew up around music – his father was a well-known composer. This early contact sparked his passion for sounds and led him to try out various instruments at a tender age. His classical piano training provided a solid foundation, but he soon defied convention. As he immersed himself in electronic music, he began combining his piano playing with synthesizers and other electronic devices to create a distinctive sonic palette. His sonic explorations resemble the journey of an alchemist, combining classical piano with electronic experimentation. During his teenage years, Nils Frahm’s fascination with the creative potential of technology intensified. This fascination spawned his own record label and studio, Durton Studio, where he was able to refine his unique sound. These years were pivotal, as they gradually crystallized his signature style – a delicate fusion of classic elegance and modern electronic sound.

Less is more

In a career that has spanned the mid-2000s, Frahm has dipped into ambient, classical and electronic genres, melding them seamlessly into a unique sonic experience. His debut album Wintermusik (2009) set the tone with delicate piano compositions and gave a taste of his signature style. Felt (2011) showcased his introspective approach, using unconventional techniques such as laying felt on piano strings for a muted resonance. In 2013, Frahm released Spaces, a live recording that immortalized his improvisational skills. Solo (2015) stripped down to its essentials and featured intimate piano solos. That same year, he collaborated with Ólafur Arnalds for Collaborative Works, a collection of ambient duets. Frahm’s ambitious All Melody (2018) marked a departure by incorporating synthesizers and intricate studio processing. This album solidified his status as a visionary producer. Amidst these releases, Frahm’s EPs and singles demonstrated his versatility. All Melody is an exploration of sonic architecture, with Frahm using his self-built studio as an instrument in its own right. Each album is a chapter in his musical autobiography, a glimpse into his evolution as an artist.

The mad musical scientist

Frahm’s minimalist approach, expressed in albums like Felt and Spaces, sparked a renaissance of interest in ambient music. His unique approach to the piano, often combining unconventional techniques such as muting and live manipulation, has spawned a genre all its own. Live performances by Frahm are nothing short of mesmerizing sonic journeys. Witnessing him in action is akin to a mad musical scientist bending over a sea of keyboards and synthesizers, conjuring up symphonies that bridge the gap between the ethereal and the earthly. They often take place in unconventional locations, transforming spaces into cathedrals of sound where listeners are transported to other worlds by his evocative melodies. Nils Frahm’s influence extends far beyond his solo works. Collaborations with greats such as Ólafur Arnalds and Anne Müller have created tapestries of sound that straddle the interface between electronic and classical music. His record label Erased Tapes has become a haven for artists who want to break musical norms and break new ground.