| | | Deserted Island Music newsApril 2026 |
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This April newsletter is slightly earlier than usually, so we can once highlight the upcoming album release parties. Â
April will be a filled month with these two releases, and also a trip to Nantes. Â
Until March 31st you can still take advantage of the 15% discount on all yet released Deserted Island Music releases and more, as part of the 15th anniversary celebration of Deserted Island Music. Â
And a service notice: Our website will be down for maintanance on Thursday April 9th, between approximately 10 and 12 a.m.
Musical greetings,
Remy Stroomer Â
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15 Years Deserted Island Music | | Â This month celebrates the 15th anniversary of Deserted Island Music, which was established on March 1st, 2011. Â
Until March 31st, you can get 15% discount on all yet released Deserted Island Music releases (until 2025's DIM-023), all REMY albums before the Deserted Island Music era and other AKH Records releases from our catalog. The discount also applies on the complete Deserted Island Music and REMY bundles. Â
Use coupon code DIM15years at checkout in our webshop. Â
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Upcoming releases | Only a couple of days to go before following new albums will be released. And both the releases will have an additional release party!  ‍ | | Â
Edith Alonso - Momento 0.0 We are proud to present a new artist under the wings of Deserted Island Music: Edith Alonso is a composer from Madrid. She began composing electroacoustic music when she discovered the concrète music and met composers such as François Bayle and Pierre Henry in Paris. She explores sounds in many processes always in an innovative way and changing of set frequently (electric prepared bass, analog & digital synths, laptop, circuitbending). Interested in sound physical transformation and how they change our perception of reality. Every sound holds within it a world to be discovered.
“Momento 0.0” is inspired by the ephemeral moment in which life occurs and its transitory nature.
Besides, this work emphasizes the relationship between the inorganic and the
organic nature of the origin of the matter.
“Moment 0.0” invites us to travel to a new universe through its origin,
discovery, chaos, union, destruction and its hopeful ending.
Furthermore, “Momento 0.0” explores how nature and bodies are interwoven,
crossed by connections and at the same time, bursting into pieces.
Deep and hurtful sounds interact, showing us the confrontation between life and death.
"Momento 0.0" is going to be released on CD and as digital download on April 3rd.
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REMY & Däcker - Yvelines The second collaboration of REMY & Däcker sees the light on April 10th. Â
"Yvelines" by REMY & Däcker might be a rather different experience than the "Live at BYSS" debut album, as Peter and myself used a grand piano instead of electronics as main instrument. No worries for all electronic nerds out there: there are also involved some synths.
This project took us 1,5 years to accomplish. Although the mixing process, as well as the mastering by Michel Geiss, had already been finished 9 months ago, I also worked on a video (containing parts of the session and location recordings) together with David Smelik for the last couple of months. As icing on the cake, Audiochef's Misja van Waterschoot made an additional 5.1 audio mix for the video.
There is a lot more to tell about the project by Peter Dekker and me, but that will be for next posts. Â
REMY & Däcker - "Yvelines" will be released on CD and as digital download, as well as limited edition CD+Bluray. Â
| | Album presentation concert
There will be a concert by Peter and me to present the new album.
The location will be De Vioolkist in Hilversum, on Friday, April 10th, starting on 20:00. Please share this event and spread the word as much as possible, as it's already on very short term. Guest appearance by David Smelik on guitar. Â
Get your tickets from Â
Facebook event Â
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Reviews | | Â
Stephan Schelle wrote reviews from Synquentium's "Immersion in Total Emptiness" and Däcker & Skoulaman's "Saudade" for his MusikZirkus-Magazin website. As the original reviews are in the German language, I (in fact Google Translate) have translated them to English. Below you can find the links to the original German reviews. Â
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Synquentium - Immersion in Total Emptiness Â
Behind the pseudonym Synquentium hides the Dutch electronic musician Peter Dekker, also known as Däcker in the electronic music scene. His album "Immersion In Total Emptiness," based on a 2014 improvisation, was released in 2024. The constellation on the cover makes it clear that the music is quite spacey. The album consists of the nearly 80-minute title track.
The CD version (the album is also available as a download via Bandcamp) comes in a four-page paper sleeve.
I listened to the album without any prior information or reading the liner notes inside the CD case and was immediately transported on an 80-minute space trip, with the vastness of the cosmos gliding past in my mind's eye. The very tranquil music has a calming effect, and one's own body seems to experience a feeling of weightlessness. Although Peter Dekker didn't record any melodies, the harmonies are instantly catchy and draw you into this gentle atmosphere. Only after a good 80 minutes, once the last note has faded away, do you awaken, satisfied and refreshed, from this wonderful sonic immersion.
