What's Happening?
Adam Wiltzie, co-founder of Stars of the Lid and A Winged Victory for the Sullen, has released a new album titled 'Friendship Survival Guide,' a posthumous collaboration with the late composer Jóhann Jóhannsson. The album is constructed from an archive
of loops and sound exchanges recorded between 2013 and 2017, primarily during their work on film scores like 'The Theory of Everything' and 'Arrival.' Wiltzie describes the project as a reflection on their personal and creative connection, emphasizing that the process of creating the album felt like reconnecting with his friend. The tapes were run through Jóhannsson's Revox machines by engineer Francesco Donadello and recorded by Steve Albini. The album also features contributions from a close circle of friends and collaborators, including Tim Hecker, Bryan Senti, and Hildur Guðnadóttir. Despite Jóhannsson's passing, Wiltzie found the experience cathartic and a pleasure, noting that it didn't feel sad but rather like creating with his friend again.
Why It's Important?
This release is significant for the music industry as it showcases a unique approach to posthumous collaborations, transforming archival material into a living, breathing artistic statement rather than a mere historical document. It highlights the enduring impact of artistic friendships and the potential for creative work to transcend loss. For fans of both Jóhannsson and Wiltzie, 'Friendship Survival Guide' offers new insights into their collaborative dynamic and expands their respective discographies with previously unheard material. The involvement of other notable artists like Tim Hecker and Hildur Guðnadóttir further solidifies the album's artistic weight and broadens its appeal. This project also underscores the importance of preserving artistic archives and the potential for these materials to be recontextualized and brought to new audiences, demonstrating how technology and creative vision can breathe new life into past works.
What's Next?
Following the release of 'Friendship Survival Guide,' Adam Wiltzie is scheduled for promotional activities in London and North America, including live dates. He plans to return to his studio in Belgium to hibernate for the winter and complete recordings for A Winged Victory of the Sullen. The album's release is accompanied by a three-part short film directed by Belgian Director Jonas Govaerts, starring Adam Wiltzie and actor Jeroen Percevall, which will further extend the narrative and artistic reach of the project. While Wiltzie has indicated there is more unreleased material from his collaboration with Jóhannsson, he has not confirmed any future plans for its release, suggesting that 'Friendship Survival Guide' serves as a complete and contained tribute to their friendship and creative partnership.
Beyond the Headlines
The creation of 'Friendship Survival Guide' delves into the profound emotional and ethical dimensions of artistic collaboration, particularly when one of the collaborators is no longer alive. Wiltzie's experience of feeling Jóhannsson's presence through their shared sounds raises questions about the nature of artistic legacy and the ways in which artists continue to 'speak' through their work. The album challenges conventional notions of authorship and completion, demonstrating how fragments and archival materials can be woven into a cohesive and emotionally resonant narrative. It also highlights the often-overlooked role of friendship in creative processes, suggesting that deep personal connections can be as foundational to artistic output as individual talent. The project serves as a testament to the power of music to process grief, celebrate connection, and create a lasting 'time capsule' of shared human experience.
