Noise Level

Rank #2 London, ON, CA Electronica / Dub Reggae & Dubstep / Ambi...

50% of sales go to the charity World Vision.

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About

Members: Ed Matthews (beats, loops, keys)

Sounds Like: Massive Attack, Thievery Corporation, Leftfield, DJ Olive, DJ Shadow

Label: Woodman Recordings, Brinks Gallery Records, OMYRECORDS, PLB Music, Wastelandic Paradise

Manager: Tracey Lee-Matthews, PANGAEA'S PEOPLE (Global Arts Network)

Bio: Keyboardist Ed Matthews began Noise Level in 2004 as an ethno-ambient, electronic sound project. The musical objective is to create music that exists in recorded form, yet lends itself to improvisation in a live setting.
Released June, 2009, The Liquid Sky, was favourably reviewed in Exclaim. It ... See Full Bio

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Status

The entire Noise Level catalogue is available at http://www.noiselevel.bandcamp.com

Press

“This latest chapter in the Noise Level saga/musical journey finds London, Ontario sound-painter Ed Matthews taking himself and the listener on a whirlwind tour of some of the sonic images working their way through his creative consciousness. The album is aptly titled as he explores the interzone where ambient dub, electro and progressive dance music meets. The old saw about practice making perfect is in full effect here as anyone who’s been following Matthews’ progress will note that his compositional touch and way with rhythms are becoming increasingly sophisticated and emotionally involving. This ‘human touch’ element makes Soaked In Dub an enjoyable world-class listen on a purely entertainment level and a major step forward stylistically and creatively for Matthews and the Noise Level project. – Rod Nicholson Performance: A/Production: B+”

— Rod Nicholson, Scene Magazine

“London Free Press Top 10 Albums of the Year. No. 6. NOISE LEVEL - Body. Meanwhile back in the interstellar overdrive universe, Noise Level has turned the edge dial it up a notch or three. Crunchier, in a good way, than other Noise Level works — but it still has the tranquil going. Stop off at Cafe Flesh and then double back to Enforcers (Are Never Wrong). Just move however and wherever and whenever that pulse prods you.”

— James Reaney, London Free Press

“At its nascence in 2004, Noise Level was conceived by its creator (London, ON native Ed Matthews) as an electronic ethno-ambient project. Over a handful of years and releases, Matthews has flirted with a variety of styles. On Body, his latest release, dub, reggae and techno are cross-pollinated with the likes of ambient, dubstep, drum & bass and even pop electronica. The resulting concoction is surprisingly clean and fresh sounding, perhaps because the entire album (save some reggae toasting) was arranged, performed, recorded and produced by Matthews. The songs that comprise Body generally fall into one of two categories: dancehall reggae infused with flourishes of drum & bass and dubstep, and techno/pop tunefulness imbued with a spirit of ambient drift. This makes for a somewhat disjointed listening experience for the album as a whole, but the briskness of the music more than makes up for a few unexpected shifts in genre.”

— Bryon Hayes, Exclaim

“Noise Level is the brainchild of London keyboardist Ed Matthews who began pumping out ambient/electronic sound projects in 2004. Noise Level's latest full-length disc, Body, features 11 original compositions created with the aid of a software program known as Ableton Live. It allows Matthews to record, remix, arrange, compose, and perform anything he hears in his head and what he hears makes for an interesting journey. Many of the tracks here are mellow and atmospheric with the sounds of piano, drums, synths, spoken word and reggae chants floating in and out the soundscape. Tracks like "Bam Bam!" would sound right at home at the dancehall, while others like the title track and "New Sensations" are best suited for layin' back and chillin' out. ”

— John sharpe, Scene Magazine

“On the evidence that "This Island Earth" presents, London's own electro/experimental/sound alchemist Ed Matthews might find his musical incarnation. Noise Level is at a career/artistic crossroads before too much longer. It may just be about time to bust of L-seven and take Noise Level to the next level because the Forest City may soon be turning into too small a pond for this rapidly evolving sonic fish. Matthews' work and inspiration on this new CD is a revelation as he takes things away from the sometimes confining cut and paste style of recordings past and makes each track more of an entity unto itself. The overall impression here is of a much more sophisticated beat-based sound and feel that needs to be heard worldwide.”

— Rod Nicholson, Scene Magazine

“Last month, Noise Level (aka Ed Matthews) released his new CD This Island Earth, the follow-up to his previous effort,Conceptual Continuity. This Island Earth features nine tracks, which range from dub, dubstep, drum & bass and Bollywood-styled reggae tracks. "Unlike previous efforts, which featured a wider range of electronic music styles, the attempt here is to focus on styles that compliment rather than contrast with one another," said Matthews. "All the instruments heard on this disc were created using a MIDI keyboard triggering soft synths loaded into my laptop. Primarily, I used software designed by the Berlin-based company Native Instruments."”

— John Sharpe, Scene Magazine

“What’s the meaning behind your name? Noise Level is a reference to the idea that music is simply organized noise: strumming, plucking, banging instruments that create musical sounds. It refers to the level of “noise” – however you wish to define it – that exists in music. As well, Noise Level music tends to feature electronic drones, or harmonic audio frames, but the idea of drones actually goes back to Gregorian chants and ancient music in general.”