Afterwards, I read the liner notes, which perfectly reflect the mood and intention behind this album, as well as my own listening experience. Therefore, I have included them below:
The creation of the music on this album has been a very personal and emotional experience for me over the past ten years. The original version of this music was created on April 18, 2014. My girlfriend at the time was lying on the sofa near my instruments and asked if I could play some music for her. So I selected a random sound on my Roland XP-60 and began to improvise. The sound was so wonderful that I continued playing for a while and slowly slipped into a trance-like state of consciousness. When I finished playing, she slowly opened her eyes and said that the music had taken her on a galactic journey and that she felt as if she had traveled among the stars. We both became very emotional when I told her that this was exactly my experience. So we agreed that this piece of music should be our special song. Then came the realization that I had played for almost an hour, even though it had only felt like 20 minutes.
About a month later, on May 21, 2014, I felt I had to record this piece of music as proof of that special moment a month earlier. So I set up the Roland XP-60 again, selected the same sound, pressed "Record," and started improvising again. The result after 80 minutes is what you hear on this album. No editing or overdubs, but with the same emotion as the original piece.
She loved the recording and listened to it often. Unfortunately, we broke up a year later. Every time I listen to this music, I relive that same galactic journey, and I relive that special moment as if we were still together.
"Immersion In Total Emptiness" by Synquentium aka Peter Dekker is a beautiful, ethereal, and relaxing album that takes listeners on a journey through the vastness of space. Â
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Read the original review on the MusikZirkus-Magazin website: http://www.musikzirkus-magazin.de/dateien/Pages/CD_Kritiken/elektronik/synquentium_immersion_in_total_emptiness.htm
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Däcker & Skoulaman - Saudade Â
Dutch electronic musicians Peter Dekker (aka Däcker) and Hans van Kroonenburg (aka Skoulaman) released a collaborative album in 2025. Titled "Saudade," it was nominated for "Best International Album" at the Schallwelle Awards ceremony on February 21, 2026, placing it among the top five albums of 2025.
The CD version was released in a four-page paper sleeve. The inside of the sleeve recounts the album's creation:
Däcker asked if someone could pick up his CS-60 after it was repaired. Skoulaman volunteered, and when the CS-60 was returned to Däcker's studio, he tried it out and was immediately blown away. What an incredible sound!
Däcker and Skoulaman had jammed together before and discovered they shared a similar approach to creating electronic music, and both loved the music of Vangelis.
This is how the idea of ​​making music together with the CS-60 came about. This culminated in three days of recording sessions, and what you hear on this album is a selection of the best parts of those sessions.
It begins with the 24-minute "Commuovere." Here, the duo starts with bright synthesizer sounds, which are then slightly distorted. After a few moments, wonderful synthesizer pads emerge, harmoniously filling the space. These are followed by some delicate harmonies, embellished with sonic flourishes and reminiscent of Vangelis. This doesn't last long, however, and expansive textures complement this wonderful atmosphere. After about seven minutes, a sequencer rhythm is added, and a rhythmic track slowly develops, interwoven with harmonies. As it progresses, the dynamics increase, and a melodic line is added. This also has something of the "Berlin School" about it. A very beautiful piece.
"Yuanfen" then clocks in at a good 21 minutes. A rhythmic, ambient soundscape initially fills the room. After about two minutes, the music shifts back towards the "Berlin School" style, but with its own distinct character. The rhythm meanders along, accompanied by catchy harmonies. The harmonies, rhythms, and sounds meander, creating an atmosphere that is impossible to escape.
"Saudade," at just under eight minutes, is the shortest track on the album. Synthesizers begin by shimmering over ambient, rustling sounds, creating a beautiful, calming atmosphere. A delicate melody slowly emerges, evoking a pleasant, idyllic landscape with a river bathed in sunshine.
The 15-minute track "Hiraeth" opens with shimmering synths before launching into a rhythmic melody. This solidifies after a little over a minute. Here, too, the duo creates a wonderful, hypnotic atmosphere. The dynamics pick up in the middle section.
The album concludes with the nearly eleven-minute track "Ya'aburnee." In this piece, the sequencer is immediately engaged, pulsing from the very beginning. The duo then incorporates synthesizer choirs. It's a highly rhythmic track, which becomes somewhat calmer in its second part. Here, sounds reminiscent of Vangelis' "Blade Runner" predominate.
