Music Review: Jacob ‘NTHNL’ Rudin’s Ontogenesis

After the success of his debut album Cosmic Flute and its follow-up Cosmic Flute Rides Again, flutist and multi-instrumentalist Jacob ‘NTHNL’ Rudin has delivered what might be his most profound work to date with his latest album, Ontogenesis. This new release, out July 12th, 2024, delves deep into the mind, both musically and scientifically, offering fans a unique auditory experience.

Ontogenesis is the third installment in Rudin’s Tranquility Studies series. The project began with the onset the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and was designed to formalize Rudin’s explorations into creating music that fosters peace and introspection. By blending electronic binaural frequencies with live performances on a variety of instruments, Rudin creates soundscapes that are simultaneously calming, poetic, and deeply musical. This music employs a technique known as brainwave entrainment, which utilizes specific frequencies to resonate with the mind and induce a state of tranquility.

An avid meditation practitioner and proponent of expansion and healing, ambient music has always been a central theme in Rudin’s work. Based in Brooklyn, Rudin also performs and hosts soundbaths throughout New York City. When he began working on Ontogenesis, he collaborated with his friend, fellow musician, and yoga instructor Leslie Graves. Together, they took the concept of binaural beats and Solfeggio frequencies to new heights, crafting an album intended as a meditation tool to accompany yoga practice.

Originally conceived as “Music of the Body”, Ontogenesis was envisioned as a meditation journey through the body. Over the course of a year, as Rudin spent more time with the material, he realized that the album’s progression should be experienced in both time and space.

The collaboration between Rudin and Graves was unique, with Graves providing keywords for each of the chakras, which Rudin then interpreted through sound on the piano. The album follows the order of the chakras from top to bottom and even ventures beyond, connecting with some of the extra-corporeal chakras. The result is an ambient and mystical yet highly grounded album, thanks to the binaural frequencies. Ontogenesis is an excellent accompaniment for yoga practice or meditation, and it is also an exceptionally well-constructed and produced piece of music. The composition is complex yet deceptively simple, with many layers of music creating a peaceful vibe while the deeper frequencies provide a grounding effect.

For Rudin, Ontogenesis mirrors not only the chakras but the journey of a life as written in our DNA, taking a cue from Schrödinger. In his own words:

“I came upon the word ‘Ontogenesis’ in Erwin Schrodinger’s ‘What is life?’ A book written before the discovery of DNA which attempts to find the physical basis for life existing and reproducing itself and coming upon many deep and beautiful ideas. Ontogenesis means the progression of an organism from conception through death. As we move up the body, we move through a life: from before the beginning to after the end, reflecting and accepting at every stage.”

With Ontogenesis, Jacob ‘NTHNL’ Rudin has created a rich and immersive auditory experience that invites listeners to embark on a journey through the stages of life, providing a sense of peace and introspection that is much needed in today’s world. This album is a testament to Rudin’s growth as an artist and his commitment to exploring the intersections of music, science, and spirituality.

Official Website: https://www.nthnlsound.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nthnl.sound
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nthnl.sound
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthnl.sound/
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/5QryVzY6vVbE1gej2L42ux?si=Owk5hg-zT3O8BAWVHmKeTw
Bandcamp: https://nthnlsound.bandcamp.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nthnlsound
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIGAJf6ti4OqT-dIvkAtf8A

Nadia Elkharadly

Nadia Elkharadly

Nadia Elkharadly is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of Addicted Magazine. Her myriad of addictions include music, fashion, travel, technology, boxing and trying to make the world a better place. Nadia is also a feminist, an animal lover, and a neverending dreamer. Keep up with her on social media through @thenadiae.
Nadia Elkharadly

@TheNadiaE

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