Biography
(Canadian, 1980)
Daniel Campbell studied philosophy in Canada, then music in Paris with Jean-Luc Hervé & Yan Maresz, obtaining a degree in composition & orchestration.
He is a member of ensembles 20° dans le noir, cofounder of Ensemble 9, and cofounded the contemporary music publishing house Maison ONA (Paris).
His music is about finding doors to other dimensions, literally. (Like doorbells—you ring, the door opens, maybe.)
Works listListen (Soundcloud)
F.A.Q.So you are a composer...?
What kind of music do you make?
I like quiet, long, continuous, evolving, pure sounds. Space. Its contemporary, but contemporary is not a style. It's personal.
Why quiet?
You pay closer attention (or fall sleep), which increases awareness, eventually transcending the intellectual mind, then everything becomes incredibly clear (beautiful, ecstatic, radiant).
Why pure sounds?
Pure sounds are rare in nature, just as perfect geometric shapes are rare. When you see a rock that is a perfect circle it's mysterious, and maybe you put it in your pocket. When you hear a pure sound, it's remarkable.
Composition is combining sounds & also choosing sounds. Composing with pure sounds has the most sonic options, and the most surprises (acoustically). By choosing simple materials each choice has a greater importance for the final result.It's very precise and demanding work. Concentrating the choice of materials and tools to use is intentional when exploring infinity, like a laser beam vs. a flashlight.
Why long and continuous?
Instead of thinking in terms of length of time, I think about dilating time, like the retina in the eye, allowing more light to enter. It requires active attention by the listener, something which often leads to a new appreciation of music because most music is entertaining, requiring no effort.
Is your music minimal?
Yes, like the ocean, which has a simple surface, but also depth.
What inspires you?
I've always been fascinated by particular sounds—NASA recordings, and other mysterious sounds. My first love was electronic music, then I went here and discovered that sounds can bring you to other dimensions, so I became a composer.
Where can I listen to your music?
Here
Research & analysis
String Harmonics A table displaying natural harmonic nodes for stringed instruments with corresponding overtones.
'Ohoi', Giacinto Scelsi (PDF, in French)
Current Projects
AnaraSoprano solo & electronics (10')
Star CodexSolo pieces (~7')– ICXV (Cristal Baschet)– Noli mi tangers – Nuper Flores Rosarum (cello)
