John Campbell’s tracks Anima and DD PT1 are immersive pieces of live modular synth music that capture a sense of atmospheric depth and emotional reflection. Recorded live without a DAW, these tracks showcase Campbell’s skill in creating evolving soundscapes using modular synthesizers, with each piece developing organically in real time.
Anima is a slow-building ambient composition that begins with gentle synth tones, gradually expanding as layers of sound accumulate. Melodic and harmonic elements emerge, creating a soothing yet engaging listening experience. The bass enters around the one-minute mark, grounding the piece and adding warmth without disrupting its calming, atmospheric quality. The live, one-take nature of the recording gives Anima a sense of spontaneity and authenticity, with each sound blending naturally.
DD PT1 takes a slightly different approach, opening with an almost haunting harmony that feels slightly unsettled. The track builds with a rhythmic pulse, driven by a bass element that shifts between pitches, creating a subtle sense of movement. As the track develops, processed sounds and percussive elements are introduced, enhancing the sense of depth and creating an immersive sonic environment. The piece was split into two parts, with the second section exploring the same phrase but at a slower pace, allowing the listener to experience the evolving textures in a different light.
Both tracks were recorded during the winter months, with Campbell using music as a way to combat seasonal depression. This sense of introspection is evident in the careful, evolving nature of the compositions, where each sound feels intentional, yet the live setup ensures a sense of unpredictability.
John Campbell is a Northern California-born musician and composer with a background in both classical and electronic music. He began his musical journey with violin and piano, later moving to Los Angeles to study at the Musicians Institute. With experience in film scoring, digital music production, and live performance, Campbell has worked on a range of projects, including scoring movie trailers and licensing music for TV shows like Saturday Night Live and WWE.
