All previous illusory conditions which manifest as birds, traffic, mental chatter, air conditioning units etc....anything sonic, Stan Brakhage - his films and ideas using "sense as muse" in creation of art, Richard Lehrman's ideas (I have not heard any of his music as of yet), the world soundscape project, Michael A. Doherty, Legendary Pink Dots, all other sorts of bands and music, songs, John Cage, the weather, my wife, Trimpin, the practice of meditation... teachings of dharma art - www.shambhalaart.org, other friends and musicians with whom I have worked. I guess everything exerts some influence whether I like it or not.
Bret Ellerton has worked in the field of music for many years now in a variety of contexts. His work ranges from experimental ambient soundscapes, phonography and film soundtracks, to collaborative ensemble work, as well as music for children. His ambient work aims to explore the intersection between mind and sound, silence, deep listening, and appreciation for non-conceptual direct experience. While initially trained in piano and guitar, Bret enjoys exploring all sorts of sounds as elements in musical composition. Lately, he has been particularly interested in very quiet sounds and the general sonic ambience of everyday city life. He also studied briefly with the filmaker Stan Brakhage, and was deeply inspired by his view of art using 'sense as muse' - ones art being a direct reflection of an immediate sensory experience of life. This also connects with Bret's ongoing meditation training in the Shambhala Buddhist Lineage and his interest in exploring the role that sound, silence, attention, and composition can play in facilitating meditative awareness and appreciation for direct nonconceptual sense perception. The Sound Dialogue Series is a current project that Bret has started with Mr. Michael Andrew Doherty and has expanded to include other musicians. Sound Dialogue Series: Grey Sky. Wet Sky, is a collaborative work between Bret Ellerton and Michael Andrew Doherty available soon through cdbaby as a digital release. This work involves tonal music, ambient soundscape, and phonography. Both Bret and Michael explore elements of space and silence in order to create a sonic experience that fosters a balance between the recorded work and the naturally present sounds of the immediate environment. The sound dialogues function as a studio recording project involving two people at a time (which may expand in the future to include a chain of artists). One person initiates a 'conversation' with a short recorded piece that is complete and finished (unless specified as 'open') and sends it to the next person who then responds with his or her part. Please see the 'lyrics' section for part descriptions and details. Other projects include The Paradox Project - soundtracks created for the filmaker Seth Paradox - see www.uncle-nobody.com. Austin and Seattle based music ensemble Maximum Coherence - see www.uncle-nobody.com or www.myspace.com/maximumcoherence. Also - Climbing Mt Fuji - see www.uncle-nobody.com or www.myspace.com/climbingmtfuji. Childrens music - see Ninny Cow Tea - 58 Really Short Songs With Lyrics By Three to Five Year Old Children - at cdbaby.com/ninnycow or www.myspace.com/ninniycowtea
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