Waving the Sky

Doug Somers

Get Flash to see this player.

Description

I've been stuck on about 5 pieces that are in various stages. I had been thinking about building a collab piece on top of Kassia's brilliant Hang Drum #1 but there too got stuck - until yesterday. Once underway with a bit of inspiration, I wanted to put this out quickly to get the feeling of forward momentum for a change.

I would like to go back and do some rework so consider this a work in progress. All comments/criticisms welcome.

A deep bow to Kassia for an irresistible track to play with!

Photo is from Wikipedia.

Leave a Comment

You must be registered and logged-in to comment.

Song Stats

Hits: 1898
Comments: 66
Fans: 30
Plays: 199
Downloads: 78
Votes: 3
Uploaded: May 13, 2010 - 10:25:56 PM
Last Updated: May 13, 2010 - 10:25:56 PM Last Played: May 18, 2013 - 11:31:33 AM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Song Actions

Keywords:

Prayer flags (1), wind (56), sky (62), Tibet (8)

Hardware:

MacBook Pro, Akai MPK49

Software:

GB, Kore Player and free samples, Stormdrum 2, Apple Jampacks

Comments

kassia

kassia said 1101 days ago (May 13th, 2010)

what a wonderful surprise!
I can't believe how many places this hang drum piece has gone. And now you take us to Tibet with Tuvan throat singers and prayer flags and all. I love this Doug. It's definitely ambient, but in a way that is most unusual for ambient music. There is a lightness and brightness that just can't be denied - even when those deep vocal drones come in. You've certainly accomplished an intricate, flowing piece of music here. Excellent sound choices. This is wonderful!

Check out my latest song called Greensleeves

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)

I was surprised too
It's true, though - I wasn't sure what would work to enhance what you laid down and not pull it away from the many cool feelings that the raw piece evoked. And yes, it isn't standard ambient, but it's not standard electronica either, and I didn't think I wanted to call it other.

I'm glad you picked up the lightness - once I really listened to what you composed I had an image of prayer flags against a blue sky fluttering in the breeze in the high Himalayas. And once that image came into focus, the brightness and spaciousness - vast openness - with a delicacy and yet being supported by the solid earth below was something I wanted to convey.

Thanks so much for your kind words Shay, I do appreciate them!

Best always,
Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

johnwhitehead	johnwhitehead said 1101 days ago (May 13th, 2010)
	Sky This is gorgeous- ambient without being Ambien. Electronic but still organic. I can really feel a crystaline mountain wind moving through this. Excellent composition and production. Check out my latest song called Wandering Blues

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)

Ambient but not
Ambient but not
I love your image about the crystalline mountain wind. It is indeed part of the scene I felt in composing the addition to Shay's catchy rhythms. I thought it odd that I chose sounds that were partly electronic and yet I was after an organic kind of feel to the wind and the sky, shot with glints of sunlight and reflections on the snow. If you think it worked, then great!!

Thank you for the supportive comments John.

Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

drakonis

drakonis said 1101 days ago (May 13th, 2010)

electronbient
The native drummer sits atop the ancient gigapad, plugged in to the digital winds, and begins to play. Each drum beat stirs the ancestral myths, and causes ripples to beam across the sky in ribbons of colored light. It is a spectacular virtual collaborative concert. Wonderfully re-imagined, Doug, you and Shay painted a gorgeous landscape here.
ttfn,
Drakonis

Check out my latest song called Belle Aire (for Mandolin Orchestra)

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)
	Hey Eduard You can write for me ANY TIME! What wordsmithing around such vivid imagery. Wow. Thanks for the feedback Dragon Master. It's always a pleasure. Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

RAVENS	RAVENS said 1101 days ago (May 13th, 2010)
	Fabulous Certainly cannot go wrong when you pair up with Shay. This is just magical, perfect before heading to Dreamland. Lovely work! RAVEN ;-) Check out my latest song called Tattooed Scars (w/ Sigmund, Scofugate, Rok41)

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)
	Thanks Dani You're right about collabs with Shay's genius. So glad you enjoyed this. Sweet dreams! Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Jarvoid

Jarvoid said 1101 days ago (May 14th, 2010)

See Below
"I would like to go back and do some rework so consider this a work in progress. All comments/criticisms welcome."

