Stratafield is the creative outlet of Peter Lewman, an Atlanta-based musician whose journey from college radio DJ to innovative composer is steeped in a love for jazz, electronica, and alt-rock. Guided by the strings of his cherished 1957 Gibson acoustic guitar, Peter crafts soundscapes that are as intimate as the private parties he plays. Though his primary career as a software developer keeps him from live performances, Peter’s passion for music shines through his commitment to creating original compositions. “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun,” Peter says, emphasizing his dedication to innovation over imitation. For him, music is less about public acclaim and more about personal expression and exploration.
Stratafield’s latest instrumental album, “Sympathetic Waveforms”, released October 4th, 2024, is a testament to Peter Lewman’s singular artistic vision. Created in collaboration with Christian Poole at Atlanta’s Meta Music Studios, the album seamlessly blends acoustic-electronica, folktronica, and cinematic influences into a cohesive listening experience. It’s a daring exploration of sound that bridges traditional and modern elements, inspired by artists as varied as 9Lazy9, Thelonius Monk, and The Beatles.
At the heart of “Sympathetic Waveforms” lies Peter’s acoustic guitar, its warm tones enhanced by Christian’s percussive piano contributions and engineering finesse. The album ventures boldly into uncharted musical territories, pushing boundaries with intricate compositions that balance emotional depth with technical precision. Each track unfolds like a story, revealing a dynamic interplay of textures that feel simultaneously organic and futuristic.
Sympathetic Waveforms Album Track List:
Elysian Fields:
“Elysian Fields,” the opening track of “Sympathetic Waveforms”, immediately captivates with its rich blend of acoustic and electronic textures, setting the stage for the album’s adventurous sound. The track begins with a delicate interplay between Peter Lewman’s acoustic guitar and a rhythmic piano line, creating a serene yet engaging foundation. The guitar’s gentle, deliberate strumming establishes a steady rhythm, while the piano’s cascading notes provide a reflective counterpoint. Subtle ambient layers, including the soft chirping of nocturnal crickets, add an organic, immersive dimension, making the listener feel as though they’re stepping into a tranquil, moonlit environment.
As the piece evolves, additional elements are introduced to heighten its dynamic complexity. Soft percussion and understated electronic effects weave in seamlessly, enriching the soundscape without overwhelming the acoustic core. The careful placement of each instrument in the mix ensures that every layer contributes meaningfully to the track’s atmosphere. This balance between the organic warmth of the guitar and the precise, calculated nature of the electronic effects exemplifies Stratafield’s ability to bridge natural and synthetic elements. The pacing of “Elysian Fields” is unhurried, inviting the listener to savor the intricate layering and emotional resonance of the composition.
The track’s meditative yet celebratory tone sets the perfect mood for the album’s journey. Its folktronica and downtempo jazz influences imbue it with an ethereal quality, blending calmness with a quiet energy that feels both grounding and uplifting. As an introduction to “Sympathetic Waveforms”, “Elysian Fields” not only highlights the album’s artistic vision but also promises a deeply contemplative and exploratory listening experience. Its lush textures and meticulous production reward repeated listens, each unveiling new details that deepen appreciation for this masterfully crafted opener.
Army Ant:
The fourth track on Stratafield’s “Sympathetic Waveforms”, “Army Ant,” exudes a quiet energy that immediately engages listeners. The track opens with a delicate percussive rhythm paired with a pulsating bassline, setting a dynamic yet understated tone. This introduction establishes a foundation that balances tension with fluidity, inviting listeners to step into a meticulously crafted soundscape. From the outset, “Army Ant” conveys motion—subtle yet purposeful—as if mirroring the collective rhythm and movement suggested by its title.
Musically, “Army Ant” thrives on its intricate layering. Peter Lewman’s acoustic guitar provides a rhythmic anchor, its crisp, articulate melodies offering a sense of direction amidst a backdrop of syncopated drum patterns and nuanced electronic textures. The interplay between earthy, organic tones and digital flourishes is striking, embodying the album’s core theme of harmonizing natural and synthetic elements. This duality creates a rich, multi-dimensional experience, as every instrument contributes purposefully to the track’s evolving narrative. The result is a piece that feels both hypnotic and full of surprises, pulling listeners into a rhythmic trance while keeping them engaged with its subtle complexities.
From a production standpoint, “Army Ant” is a masterclass in precision and atmosphere. Every sound occupies a distinct space in the mix, ensuring clarity and balance even within the track’s dense layers. This polished approach amplifies the music’s immersive quality, making it feel alive and almost tactile. As the track progresses, the combination of rhythmic drive and layered instrumentation evokes a vivid sense of collective movement—like an army on the march, united in purpose. “Army Ant” is a standout moment on “Sympathetic Waveforms”, showcasing Stratafield’s ability to craft music that is as cerebral as it is visceral, leaving a lasting impression long after the final note fades.
