Caterina Barbieri launches new label Light-Years, shares first single ‘Knot Of Spirit’

Italian composer/musician shares first fruit of new label

Italian composer and electronic musician Caterina Barbieri has launched her new label Light-Years this week, debuting it with a new single from her and fellow artist Lyra Pramuk, ‘Knot Of Spirit’. 

Accompanied and inspired by a surrealist oil painting by Russian artist Dasha Kuznetsova, the track aims to evoke tension while eradicating notions of perceptual boundaries.

‘Knot Of Spirit’ follows Barbieri’s first three albums: Ecstatic Computation, Patterns Of Consciousness and Fantas Variations, all of which received widespread critical acclaim. Additionally, she recently performed several ‘Time-Blind’ shows with audiovisual artist Ruben Spini, which was inspired by the use of repetition to induce mind-altering states. Barbieri also composed the soundtrack for Pascual Sisto’s recent film ‘John and the Hole’. 

It also hears featuring artist and vocalist Lyra Pramuk making her latest comeback, following her acclaimed debut album ‘Fountain’, as well as recent collaborations with Holly Herndon and Colin Self.

Of the new release, Barbieri commented: “I strongly believe in the power of sound as an agent of change and the idea behind this project is to make deep listening effortless and explore the transformative, mind-altering potential of music, as well as its socially empowering effects.”

Reflecting on her decision to launch Light-Years, Barbieri also said: “After a period of unprecedented isolation, I am personally really inspired by the idea of exploring a more collaborative and independent format, where diversity, inclusivity, co-creation and mutual support are primary values to define a more sustainable landscape for its artists and creators.”

Besides releasing new music, Light-Years will hold a series of Europe-wide live music showcases, taking place later in 2021. Described as a ‘continuous enveloping environment’, the events will include performances by Barbieri, as well as her peers Lyra Pramuk, Bendik Giske, Nkisi, Kali Malone, and Marcel Weber. 

The series will debut on July 30 at Nextones Festival in Italy, followed by the Netherlands’ Draaimolen Festival in September.