Okay,your choice but I ask ,Why? It's spot on as is. My advice, leave it,it does not need fiddling with. Go and do something else or have another start from scratch but leave this alone....... You may hear a glitch but you know when you made it and it will always be tyere.But I don't hear anything wrong or in need of an overwork. And now I will stop banging on........banging on gettit ....Hang drum ..banging on ...oh please yourself.

80)

From the Looney that is Jarvoid

Check out my latest song called Cripple Creek Revised........By Jarvoid and the Banjo Bedraggled Manic Mandolin Accordion Squeezers

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 1099 days ago (May 15th, 2010)

Glad to hear this works for you
Perhaps it is my own sense that it is not possible to create quickly - who knows? In any event, I'm pretty happy with how this worked out, and the polishing can wait. The big plus is that my creative logjam is once again out of the way and the music has started to flow.

I appreciate your wisdom and support - and there's nowt looney 'bout tha'

Cheers,
Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Feter	Feter said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)
	Waving the Sky Very precise very deep ...and can always paint a nice scene out of your imagination this is way too cool ...an awesome sound track ...what a production ...thnx a lot for sharin !!!! Check out my latest song called Roll with it

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1099 days ago (May 15th, 2010)
	Ahh Feter my friend I thought that the spiritual threads woven into this track might interest you. You're so generous with your comments. Thank you! Peace, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

davisamerica	davisamerica said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)
	Doug This is just a brilliant take on Kassia's track. The way you have woven the melody into the drums is perfect. Quiet a nice listen .... downloaded Check out my latest song called 12

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1099 days ago (May 15th, 2010)
	I love to have a base to work from and Kassia's track was fascinating in it's rich character. That makes it a lot easier to find what other ways the music wants to express itself and then put fingers to keyboard and get out of the way... :) Glad you liked it! Be well, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

magnatone	magnatone said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)
	Waving wow, i'm glad you hung in there with this doug, because it is positively sublime! one of my faves from the various collab ideas that have come out of shay's original hang drum. thanks! Check out my latest song called Blind Love (Seeing Heart) - Orchestral Version

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1099 days ago (May 15th, 2010)
	Sublime!! Very powerful and kind words you're using here Karen. I'm happy that this piece touched you as well. Peace, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Skean	Skean said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)
	There you are I had you in my thoughts a few days ago :D And here you are with an excellent collab. Don't think this need to be reworked but I know what you're talking about, we never be satisfied with a piece do we? I love this, bro so I grab an X of it, thanks. Take care of you and yours Kenta Check out my latest song called No Fun Anymore (Macjams is dead)

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 1099 days ago (May 15th, 2010)

Hej!
Yes, I'm still here. I think of you as well from time to time, wondering how you're doing.

You're right, we're never satisfied. Sometimes I do go back to revisit a piece, like with the MJ Reunion Festivals, but otherwise I just keep a little mental note of those pieces I would tweak again someday and move on.

Nice to hear from you Kent, and thanks for the comments!

Best to you and your lovely lady,
Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Ex_Silentio

Ex_Silentio said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)

Altitudinous
High mountain music. Your music has always had the shine of perfectionism, so it doesn't surprise me that you would want to go back and rework this. Not that there's anything lacking. And there's not too much either. But my imagination is what it is. If you can find ways to improve, by all means, go for it.

You made some very tasteful additions to Kassia's original, and gave it a new life. Wonderful interpretation.

Check out my latest song called Moonset

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1099 days ago (May 15th, 2010)
	Altitudinous - love it Yes, maybe my mind has been too long in the rarified mountain air. I'm glad that people such as yourself who are familiar with this genre (or genre +/-) like this work. It was certainly fun to produce, and if it finds other kindred souls out there then great! Thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Reinholt56	Reinholt56 said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)
	Hi Doug..... This piece is wonderful. The additions you make meld in a very beautiful way with Shay's original hang drum track. I can't wait for any other additions you may arrange into this evocative piece. Take care. Paul Check out my latest song called When The Time Comes (An Ambiental Mix)

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 1071 days ago (June 12th, 2010)

Hi Paul,
I appreciate your comments, particularly from someone in the ambient branch of things.

