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David Helpling: From Guitar Virtuoso to Ambient Maestro
Get ready to unwind and immerse yourself in the calming ambiance of David Helpling’s musical realm.
We are embarking on a journey through the tranquil melodies crafted by this renowned artist. Discover the fascinating backstory of this remarkable musician as we delve into his influences, notable achievements, and the hidden treasures that shape his life. Soothe your senses and let yourself be carried away by the serene beauty of David Helpling’s musical odyssey.
Who is David Helpling?
David Helpling is a California-based guitarist and keyboardist, recording artist, and film composer specializing in ambient music and electronic music. He was born in 1969 in Chula Vista, California, and started playing guitar as a teenager. He experimented with various effects and signal processors to create illusions with sound and developed a passion for synthesizers and percussion. He is a self-taught musician, who learned by listening to his favorite artists and by trial and error.
He released his debut album, Between Green and Blue, in 1997, which was a finalist for the INDIE Album-Of-The-Year award. His second album, Sleeping on the Edge of the World, came out in 1999 and showcased his distinctive style and dense sound sculptures. He cites film music as one of his main inspirations and has composed scores for several films, such as Trade-Offs (2003), Cold Storage (2009), and False Summit (2010). He has also collaborated with fellow ambient artist Jon Jenkins on four albums: Treasure (2007), The Crossing (2010), Found (2013), and The Flow Sessions (2020). These albums have won several awards and received critical acclaim for their epic and cinematic soundscapes.
In 2022, he released his double album IN, which returns to his multi-instrumental style for the first time since Sleeping on the Edge of the World. The album features guest appearances by vocalist Nidhi Bhatmuley and esraj player Benjy Wertheimer, who add an exotic touch to his sonic palette. The album is a personal and timeless work that explores themes of inner journey, transformation, and transcendence.
What makes David Helpling's music unique?
David Helpling’s music is unique because it combines elements of ambient, electronic, rock, world, and classical music in a seamless and organic way. His music is not limited by genre boundaries or conventions; he follows his intuition and imagination to create sounds that evoke emotions and images in the listener’s mind. His music is also unique because it is rich in texture, depth, and detail. He uses layers of guitars, keyboards, percussion, vocals, and other instruments to create complex and dynamic soundscapes that range from serene to intense.
One of the most distinctive features of David Helpling’s music is his use of the guitar as a primary instrument. He does not play guitar in a conventional way; he uses various techniques such as tapping, looping, harmonics, delays, reverbs, distortions, and other effects to create sounds that are sometimes melodic, sometimes rhythmic, and sometimes atmospheric. He can make his guitar sound like a piano, a violin, a flute, or even a voice. He can also create sounds that are completely original and unexpected. His guitar playing is expressive, creative, and versatile.
Another distinctive feature of David Helpling’s music is his use of cinematic elements. He has a knack for creating music that sounds like it belongs to a movie soundtrack. He uses orchestral instruments such as strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and choir to add drama and emotion to his compositions.
Why do I love David Helpling's music?
I love David Helpling’s music because it is diverse, dynamic, and innovative. His music never gets boring or repetitive. He always surprises me with new sounds and ideas.
His music challenges me to listen more closely and attentively.
Conclusion
David Helpling is one of the most amazing artists in the world of ambient music. He has created a rich and varied body of work that showcases his talent and vision. He has influenced many other musicians and listeners with his unique style and sound.
If you are looking for some quality ambient music to relax, meditate, or dream with, I highly recommend you check out David Helpling’s albums. You will not regret it. You will discover a new dimension of musical beauty and wonder.
If you want to learn more about David Helpling and his music, you can visit his website at www.davidhelpling.com or follow him on Facebook or Twitter. You can also listen to his music on Spotify or Bandcamp. You will not regret it!
Production Work and Collaborations
David Helpling started his musical career as a self-taught guitarist and keyboardist, experimenting with various effects and sound processors. He was influenced by film music, as well as artists like U2, Eno and Björk. He released his debut album, Between Green and Blue, in 1997, which was a finalist for the INDIE Album-Of-The-Year award. His second album, Sleeping on the Edge of the World, came out in 1999 and showcased his dense and cinematic soundscapes.
As a full-time composer, Helpling has written music for several films, such as Trade-Offs (2003), Cold Storage (2009), and False Summit (2010). He has also collaborated with fellow ambient musician Jon Jenkins on a trilogy of albums: Treasure (2007), The Crossing (2010), and Found (2013). These albums feature lush and monumental sounds that combine drums, synths, guitars, and ambient textures. They have won five Zone Music Awards and received critical acclaim.
