Ayla – Nirwana

Over 10 years ago, when I was in the middle of the Wheel of Time series for the second time (it had gotten to around book 5 by then) the single Ayla ran like a wildfire across the Norwegian music channels. At least I think it was that one, could have been Liebe. Suffice to say I totally loved the Ayla tune and tone, and in ’99 I picked up his first and only album so far, Nirwana. The exciting thing about this album and it’s songs is that it’s been played over and over again so many times, throwing it up in stark competition with Carte Blanche by Veracocha, Energy 52 by Café del Mar and Resurrection by PPK, three of my all time favourites.

I won’t try to angle the Ayla sound to seem as deep and awesome as Beethoven’s (*coughs*), but the slightly melancholic tone of the Ayla music hits me in the right spot. Liebe for example is energetic and subdued at the same time. Angelfalls has that piano that adds so much tone to it. Singularity (Brainchild II) has a regretful feel to it. Into the Light sort of captures the whole spectrum, and all the music has a melancholic and, added to the mix for me, a strong nostalgic feeling.

It’s old, it’s a classic for me, so when I came back after having played the album on the way home I decided to see what became of the Ayla project since the last time I read about it. Wikipedia threw me to this interview with the man behind Ayla, Ingo Kunzl, who was partially behind Safri Duo, a shortlived project I think (can’t remember right now), but with extremely fun music. Seems he has plans to return now in 2009 with a new Ayla album.

The best part of the interview I can’t help but agree on:

i:Vibes: Are their too many generic trance productions now a days and is it easier to have a hit now in 2009 since almost anyone can make music with internet being so big now?

Ayla: I don’t know whether it is better or not. It is good, that almost everyone can make music, but it is sad, that not everyone is able to listen to all the stuff.

And surprise, surprise, Inigo Kunzl’ top 5 isn’t far off mine, which are all favourites of mine from the past:

i:Vibes: What are your five all time favourite tracks?

Ayla:
Odysee Of Noises – Firedance
Energy52 – Cafe del Mar
Cosmic Baby – Space Track
Cygnus X – Orange Theme
William Orbit – Adagio For Strings

Looking forward to this.