TRANSMISSION ART ARCHIVE
Palettes
KMRU’s show Palettes, broadcast on stegi.radio, offers listeners a deep dive into the realm of ambient sound, where the line between music and the natural soundscape blurs. Each episode presents a curated collection of sounds that show the porous border between DJ and artist. KMRU utilizes his extensive library of field recordings, gathering sounds from various locales to construct a third, geographically and culturally ambiguous space. These recordings are often made in diverse locations—from the bustling urban settings of Nairobi and Berlin to the tranquil atmospheres of Lamu in Kenya and various sites across Europe. Further, his recordings highlight the subtle dynamics of city ambiances, natural landscapes, and even the less noticeable sonic nuances of quiet rooms and still nights. These sounds, whether the rustling of foliage or the distant hum of urban life, are not background to the musical playlist he curates; they are central characters, weaving through and developing in each broadcast.
On October 10, 2023, KMRU presented a broadcast that was distinctively his own, playing exclusively tracks from his evolving oeuvre. While in previous shows he would scatter some of his pieces between tracks from ambient artists like Loscil and Nicolas Jaar, this deliberate selection transformed the airwaves into a personal gallery. This broadcast served as a survey of KMRU's personal and thematic development, offering listeners a curated auditory walk through the soundscapes of his mind and experiences.
In Palettes, KMRU’s role as a DJ intersects creatively with his skills as a sound artist. The field recordings are woven into the fabric of his sets; this technique not only enriches the audiences experience but also elevates the act of listening, challenging the listener to engage more deeply with the sounds that often go unnoticed. By transforming everyday noises into compelling soundscapes, KMRU’s Palettes urges its audience to reconsider the cultural significance of sound. Each broadcast is a reminder of the power of listening, where KMRU brings listeners into a global dialogue about identity, place, and the invisible threads that connect us. - Described by Wave Farm Radio Art Fellow 2024, Austin T. Richey
Tracklist
KMRU - Dissipation
BOLT RUIN - Skevr ft KMRU
KMRU - Eypo
KMRU - MR4
KMRU - Hereafter
KMRU - Enera
KMRU - Till Hurricane Bisect
KMRU - Diagonals
KMRU & Ale Hop - ID
KMRU - Too
KMRU - Posterity
KMRU & Abul Mogard - Drawing Water on Matching Teal Surfaces