Strange Textures

James Hastings

This is my improvised guitar podcast. A sort of non-verbal personal journal. I improvise a new piece of abstract, textural, music every week for people to listen to or ignore while doing something else.

I'm James and I play guitar. Normally though you might not recognise it as guitar because I make textural, abstract, music and soundscapes. I improvise a lot, and I wanted to create a little place to share what is really a small gig with you. Each week I'll improvise and record a new piece including all the happy accidents* and publish it. You might find it useful as background for study, sleep, meditation and so on. Or you might actually like listening to this sort of thing.

You can influence my improvisation (like a comedy show, but not very funny) by talking to me on Twitter (@strangetextures) or Instagram (@strange.textures), or you can check out other things I do at strangetextures.com.

*all the mistakes

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Coming soon - a bit about the podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

Melting Over a Soft Blue Horizon

Melting Over a Soft Blue Horizon

A poignant reflection on the ephemeral nature of existence. Like a delicate brushstroke on a canvas, life's moments blend and dissolve, creating a serene and melancholic beauty. Against the backdrop of a tranquil blue horizon, emotions mingle and melt, intertwining joy and sorrow. It is within these ethereal landscapes that we navigate the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery, our spirits shimmering like reflections upon the soft waves of the soul's journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cosmic Resonance

Cosmic Resonance

Ethereal ripples that traverse the vastness of the universe. The celestial symphonies that carry whispers of distant stars, cosmic echoes of energy and matter. Space waves dance through the cosmic fabric, shaping the landscape of galaxies and influencing the destiny of celestial bodies. They hold the secrets of the cosmos, vibrating with the pulse of the universe itself. Some believe that they carry messages from civilizations beyond our own, while others see them as the celestial heartbeat, connecting all that exists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Little Meaningful Things

Little Meaningful Things

A forgotten key, a broken teacup, a fleeting glance—each becomes a portal to the marvellous. In the tapestry of existence, these seemingly insignificant fragments reveal profound secrets, challenging conventional notions of meaning and inviting us to explore the boundless depths of the imagination. A poetic gaze unveils the hidden treasures in the mundane, reminding us that within the smallest moments lie vast worlds waiting to be discovered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oh No! Monkey Twink Glitch

Oh No! Monkey Twink Glitch

Dive into the profound abyss where whimsy and wisdom entangle. As chaos dances and glitches twinkle, embrace the enigmatic journey. Surrender to the currents of the surreal, where realities blur and illusions shimmer. In this mystical realm, discover hidden truths and paradoxical revelations. Allow the whimsical tango of uncertainty to guide your steps. For within the dance of chaos and glitches lies the seed of transcendence, inviting you to glimpse the universe's enigmatic depths. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nun Gasp, Momentum Flask

Nun Gasp, Momentum Flask

A humble nun who, in her quiet devotion, stumbled upon a flask imbued with divine momentum. Word of this miraculous vessel spread, drawing seekers from far and wide. Some, driven by greed, sought to possess it for personal gain. Others, with pure hearts, yearned to harness its power for the greater good. The nun, wise in her simplicity, cautioned against the folly of possession, teaching that true momentum lies not in the object itself, but in the faith and righteousness that guide its use. And so, the flask became a symbol of spiritual awakening, reminding all that the truest power is found in surrendering to the divine flow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sweet Emerald Tomb Tonsils

Sweet Emerald Tomb Tonsils

A clandestine brotherhood guards the mystical artifact, an emerald of unearthly power. A web of treachery and seduction ensnares unsuspecting souls. Dark forces conspire to possess otherworldly energy, capable of granting unimaginable dominion. Amidst the tangled web of ambition and desire, a lone hero emerges, thrust into a perilous quest to protect the world from impending doom. A tale of peril and intrigue, where the clash between light and darkness hangs in delicate balance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Engulfed in Popping Spirals

Engulfed in Popping Spirals

Reality shatters into kaleidoscopic fragments, revealing the hidden corridors of perception. A cosmic prankster's delight, the mind tumbles through a carnival of paradox and uncertainty. Absurdity becomes the norm, as laughter echoes through the multiverse. Boundaries dissolve, unveiling the interplay of synchronicity and chaos. In this swirling maelstrom of possibilities, we dance upon the precipice of truth, where the absurd and profound converge. Embrace the popping spirals, dear voyagers, and ride the wave of infinite wonder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watching Pink Jam

