Yann Novak’s Idleness, Endlessness is a special release on the label that coincides with the 10th anniversary of its relaunch. At 2 full hours, it is offered exclusively in digital format. It originated for source material collected at an artist residency Novak attended in 2012 – synthesized tones, radio static, and a field recording of the wind. In keeping with the contemplative theme of the retreat, he developed this material both in studio and in live performances to help the listener arrive at a mindset best described in words quoted from poet/novelist Rainer Maria Rilke:
I have often wondered whether especially those days when we are forced to remain idle are not precisely the days spend in the most profound activity. Whether our actions themselves, even if they do not take place until later, are nothing more than the last reverberations of a vast movement that occurs within us during idle days. In any case, it is very important to be idle with confidence, with devotion, possibly even with joy. The days when even our hands do not stir are so exceptionally quiet that it is hardly possible to raise them without hearing a whole lot.” ― Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters on Life
The album is comprised of two long form pieces, each exactly one hour in length, a completely immersive journey that patiently erodes any resistance on the part of the listener, slowly washing away distractions and preoccupations until the stillness takes hold. To deepen the experience, they are designed to be looped creating a truly endless listening experience which Novak rightly asserts is “divorced from the engagement more traditional music demands”. Idleness, Endlessness is understated, but monumental in scope. You will get lost in it, but then that is exactly the point.
– Stationary Travels