It's astonishing what kind of music can emerge from a session that essentially resulted from repairing a CS-60. Däcker and Skoulaman have effortlessly created five tracks that possess a high degree of tension and partly draw on the "Berlin School" sound and even the sound of Vangelis. A fantastic album that begs for further collaboration. Â
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Read the original review on the MusikZirkus-Magazin website:Â
http://www.musikzirkus-magazin.de/dateien/Pages/CD_Kritiken/elektronik/synquentium_immersion_in_total_emptiness.htm
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White Chapel Project | | Â
“The White Chapel Project” was an initiative by Simonshaven resident Dirk Nusink, Remy Stroomer and Wladimir Duijndam, and took place in 'Het Witte Kerkje' in Simonshaven on March 17th, 2023. Â
This group performed atmospheric synthesizer music, entirely fitting the atmosphere of the church. Â
Dirk (Tranzit-NL) composes electronic music on keyboards and e-percussion. Keyboardist Remy has been active in the Dutch electronic music scene under his own name for nearly a quarter of a century and runs the Deserted Island Music record label. Wladimir releases his own synthesizer creations under the name Basic Principles. With vocal appearance by Rachel Schniermanni. Â
Three years after the event, you can now watch the complete concert video here: https://youtu.be/zCQa5f_kwa4?si=pchAs5eNx9b7e8JgÂ
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Synthfest Nantes | | Â
SynthFest France 2026 takes place on 17, 18 and 19 April 2026 at Centre de Congrès de la Fleuriaye, Carquefou.
I will visit the festival for the first time, together with Peter Dekker.
Deserted Island Music will not have a stall, but if you want me to bring some specific titles, be sure to send an e-mail or message in advance.
At least I will have the new Edith Alonso and REMY & Däcker releases with me.
SynthFest France is the leading French gathering dedicated to synthesizers and electronic musical instrument manufacturers. Neither a trade show nor a purely musical festival, SynthFest is the meeting place for synthesizer manufacturers and electronic musical instrument enthusiasts. SynthFest is held annually in the Nantes region.
With environmental concerns in mind, SynthFest takes place outside the city center at the Fleuriaye Convention Center in Carquefou, which is certified as High Environmental Quality (HQE).
Exhibitions, Conferences / Talks, Visitors, MasterClass, New products, Modular systems, Concerts, Immersive events, Pedagogy, Demonstrations, Rarities, Collectors.
An unique event in France. All the key players in the world of electronic lutherie in one place.
The encounters between these worlds regularly lead to the creation of new instruments or new musical projects.
Visit https://www.synthfestfrance.com/ for info and tickets. Â
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Naar de Knoppen! | | Â
Save the date! On May 17, 2026, there will be hosted a free spring electronic music festival at a beautiful and nostalgic location: Fort Maarssenveen. With great music, tasty snacks, delicious drinks, and lots of fun!
Here's the full lineup for the third edition of Naar de Knoppen! Tectonia Utrax Rejax Jungle of Wires Basic Principles The Soulmade System [Moosdohmen] X Pressanykey Â
Naar de Knoppen!
May 17, from 12:00 to 19:00.
Fort Maarssenveen
Herenweg 3, Maarssen
FREE ADMISSION Â
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Rhea farewell concert | |
Although not directly connected with Deserted Island Music, I would like to mention the farewell concert of Belgian musician and friend Mark de Wit, aka Rhea.
Last year I organized the concert evening at the Brussels Planetarium together with Mark (and also Peter), and you can also get his latest album from our webshop, soI think it's definitely worth to mention this final gig! Â
"Le Synthonisateur" On the unique location of the Cellarium of the Sint-Pietersabdij, Sint-Pietersplein, Ghent, on Friday, May 8th, 2026.
Doors open: 19:30
Dark Ambient by Gert de Meester (B)
20:00 Rhea (B) with guest Alain Kinet
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Tickets Pre-sales: €17
At door: €20
Reserve your tickets via e-mail
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Upcoming events | | Â
3-4-2026
Edith Alonso - "Momento 0.0" album release Â
4-4-2026
Label Radio Live @ La Cantina, Eindhoven Â
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11-4-2026
E-Day Festival @ De Stoelendans, Oirschot
Line-up: Lisa Bella Donna, MoonSatellite, Perge, BySenSeS.Â
8-5-2026
Rhea farewell concert @ Ghent (Belgium)
Line-up: Gert de Meester, Rhea, with guest Alain Kinet. Reserve your tickets via e-mail Â
10-10-2026
E-Day Festival @ De Stoelendans, Oirschot
Line-up: t.b.a.