I am not now as urgently looking to come back to 'fix' this piece. There were bits around 1:41 where the pattern of melodic line followed by a few bars of sound accents got a little lost. While I could clean it up I think now that the break from the pattern shakes things up a little bit and enhances the sense of unpredictability.

Thanks again Paul!
Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

TERRAPLANE	TERRAPLANE said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)
	Play on What wonderful additions Doug, I feel like a bird soaring ,,thank you,T Check out my latest song called COME ON IN MY KITCHEN/ w Pockbluesman

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1071 days ago (June 12th, 2010)
	Feel like a bird soaring My work here is done then :) Glad you were transported and thanks for the comment! Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

blaky smith	blaky smith said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)
	Great Great post Doug, I like what you have made here, excellent sound and production, nice listen. Thanks... Marc Check out my latest song called Ecchymoses au jardin

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1071 days ago (June 12th, 2010)
	Si gentil Merci monsieur pour la compliment. C'est un bon cadeau! Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

PaulaMunk	PaulaMunk said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)
	Sweetly wafting over and through clouds of day to leave remembrances on the night breeze..this starts but never ends. Infinitely sensual and delightful, in every way. :) Check out my latest song called Alone at Christmas

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1071 days ago (June 12th, 2010)
	What a poetic line: "Sweetly wafting over and through clouds of day to leave remembrances on the night breeze" That is gorgeous. Your remark about starts but never ends is right on - the sky, the wind, the prayer flags, the day the night, wave each other in an intimate embrace. I'm so glad you liked it! Cheers, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Henke	Henke said 1100 days ago (May 14th, 2010)
	It IS irresistible, Kassia's hang drum track, but still, you have done marvelous things with it here, Doug. It transports me to another continent. I feel like I'm really there. So thanks for the trip, and for the download enabling me to do the trip again and again. Deep bow to you both! Take care. /Henke Check out my latest song called Spring

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1071 days ago (June 12th, 2010)
	Irresistible Thanks for the kind remarks Henrik. Imaginary travel is the way to go! I hope you will be producing some new ambient gems of your own soon. Be well, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Kicbal	Kicbal said 1100 days ago (May 15th, 2010)
	Nice layers I love that this has so much structure and movement, especially for an ambient entry. The music tells a story. From my perspective living in the desert and approaching the heat of summer, this song resonates with the full midday sun atmosphere and also has a slight American Indian vibe. Great work. Check out my latest song called Dirt Oasis (rough mix)

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 1071 days ago (June 12th, 2010)

There didn't seem to be a good genre choice
for this piece - it's not amorphous enough to be ambient, it's got little electronic fiddly bits, it has a definite structure, and it has a clear rhythm from a natural instrument. The American Indian vibe is an interesting comment - I suspect that there are elements here that would be familiar to all cultures that feel well connected to the outdoors.

Thanks for your kind comments and for having a listen.

Cheers,
Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

davajonah	davajonah said 1100 days ago (May 15th, 2010)
	Real nice I love how you've weaved the sparkly, whistling synth voices into the hang drum sounds. Mountain music, yes, I can hear the wind. Like I said, real nice. Check out my latest song called Nocturne op. 55 Andante

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1071 days ago (June 12th, 2010)
	Weaving I guess we're all weavers after a fashion. Speaking of which, love your collab Fag Ash Lilly. Thanks for the support Dave, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Parichayaka

Parichayaka said 1099 days ago (May 15th, 2010)

mysterious, ethereal with glimpses of sunlight
Love the subtleties you put in the track. Soothing, with nice arpeggio accents - the sample that sounds almost like a flute (starting at 0:35) is peculiar and positively unexpected. I've heard a few version of Kassia's wonderful track, and I'm surprised at how much an approach or context can change the feel and experience of listening to the same piece. Very very nice.

Check out my latest song called Tosh Frenzy

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 1071 days ago (June 12th, 2010)

That sample
at 0:35 was one I had auditioned in Kore some time back and intended to use it at some point. When Kassia's piece came out I went back to my Kore favourite and found that between the drum and the Kore sounds I had the makings for some light and airy sounds in the high atmosphere. There was a time that playing with the synth sound you mention got to sound like the whistling in one of the Clint Eastwood westerns (Fist Full of Dollars ?) and so I had to stay on track with the core feeling of this piece so as not to stray.