The Ripple Effect:
The eighth track on Stratafield’s “Sympathetic Waveforms”, “The Ripple Effect,” unfolds with a contemplative piano motif that immediately captures the listener’s attention. This gentle opening mirrors the natural imagery of ripples spreading across still water, with each note ebbing and flowing in an introspective rhythm. The introduction sets a tranquil tone, drawing the listener into a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. Subtle shifts in texture and rhythm echo the unpredictable movement of waves, creating a dynamic yet soothing listening experience.
At its core, “The Ripple Effect” thrives on its meticulous layering of instrumentation. The piano serves as the melodic anchor, providing a steady yet emotive foundation. Beneath it, an acoustic guitar weaves through the arrangement with warmth and subtlety, adding an organic texture to the composition. Ambient electronic elements, including softly pulsating synths and echoing percussive accents, lend a cinematic edge, enhancing the track’s modern aesthetic. This seamless interplay between acoustic and electronic components reflects Stratafield’s signature ability to merge natural and synthetic elements into a cohesive whole, resulting in a sound that is as meditative as it is dynamic.
What truly sets “The Ripple Effect” apart is its impeccable production quality. Every sound is rendered with pristine clarity, allowing the nuances of each performance to shine. The spatial arrangement of the mix adds depth and movement, with instruments subtly panned to create a three-dimensional auditory experience. This attention to detail transforms the track into more than just a song—it becomes an emotional journey. “The Ripple Effect” stands as a testament to Stratafield’s artistry, combining technical sophistication with profound emotional resonance, and solidifying its place as one of the standout moments on “Sympathetic Waveforms”.
Secret Room (Electronica ver):
The eleventh track on Stratafield’s “Sympathetic Waveforms”, “Secret Room (Electronica ver)”, is a masterclass in atmospheric minimalism and emotional subtlety. Opening with a soft synth pad, the track immediately evokes a sense of quiet isolation, drawing the listener into a private and reflective space. The sparse, echoing beats and muted electronic textures unfold gently, creating an atmosphere that is both hushed and immersive. This delicate introduction sets the tone for a track that prioritizes mood and introspection over complexity, inviting listeners to explore its understated depth.
Musically, “Secret Room (Electronica ver)” thrives on its restraint. The instrumentation is sparse yet impactful, with a piano melody adding warmth and a touch of humanity to the otherwise digital soundscape. The percussion, subtle and subdued, enhances the track’s meditative quality without disrupting its serenity. Each element is carefully balanced, allowing silence and sound to coexist harmoniously. The faint electronic hums provide an ethereal backdrop, blending seamlessly with the piano and percussion to create a soundscape that feels intimate yet expansive. It’s as though the track captures a quiet conversation in a vast, echoing chamber, where every note and texture contributes to a larger sense of stillness and introspection.
The production quality of “Secret Room (Electronica ver)” is exceptional, emphasizing clarity and spatial depth. The minimalist approach is supported by a clean, spacious mix that ensures every element is audible without crowding the soundstage. This meticulous attention to detail transforms the track into a beautiful exploration of space and emotion, rewarding attentive listening with its subtle nuances. As a late highlight on “Sympathetic Waveforms”, it showcases Stratafield’s skill in creating music that speaks volumes through quiet, deliberate choices, making it a standout moment of delicate introspection.
The instrumentation in “Sympathetic Waveforms” is meticulously layered, with acoustic guitars, pianos, and ambient textures melding effortlessly with electronic beats and synths. The result is a series of richly textured tracks that invite listeners to lose themselves in expansive soundscapes. Whether it’s the soft hum of an acoustic melody or the pulsating energy of an electronic rhythm, every element is purposefully placed to evoke emotion and curiosity. The album’s production quality is impeccable, with a mix that highlights both the intricate details and the broader dynamics of each composition. Moments of quiet introspection transition into sweeping crescendos, creating a dynamic range that captivates from start to finish. The balance between clarity and depth allows every sound to resonate fully, making “Sympathetic Waveforms” a rewarding experience for both casual listeners and audiophiles.
“Sympathetic Waveforms” isn’t just an album; it’s a statement of intent. Peter Lewman’s dedication to blending acoustic and electronic elements into something entirely new is evident in every track. From its thoughtful arrangements to its immersive sound design, the album showcases Stratafield’s ability to innovate while staying true to its artistic roots. For anyone seeking music that challenges conventions while offering a deeply emotional and immersive experience, “Sympathetic Waveforms” is a must-listen. It’s an album that lingers long after the final note fades, leaving a lasting impression of Stratafield’s artistry.
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