the new album
We Only Came to Dream
After a 20 year wait, the new Alias Zone album is finally out. Over the course of three extended pieces, Chris displays his Berlin School roots in the sweeping Ash Tree Window, while also revealing his spiritual, tribal/ambient side in the gentle Navajo-influenced Dream Catcher and the epic Aztec-themed Náhuatl – a special version of his SoundQuest Fest 2021 performance. Two pieces also contain flute solos by old friend Richard Bugg, who appeared also on Lucid Dreams.
Previews from the new album:
Dream Catcher
Ash Tree Window
Náhuatl
Chris Meyer
Alias Zone has been described as the “zen master alter ego” of Chris Meyer of LearningModular.com. Each piece starts with a sound that catches Chris’ ear – may it be an Aztec poem, a cold war spy broadcast, an experiment on his modular synthesizers, a particular rhythmic pattern, or even something as simple as a terra cotta pot or Tibetan bowl being struck. From this core, he builds a story by researching the background of those core sounds, and then expanding upon them by conjuring his own alternate or “alias” narratives that support that core sound to flesh out the new worlds he creates.
Musically, modular synthesis is at the core of each new Alias Zone composition. However, Chris is unafraid to blend in ambient arpeggios and soundscapes, ethnic rhythms & percussion, software synthesis, and samples including spoken word in many different languages.
Upcoming & Recent Events
July 10, 2021
Live From the Studio with Franck Martin
Saturday July 10 starting at 11 AM PDT (2 PM EDT, 8 PM CEST) I will be interviewed live by Franck, followed by a performance. I hope you can join us, and participate in the live chat! If ou miss it, it will be available for playback.
in progress
Three Live In-Person Performances
After a year of virtual performances, I am tentatively scheduled to perform live and in-person Saturday September 11 at Knobcon in Schaumburg, Illinois, Thursday September 23 at SynthaCider in Lakewood, Colorado, and Saturday October 9 at the Press Club in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I will be playing solo sets, and at two of them may be performing as part of the ensemble Meridian Alpha. More details as the dates draw closer.
If you have an upcoming event you would like me to be part of, please contact me using the form at the bottom of this page – I love getting a chance to share my music!
performance
Devotion
Premiered at Synth Society Summit 2021
Composed & performed by Chris Meyer of Alias Zone, using:
• “The Monster” modular synthesizer
• Waldorf Iridium polyphonic synth
• Riot Audio Ritual Gong Drum
This was the “alterantive set” I originally composed for Steve Roach’s SoundQuest Fest 2021.
Although I went with a different piece for that event (Náhuatl), I’m thrilled this one finally got the chance to see the light of day.
the new single
Sputnik’s Ghosts
I had the pleasure of performing a half hour set for the 2021 edition of Mountain Skies. It started out as a piece of laid-back, stripped-down space music…but then took a couple of turns into jazzy lounge, and even waltz territories(!). Rather than have it disappear into the ether after that night, I’ve tidied up the mix and am making it available on Bandcamp at “name your own price.” Sit back, relax, and enjoy…
Preview of the performance:
Sputnik's Ghosts – Live at Mountain Skies
The original album
Lucid Dreams
The album that started it all, 20 years ago: Chris Meyer creating rhythmic loops and textural atmospheres as the backbone for live improvised performances by Richard Bugg’s ensemble, Cosmic Debris. This release featured a strong ethno-ambient flavor combined with spoken word in a variety of languages, and won the 2002 AFIM award for Best Independent Electronic/New Age release. You can name your own price to get the digital version on Bandcamp, complete with PDF of the original artwork and liner notes.