Thanks again for the listen and encouraging remarks!

Be well,
Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Moviz	Moviz said 1098 days ago (May 16th, 2010)
	Perfect sounds that describe the pristine purity of the air and wind in the Tibetan Mountains where the prayer flags fly.... beautifully ambient and spiritual sounding Doug.... love the deep Buddhist voice that drones. A wonderful addition to Kassia's work, regards M Check out my latest song called Shine Your Light

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 1069 days ago (June 14th, 2010)

Pristine Purity
Kassia's drum track sent me to Asia but it was the light tones of the Kore samples that made me think of wind and light. Glad you liked the drones - I used two tracks, one from the EWQL Symphonic choirs and one from JP Voices put through a phaser, then varied the mix between the two.

Thanks Maurice, I appreciate your having a listen.

Cheers,
Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

segiperkasa	segiperkasa said 1097 days ago (May 17th, 2010)
	really awesome sound remind me of some kitaro work, but you really have your own touch.... really cool Check out my latest song called The Dawn of Nahdamar

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1069 days ago (June 14th, 2010)
	Quite the compliment to have you mention Kitaro. I'm a fan although I never thought of his influence on this piece (maybe it slipped in there sub-consciously with the accents). I appreciate your kind words. Thanks for having a listen! Be well, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

jiguma	jiguma said 1097 days ago (May 17th, 2010)
	Incredibly GOOD! Thanks, Neil Check out my latest song called News Is Gonna Break

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1069 days ago (June 14th, 2010)
	So glad this one worked for you Neil. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Cheers! Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

DWL	DWL said 1094 days ago (May 20th, 2010)
	Wonderfully evocative Really impressive work Doug. You've handled the sounds so well and created an amazing soundscape. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1069 days ago (June 14th, 2010)
	Dick, you're very kind as always. I appreciate hearing about your wander around the soundscape. Thanks! Cheers, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

ktb	ktb said 1094 days ago (May 20th, 2010)
	Waving the Sky Well I hope this open the flood gates on the creativty pool. Its wonderfully textured. A great treatment to the original. Another face to your music and I love it. Check out my latest song called Blackwater (by Tokai)

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1068 days ago (June 15th, 2010)
	Yes, the flood gates have opened! Yay! I also have been able to finish another of the tunes which was the march I was working on for my dad. ... talk about another face to my music! :) Thanks for the listen and kind words! Be well, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Alannah	Alannah said 1086 days ago (May 29th, 2010)
	So far ...... Shay's tune has proved to be an interesting listening journey for me ... as I have worked through each version ..... and to find them all so different from each other was a real treat .... I love the additions you have put here ... I have a weakness for Tuvan Throat singers ..... Check out my latest song called Street People (Anomalous w/Alannah)

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 1067 days ago (June 16th, 2010)

Isn't it amazing?
One (rather good) rhythm track and all this inspiration comes out of the woodwork. It has been really cool to hear all of the variants on top of Kassia's work.

Glad you liked the low chants. I hadn't thought of it as throat singing although it does have that quality too. I was going for more of a Tibetan Buddhist chant effect. That said, I have often used a pedal chant in pieces (at least 3 I can think of) since it provides a nice human foundation to some parts of a tune.

I'm glad you enjoyed this version Alannah. Thanks for your comments!

Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

VicDiesel	VicDiesel said 1071 days ago (June 13th, 2010)
	Great stuff You've found some great sounds to support the original Hang composition. It's all quite organic. Nice job. Btw, what synths did you use? Check out my latest song called Fourth Candle

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 1067 days ago (June 16th, 2010)

Hi Vic,
Thanks for the kind words around my organic soundscape.

I used the Kore 2 player, which I downloaded from Native Instruments for free. There was also some kind of a bonus sample pack that went with it that was also free. If you already have the pack and are asking about which samples I used, I'd be happy to look them up for you.

