What is ~Nois Releases on New Amsterdam Records

Album art by C’mon Home Studios

“No matter what genre they tackle, ~Nois exudes this searing joy.  If this is noise, it’s a joyful noise.”  —A Closer Listen

“Utterly gorgeous and gripping” —Cast The Dice

Out today is What is ~Nois by ~Nois, the “prolific, charismatic young ensemble that is swiftly becoming the American saxophone quartet du jour” (Musical America).

What is ~Nois shows the boundary-pushing saxophone quartet working in deep collaboration with composers Darian Donovan Thomas, Aeryn Jade Santillan, Francisco del Pino, and Travis Laplante and multi GRAMMY-Award-Winning producer/engineer, Mike Tierney. Unlike most chamber works, the four pieces on What is ~Nois were developed in the studio alongside the composers, and Tierney’s guidance, with the aim of capturing thze most fully realized version of the pieces possible. The record features performances by composers Thomas, Santillan, and del Pino, core members Julian Velasco, Jordan Lulloff, János Csontos, Natalia Warthen, as well as guests Hunter Bockes, Ross D. Hamilton, Kendra Wheeler, Taimur Sullivan, and Nick Zoulek. 

The pieces on What is ~Nois challenge what a saxophone quartet is capable of by introducing the ensemble into ambient dance floors, driving post-punk clubs, nostalgic guitar works, and mind-melting acoustic quartet settings. 

Tracklist and Credits

1. Sun Thrower

2. alternate endings. ft. Aeryn Jade Santillan

3. Invisible ft. Francisco del Pino

4. Running in a Field of Flowers I. Meditation

5. Running in a Field of Flowers II. Descent

6. Running in a Field of Flowers III. Searing Joy

Performers:

 Julian Velasco - Soprano Saxophone (1, 3–6); EWI (1); Alto Saxophone (2)

Natalia Warthen - Alto Saxophone (1)

Hunter Bockes - Alto Saxophone (1)

Jordan Lulloff - Tenor Saxophone (1, 3–6); Keyboards (1); Alto Saxophone (2)

János Csontos - Baritone Saxophone (1–6)

Taimur Sullivan - Baritone Saxophone (2)

Aeryn Jade Santillan - Vocals, Bass Guitar (2)

Ross D. Hamilton - Drums (2)

Kendra Wheeler - Alto Saxophone (3)

Francisco del Pino - Guitar (3)

Nick Zoulek - Alto Saxophone (4–6)

Compositions by:

Darian Donovan Thomas (1)

Aeryn Jade Santillan (2)

Francisco del Pino (3)

Travis Laplante (4-6)

Recorded by Mike Tierney

Produced by Julian Velasco, Mike Tierney, and Jordan Lulloff (1-2)

Mixed by Mike Tierney

Mastered by Mike Tierney

For Press, Contact:

Jan Esbra <jan@newamrecords.org>

New Amsterdam PR & Communications Manager