Deserted Island Music is present with a stall.
https://www.e-live.nl/Â
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Availibility on digital platforms | | Â
All Deserted Island Music and REMY album releases are also available on Spotify, iTunes, and many other platforms.
Please keep in mind purchasing cd's and downloads of albums from our website and Bandcamp is the best way to support the artists. Â
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Free album sampler | Â
Deserted Island Music 2011 >>> 2024 >>> Free Digital Download | DIM-D020 | Release date: July 1st, 2024 Â
| | Â The latest Deserted Island Music label sampler is available from our webshop and Bandcamp.
Previous "Past - Present - Future" compilation isn't actual anymore, as this was released in 2021, for the tenth anniversary of Deserted Island Music.
For the largest part, the new sampler contains similar tracks from older releases, but some have been replaced, as well as the compilation has been complemented with brand new tracks from upcoming exciting new album releases.
So, here it is, resumed:
To highlight our label, and to get you acquainted with the music we have to offer, there is a compilation download album available from our webshop:
Deserted Island Music 2011 >>> 2024 >>>
And… it is completely free!
Almost two and a half hours of some complete outtakes from our label’s releases, to give you the best listening experience possible.
Supplemented with some yet unreleased tracks for scheduled album releases.
Featuring electronic music by REMY, Mäläskä, Space Art, Planet of the Arps, Däcker, Feralia Planitia, Basic Principles, Synquentium and Martijn Comes. Â
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| Däcker & Skoulaman - Saudade (DIM-023)
CD | digital download
A brand new collaboration between two established musicians of improvised electronic music.
This dynamic journey combines the melancholic story-telling and constructive progressions by Däcker (Peter Dekker) and driving sequencing and layering by Skoulaman (Hans van Kroonenburg).
https://www.desertedislandmusic.nl/product/dacker-skoulaman-saudade/
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| Däcker - Anthropomorphic Personification (DIM-017)
CD | digital download
Peter Dekker’s highly anticipated second album “Anthropomorphic Personification” is about concepts translated into a human(shaped) persona, with human properties. It is a musical leap forward, again filled with analog synthesizer delight and compositions that draw you into the world of Däcker.
https://www.desertedislandmusic.nl/product/dacker-anthropomorphic-personification/
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| REMY - The Other Side: Lost in Reality (DIM-016)
CD | digital download
“The Other Side: Lost in Reality” contains the registration of the concert at the Grote of St. Bavokerk in Haarlem on September 17th, 2022. This one-off collaboration with a ten-piece choir was specially composed for this occasion and is based on the 2020 track “Lost in Reality”, featured on REMY's album "The Other Side".
https://www.desertedislandmusic.nl/product/remy-the-other-side-lost-in-reality/
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| Space Art - Personal Duty (DIM-015)
CD | LP | digital download
With “Personal Duty”, legendary French electro pioneer Dominique Perrier continues his Space Art project together with Tommy Rizzitelli. They deliver a sparkling collection of inspiring tracks. Musically it’s likely one of the band’s most varied albums to date.
https://www.desertedislandmusic.nl/product/space-art-personal-duty/
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| Basic Principles - Colours (DIM-014)
2-CD | digital download
Although being active in music and as painter for many years, Wladimir Duijndam's electronic music is going to be available in physical form for the first time. The album consists of an intense double disc listening experience. While the first disc contains minimal, atmospheric and ambient-like pieces, the second carrier will definitely blow away the Berlin School enthusiasts and analog sequencer fetishists.
https://www.desertedislandmusic.nl/product/basic-principles-colours/
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| Feralia Planitia - Feralia Planitia (DIM-013)
CD EP | digital download
The five entrancing tracks on the eponymous debut EP by Feralia Planitia evoke reminiscences with the music of Doris Norton, Andrea Parker, Leftfield, Cabaret Voltaire and Kraftwerk. The cover artwork by Patrick Fitou refers to cinematic and sci-fi works by directors like Stanley Kubrick, Andrei Tarkovsky and David Cronenberg.
https://www.desertedislandmusic.nl/product/feralia-planitia-feralia-planitia/
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That's it for now!
Feel free to send your feedback regarding this mailing, our website, releases, or whatever you would like to share with us, and spread the word about the Deserted Island Music album sampler.
Stay safe and healthy!
Musical greetings,
Remy Stroomer
Deserted Island Music Â
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© Deserted Island Music ● Kennemerlaan 83 rood ● 1972 EJ IJmuiden
www.desertedislandmusic.nl
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