Helpling’s latest solo album is IN (2022), which is a double album that returns to his multi-instrumental style. It features subsonic drums, pulsing synthesizers, searing textures, and clear melodies. It also includes guest appearances by vocalist Nidhi Bhatmuley and esraj player Benjy Wertheimer, who add an Indian flavor to some of the tracks.
Discography
– Between Green and Blue (1997): This is Helpling’s first album, which showcases his guitar-based ambient music. It has a soothing and atmospheric quality that invites the listener to relax and dream.
– Sleeping on the Edge of the World (1999): This is Helpling’s second album, which explores deeper and darker realms of sound. It has a more dynamic and dramatic feel, with powerful percussion and sweeping synth pads.
– A Sea Without Memory (2018): This is a collection of ambient guitar pieces that Helpling created over the years. It has a minimalist and meditative vibe, with subtle variations and loops.
– Rune (2019): This is an EP that contains four tracks that Helpling composed for a video game project. It has a mystical and adventurous mood, with tribal drums and ethereal melodies.
– IN (2022): This is Helpling’s latest album, which is a double album that spans almost 90 minutes. It has a diverse and rich sound that blends electronic and organic elements. It also features some Indian influences from guest musicians.
Equipment and or Instruments
David Helpling is known for using a variety of guitars, synthesizers, effects pedals, and software to create his lush and atmospheric sounds. He started playing guitar when he was nine years old and soon developed a passion for exploring different sounds and textures. He was influenced by artists like Brian Eno, Robert Fripp, and Steve Roach, who pioneered the genre of ambient music.
One of the main instruments that David Helpling uses is the electric guitar. He has several guitars in his collection, including a Fender Stratocaster, a Gibson Les Paul, a Taylor acoustic guitar, and a custom-made guitar by luthier Rick Turner. He often uses alternate tunings and capos to create different harmonies and moods. He also uses various effects pedals to manipulate the sound of his guitar, such as delays, reverbs, choruses, flangers, phasers, distortions, loopers, and more. He likes to experiment with different combinations of pedals and settings to find new sounds and possibilities.
Another instrument that David Helpling uses is the synthesizer. He has several synthesizers in his studio, including a Roland Juno keyboard, a Korg Wavestation, a Yamaha DX7, a Moog Sub 37, and a Nord synthesizer. He uses these synthesizers to create pads, drones, leads, basses, arpeggios, and other elements that add depth and dimension to his music. He also uses software synthesizers like Omnisphere, Zebra 2, Alchemy, and Absynth to expand his sonic palette.
David Helpling also uses a computer and a digital audio workstation (DAW) to record and mix his music. He uses Logic Pro X as his main DAW, along with various plugins and virtual instruments. He also uses Ableton Live for live performances and improvisations. He uses a MIDI controller keyboard and a MIDI foot controller to control his software instruments and effects. He also uses an audio interface and a pair of studio monitors to capture and playback his sound.
Where to find Some music:
David Helpling FAQ
Q: Who is David Helpling?
A: David Helpling is a California-based guitarist and keyboardist, recording artist, and film composer specializing in ambient music and electronic music. He started his solo career with Between Green and Blue and Sleeping On The Edge Of The World, two albums that showcase his unique style of blending guitar and synth sounds. He has also collaborated with Jon Jenkins on a trilogy of albums: Treasure, The Crossing, and Found, which won several awards and acclaim from fans and critics alike. His latest solo release is IN, a double album that features his multi-instrumental skills and diverse influences.
Q: What are some of his musical influences?
A: David Helpling has been influenced by various genres and artists, such as U2, Björk, Elliot Goldenthal, Edward Shearmur, and David Julyan. He is also inspired by film music, nature, spirituality, and his own dreams and emotions.
Q: How does he create his music?
A: David Helpling uses a combination of guitars, keyboards, percussion, effects, and signal processors to create his sonic illusions. He experiments with different sounds and textures, layering them to create depth and dimension. He also uses computers and software to compose, arrange, and produce his music.
Q: Where can I listen to his music?
A: You can listen to his music on various platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Bandcamp, and his official website. You can also buy his CDs or vinyl records from his website or from Spotted Peccary Music, his record label.
Q: How can I connect with him?
A: You can follow him on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SoundCloud. You can also sign up for his newsletter on his website to get updates on his latest news and projects.
I hope this FAQ has given you some insight into David Helpling’s music and personality. If you have any more questions or comments, feel free to leave them below or contact me via email. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more blog posts!
