In late 2022 I acquired my sisters old acoustic guitar and set about with the intention to firstly experiment with it for some sonic textures that may sit with certain projects. Over sometime I began to develop some themes or compositions within my limited playing ability, however I was quite pleased with the emotions that they appeared to convey.
 
During this period, naturally I had accumulated various synth based ambient works that covered various themes and moods and I also played some acoustic moments with certain pieces.
Cut to summer of 2023 I now had what felt like the foundation for a new album that included a mix of pure synth based ambient and some with the acoustic guitar taking centre stage & a mix of both approaches.
 
I knew this was going to be a bit of leap for me releasing this to the world as I'm mainly known for purely electronic based music with occasional filed recordings and electroacoustic & found sounds.
 
However, from an artists point of view its always being important for me to grow in someway, take risks, jump genres etc so I decided to complete this collection of pieces and present a new album! The last part of the creative process was creating a title, as the album displays varying themes that conjure, memories. environments, mind states & emotions I was mindful not to use specific words that may sway the listener to thinking of a particular sonic narrative.
 
Eventually I arrived with the title "Points Of Gradations" as I see this collection as another point in my creative artistic journey. The title also leaves plenty of space for the listeners mind to wander and create what ever feelings, images they wish. - Mick Chillage January 2025
 
Written, performed, arranged, mixed & Mastered by Michael Gainford at the igloo Dublin Ireland between 2023 & 2024.
Equipment used:
DSI Prophet Rev 2 [16 Voice ]
Moog Grandmother
Korg MS20 Mini
Zoom H1
Electro Magnetic Contact Mic.
Acoustic Guitar
PreSonus PX-1 Condensor Mic.
Soundcraft MPMI mixer & Roland Rubix 24 Audio Interface.
Ableton Live 10
 
Mick Chillage | Points Of Gradation | CD