— self, Vents Magazine

“It's easy to discern growth across several fronts, especially in the areas of sound quality and production and the beautiful complexity many tracks exhibit.. Recommended.”

— Rod Nicholson, Scene Magazine

“Using found sounds and sampled voices, (Ed) Matthews manages to engage the listener both mentally and emotionally, taking things to a much deeper and simultaneously higher level than most artists working in this musical genre... Recommended.”

— Rod Nicholson, Scene Magazine

“(Noise Level) continues to grow both conceptually and sonically on this latest effort.. The mood of these compositions range from slinky and ominously insinuating grooves to unabashed nods to the basic notion that it's all about the beat... Recommended.”

— Rod Nicholson , Scene Magazine

“Liquid Sky's promo material asks, "what is music but organized noise?," and it is the thin divide between the two that sampler/keyboardist Ed Matthews and synth player Rick Walton explore as the duo behind Noise Level. The Liquid Sky unfolds as a collection of scene-setting, mostly ambient miniatures. Gaseous synths, low hums, obscure B-movie clips and the occasional beat barrage puncture cathedral atmospherics and mostly fluid sequences. Keeping the pace of a film score though, The Liquid Sky is bolder than background music and it plays out as a study in contrasts between stillness and controlled frenzy, expanding the liminal space between them.”

— Romina Wendell, Exclaim Magazine

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Recent Blogs

EKM/Noise Level Win at the ...
Apr 16, 2013
EKM/Noise Level won the Electronics Category at the 2013 JRMA. http://www.lfpres... [more]

Rob Ross & Castledrum Records
Dec 23, 2012
Check out Rob Ross's online interview with Aubrey Jax at BlogTO. http://www.blog... [more]

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Songs

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Play "Sonic Mechanic"

Sonic Mechanic

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Play "Soaked in Dub"

Soaked in Dub

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Play "Predator"

Predator

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Play "You're Free"

You're Free

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Play "Drive"

Drive

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Videos

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Shows

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Sat
Apr 20

Grooves Records
London, ON, CA | 12:00pm
Grooves Records
London, ON, CA
Sat Apr 20 12:00pm
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Record Store Day Show. Come for the music! Stay for the delicious vinyl!
Fri
Jan 25

Old East Studios
London, ON, CA | 7:00pm
Old East Studios
London, ON, CA
Fri Jan 25 7:00pm
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A unique blend of creative electronics - a continuous live mix that melds the gritty dub sounds of Noise Level with the dark meditative landscapes of EKM and then merges with the improvised electro-acoustic textures of the Transmorphous Sound Ensemble. Doors open at 7:00pm – show starts at 8:00pm. $5.00 or pay what you can.
2012
Jun 22

APK Live
London, ON, CA | 9:00pm
APK Live
London, ON, CA
Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:00pm
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Here`s a brief bio on each artist: DJ Anthologic - General Engineer of Dark Chilled Dub Noise Level - Sonic Administrator of Subconscious Textures Dead City Beat - Late-Night Raider of Dub-Rock Frequencies
2012
May 19

Gigs Grillhouse
London, ON, CA | 8:00pm
Gigs Grillhouse
London, ON, CA
Sat May 19, 2012 8:00pm
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We are excited to be releasing our official music video for the song, "Wicked Desires" off of our "Obsessed by the Light" CD! The video is co-produced by Cordcalling and London, ON's own "Wreckless Crew Productions". It was also filmed and edited by "Wreckless Crew Productions". We will be presenting the video for the first time on a large screen as a part of our live set at this show. We will also be giving away a limited amount of free DVD copies for people to take home and enjoy!
2012
Apr 28

East Village Coffeehouse
London, ON, CA | 7:30pm
East Village Coffeehouse
London, ON, CA
Sat Apr 28, 2012 7:30pm
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A solo electronic show (two 45-minute sets) showcasing new tunes and visuals. Come for the tunes, stay for the absinthe.

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Sam Pearce Music
Very cool and unusual, great work! SPM
Kristina Mae Schaeffer
Thanks for your friendship! Wishing you all the best!
Isa Conar
Cool music here.
JC & Laney
Happy to be a new fan! Laney
Benny Grimm
Droppin by to show some love. Allaround Great music and vibe.#$alute
Susan Martin
High energy tracks! Love your sound.

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Questions

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Q: Nice album cover and music! How long you been doing music? Were Elect of God (E.O.G.). We just released two powerful (Holy Ghost) singles. Check us out on Reverbnation too!

A: Thank you for the kind words. Glad you like the album cover; it was shot by my wife, Tracey. I started Noise Level as a bedroom electronic music project for my own amusement back in 2004. A few years later, armed with Ableton Live (which is still my go-to recording and performing software), I left my previous band and struck out on my own. Since then, I haven't looked back. I've had reviews or interviews with online 'zines such as Vents and Exclaim, and a Jack Richardson Music Award for "Electronic Artist" in 2010. I've also had exclusive compilation material appear on national and international releases. Most recently, "Body" was selected by the London Free Press as a Top 10 Album of the Year.

Asked by Elect of God (E.O.G.). Answered on Wed Dec 19 2012

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