Image courtesy of Activision

Since 2001, Vancouver’s Scott Morgan has released four outstanding full lengths of ambient music under the alias of Loscil. His latest release is Strathcona Variations, a digital EP for Ghostly International. In early 2010, Kranky will release a new LP from Loscil titled Endless Falls. Morgan also works as a sound director in the video game industry. He was a vital member of the sound team for Prototype, a game that was released this summer by Activision and sold more copies than any other game in North America during the month of June. Morgan was so nice to sit down and answer some questions regarding the new EP, the upcoming full length, his work with Destroyer’s Dan Bejar and more.

Hugh Miller: Tell me more about the background of the three tracks that compose Strathcona Variations.

Scott Morgan: At work, I have a view from my office of the neighborhood of Strathcona (in Vancouver). It is pretty much the view on the cover of the EP (though I took that photo from the roof of our building). It’s a pretty inspiring view of the buildings and the mountains in the background, but its also led me to think about Strathcona now and then. In essence, the EP is a series of “snapshots” of Strathcona; very photo-inspired in a way.  The main track, “Strathcona,” is a general “musical impression” of this place – a kind of soundtrack to it. The Union of “Union Dusk” is a street name as is the Princess in “Midnight on Princess.”

Both of these “variations” are about seeing the same place from a different perspective which is exactly what the music is about. “Union Dusk” and “Midnight on Princess” are both variations of the main themes in Strathcona. One with a slightly “lighter” impression and the other with a considerably darker one – which is exactly how I see Strathcona – a place with light and dark sides.

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I didn’t see this one coming. According to Billboard, Jawbox will perform on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on December 8th to promote the Dischord/DeSoto reissue of 1994’s For Your Own Special Sweetheart (in stores November 23rd). No reunion shows have been announced, but I’ll cross my fingers for a surprise show at the 9:30 Club.

Yesterday kicked off a big month for new releases. Built To Spill released their 7th album, There Is No Enemy, but the week is arguably highlighted by The Life Of The World To Come by The Mountain Goats, who made their television debut last night on The Colbert Report. Other releases included Sunset/Sunrise, the sophomore effort from The Dutchess And The Duke. John Vanderslice dropped a vinyl single on Dead Oceans for “Too Much Time” that includes an unreleased song titled “Moon Rocks.” It is available digitally as well. Speaking of digital releases, Ghostly International released Strathcona Variations, a new EP from Loscil.

The Mezzotint Label relaunched their web site to celebrate the recent release of Ciao My Shining Star, the new Mark Mulcahy tribute/benefit album that features Thom Yorke, The National, Michael Stipe, and many others. Please purchase this album so that Mulcahy can continue making music!

Retribution Gospel Choir, the alter ego of Low’s Alan Sparhawk, have signed with Sub Pop and will release their new album 2 on January 26th. RGC’s first album was released by Caldo Verde in 2008.

Jawbox photo by Katherine Davis.

Loscil – Strathcona Variations (10/6/09)

If I sat down and crafted a list of the decade’s most underrated electronic artists, Loscil would be at the top. Scott Morgan, the Vancouver resident who is behind this quintessential headphone music, has been marginally quiet (aside from several compilation appearances and remixes) since the Kranky release of 2006’s Plume. Fortunately, his output is about to pick up again. On October 6th, Ghostly International will release Strathcona Variations, a digital EP featuring three new songs. Even better, the discography section of the official Loscil page reveals that Kranky will release a new full length by Morgan in 2010 titled Endless Falls. I should also note that Morgan has been playing drums for Destroyer on occasion. He performed with Dan Bejar’s acclaimed group over the weekend in New York as part of the Wordless Music Series. This isn’t the first time Morgan has collaborated with Destroyer. He had previously contributed a remix to the vinyl edition of 2006’s Destoyer’s Rubies.