The debut album from Whitney Johnson & Lia Kohl has evolved over several years from their initial practice of free improvisation on viola and cello into (for the moment), this: a neophonic orchestral expression. At once stimulating and soothing, For Translucence is a living, breathing meditation in which layers of acoustic strings, synthesizers, field recordings, radio and sine waves illuminate each other as they twine and grow.

Lia Kohl and Whitney Johnson (Chicago) draw on their wide ranging practices as improvisers, composers, and sound artists to form a unique and rich sound world. What started with free exploration in 2018 has coalesced in a set of sounds, approaches, and open compositions that take form in For Translucence – their upcoming album on Drag City Records – a dynamic and meditative quartet of pieces comprised of viola, cello, synthesizers, radio, field recordings, and sine tones. Lia’s work centers curiosity and patience, an exploration of the mundane and profound possibilities of sound. As Matchess, Whitney’s practice asks listeners to engage with their own skepticism and belief in the effects of sound on bodies and minds. Both artists tour nationally and internationally.

Find an excerpt of our new single here!