“Most experiences have different layers to them – the album reflects this complexity”
– Valiska
Analog saturation, reflection, and letting go, On Pause presents an emotively biographical album.
Born in Poland but now based out of Calgary, Canada, Valiska creates gritty, overcast soundscapes inspired by the likes of Tim Hecker, Rafael Anton Irisarri, and Grouper. Although his hometown is often overshadowed by other Canadian cities such as Montreal, Valiska has been part of an insular but slowly expanding scene, exploring strands of experimental drone and ambient.
On Pause is Valiska’s most personal work to date, and consists of eight tracks that recount a series of life-changing events that occurred between 2016 and 2017. Charting this journey of loss and upheaval, the music is melancholic and at times painfully stark but does not dwell in dischord – with passages of optimism, hope, and even fleeting euphoria.
Media
Videos
Heavy Riser / 2017
Footage: Krzysztof Sujata, Francis Redman
Edited: Francis Redman
Heavy Riser / 2018
Krzysztof Sujata
Valiska – Four Loops tour and ‘Water’ performance
Press
Benji B – BBC Radio 1
Its deeply humanistic expression through such integrative mechanical means represents a step forward in the genre, and is a cathartic and engaging listening experience regardless.
Scott Gray – Exclaim.ca
Grainy reflections echo Tim Hecker’s soundscapes or Boards of Canada’s melancholic warmth
Mojo Magazine (October 2017)
Rainy tones leak out of the music, but so does a careful optimism, and the music’s had the opportunity to grow during its time of hardship.
Ben Catchpole – Fluid Radio
A captivating, charming, and magnetic work.
Over six minutes Valiska creates a wordless narrative engaging in loss and devastation.
Andrew Hannah – The Line of Best Fit
Meditative and internalized, the album pulls your thoughts and feelings from your innermost parts; brings them out in the light, packs them up neatly, and sends them away.
Music
Krzysztof Sujata
Selected kit list.
Moog Sub 37 Synthesizer
Moog Mother-32 Semi-modular Synthesizer
Voice
Tascam 202mkV Cassette Tape Deck + Normal Bias Cassette Tapes
Zoom H2 Portable Recorder (for field-recordings)
Electronics and Pedals
Mastering
Rafael Anton Irisarri
Selected kit list.
ProTools (DAW)
FabFilter ProQ2
CraneSong HEDD192
Maselec Transfer Console
Millennia EQ (in solid state mode)
PS3 Mastering Compressor
Manley Massive Passive EQ
Manley VariMu mastering compressor/limiter
HEDD 192
Vinyl Cut
Simon Davey – The Exchange Vinyl
Selected kit list.
Audioquest Silver Cables
Esoteric Audio Research (EAR) valve eq’s
Neumann VMS80 Lathe with Neumann SX74 cutterhead
Tannoy DMT II Monitors
McIntosh 60 Valve Power Amps.