Cheers,
Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Bowman	Bowman said 1069 days ago (June 14th, 2010)
	Dancing modules of sound sweep us along on a sometimes desolate but never boring journey though cool mountains and long forgotten canyons. Bracing and wonderful! Cheers, Charlie Check out my latest song called RADIANT FLESH (take 2)

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1066 days ago (June 17th, 2010)
	Bracing Cool choice of words (pardon the pun). Glad you enjoyed being transported, even if only for a little while. Thanks for your kind words Charlie! Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

richard13	richard13 said 1067 days ago (June 16th, 2010)
	Just bloody beautiful Doug We're all so happy that this came unstuck, and hope you stay unstuck for a long, long while ;-) This is really very good. Check out my latest song called Caledonia

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 1066 days ago (June 17th, 2010)

I'm touched by your sentiments
Thanks for the warm wishes. I shall try to stay 'unstuck', although I would wager that my wife would say I'm always a bit unstuck - although not in the creative sense :)

Still, it feels good to be moving forward and with this piece and Dad's March II done and dusted, the next musical pieces are in my sights.

Cheers Richard.

Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Diviner	Diviner said 1063 days ago (June 20th, 2010)
	Wow This is brilliant. Really impressed Doug, you have done a great accompiment to the lovely hung track by kassia. Nice one. Check out my latest song called The Apothosis Of Us All (Remix)

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1052 days ago (July 1st, 2010)
	Thanks Keith When one starts with good material it's a lot easier to get good results. I am finding too that having a rhythm track set down usually gives me all kinds of different inspirations compared to just trying to do a melody from scratch and fill in the rest later. Thanks for the kind words! Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

guitapick	guitapick said 1052 days ago (July 1st, 2010)
	:-O This is really beautiful Check out my latest song called 'Cuz I Can

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 1041 days ago (July 12th, 2010)
	You are so kind to say so. It is always a wonderful feeling to have something that comes from the magical source of our collective creativity form music that others also enjoy. Thanks Bob. Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

	telecaster29 said 823 days ago (February 16th, 2011)
	peaceful soothing feel to this. i could imagine this as an interlude as part of a longer work. Check out my latest song called inner space

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 820 days ago (February 18th, 2011)

Interlude
That's an interesting idea. I would love to put together a longer series of quasi-ambient-new agey pieces but I find that my scattered interests are not focussed enough on a single genre for long enough to stick with one style. Maybe over time I'll randomly accumulate enough material to go back and pick out a series with some sense of continuity and relation between them.

Thanks for your kind words!
Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

peterms	peterms said 731 days ago (May 19th, 2011)
	wonderful like!! Check out my latest song called Funk Garage

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 726 days ago (May 23rd, 2011)
	Thanks Peter I can't ask for more than that! Be well, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

gadzooks	gadzooks said 731 days ago (May 19th, 2011)
	Hey Doug... This is magical listening to this with my headphones and my eyes closed. It takes me away and moves beautifully creating visuals in my mind. Enjoyed SG Check out my latest song called A Fly

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 726 days ago (May 23rd, 2011)
	As they said in the old West "Well, looks like my work here is done." Thanks for your comments and I'm glad you enjoyed whatever visuals came up for you. I'll say again that the magical inspiration of this piece comes from the base track that Kassia laid down. After that it was all down hill.... Peace, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

SomeMadGirl	SomeMadGirl said 514 days ago (December 21st, 2011)
	fan fan fan Beautiful! I like the blend of acoustic instruments with the more digital bleeps and sweeps. That’s my kind of song. Way to go! Check out my latest song called A New Day on Arus (mj space race 2011)

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 487 days ago (January 17th, 2012)
	Thanks thanks thanks I'm glad I could deliver what you wanted to hear. Thanks for the kind remarks. It is interesting how this piece could never have emerged without the inspiration of Kassia's hang drum piece. Inspiration is magical, wherever it comes from. Take care, Doug Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Fan List

Artist Info

Name: Doug Somers
Location: Ottawa Ontario Canada

I make music for pleasure, usually using a computer to create soundscapes around all kinds of music. I used to jam with a local celtic group, playing bodhran and 12 string guitar, but I find that my technical and live performance skills fall short o... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

Genre Info

Ambient music is a loosely defined musical genre that incorporates elements of a number of different styles - including jazz, electronic music, new age, rock and roll, modern classical music, reggae, traditional, world and even noise.

More songs in Ambient:

Chat