Watching Pink Jam

Deep within the hidden chambers of power, intelligence agencies scramble to decipher the enigmatic code. A rogue agent, haunted by a troubled past, embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the truth concealed within the cryptic phrase. Amidst the web of deceit, treachery, and political intrigue, alliances are tested, loyalties shattered, and the fate of nations hangs in the balance. A vivid portrait of a world where every move could be the difference between salvation and catastrophe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Answer Me Musicbox

The Answer Me Musicbox

A mystical artifact infused with cosmic wisdom. Originating from an ancient and advanced civilization, this otherworldly instrument channels the rhythmic beats of the cosmos, merging past, present, and future. With its resonant melodies, it summons ancestral spirits and propels seekers on a transcendent journey of self-discovery. As the music box unlocks the secrets of the universe, it becomes a conduit for liberation, a testament to the power of rhythm, and a catalyst for the vision of a harmonious tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Moon in Spades

The Moon in Spades

Amidst the elegant ballrooms and opulent estates, the celestial allure of the moon intertwined with the intricate dance of courtship. Casting its enchanting glow upon the hearts and fortunes of gentlewomen and gallant gentlemen. Secrets were whispered beneath its luminous gaze, passions ignited, and fates entwined. From the splendour of moonlit walks to clandestine meetings, its influence wove a tapestry of love, longing, and unforeseen consequences in our delicate lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pool Parrots in a Tyrannical Terrain

Pool Parrots in a Tyrannical Terrain

Eerie heralds of oppression. Their resplendent plumage conceals a sinister secret, their squawks echoing with encoded messages of resistance. Amidst the decaying metropolis, these avian sentinels survey with piercing eyes, perched upon rusted balconies and cracked power lines. As the ruling regime tightens its grip, the pool parrots become beacons of hope, their defiance an audacious challenge to the machinations of control. The struggle for freedom takes wing in this bleak, avian theatre of defiance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crystal Bicycles of Ownership

Crystal Bicycles of Ownership

In the kaleidoscopic vortex of shifting perspectives, the crystal bicycles of ownership emerge as enigmatic catalysts of liberation and bondage. They traverse the sprawling landscapes of consciousness, their iridescent frames reflecting the multifaceted nature of human desires. Riding upon these spectral steeds, we navigate the labyrinthine corridors of power and autonomy. Yet, amidst the shimmering allure, we are confronted with the paradox: Do we possess the bicycles, or do they possess us? Reality trembles in the dance of ownership's mystic prism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensory Gateways

Sensory Gateways

Feathers imbued with a mysterious darkness, creating a unique tactile sensation. As you run your fingers across these feathers, a softness akin to velvet embraces your touch, while an elusive darkness shrouds them, hinting at hidden depths and secrets. Each feather, with its velvety texture, exudes a sense of luxurious comfort, inviting you to explore its captivating allure. The juxtaposition of darkness and texture evokes a blend of fascination and intrigue. The feathers become symbolic conduits between light and shadow, conveying a sense of depth and complexity within their delicate embrace. They hold stories untold, their obsidian beauty captivating the imagination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peanut Butter Tightropes

Peanut Butter Tightropes

Imagine a circus act where tightropes are crafted from sticky strands of peanut butter, stretching across a mysterious abyss. The air is thick with a sense of unease as performers delicately balance on these unusual lines, teetering between light-hearted amusement and the weight of ominous premonitions. The dark forebodings cast an enigmatic shadow, lending an aura of mystery and tension, traversing not only physical tightropes but also navigating the complexities of their own fears and apprehensions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Minority Red Material

Minority Red Material

Playful ladybugs donning tiny top hats scamper through fields of strawberry-tinted daisies, their polka-dotted wings fluttering with joy. Cherry blossom trees rain delicate petals, painting the ground in a vibrant crimson carpet. Delightful miniature dragons, their scales gleaming ruby, breathe gentle puffs of warmth, igniting sparks of childlike wonder. Raspberry-coloured bubbles drift lazily in the air, carrying whispered secrets and sweet melodies. It is a realm where the smallest of things, tinged with a touch of red, hold immeasurable charm, inviting us to embrace the magic in the minutiae. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something Outside Heaven

Something Outside Heaven

There lies a realm bathed in ethereal hues, where shimmering beings with iridescent wings dance amidst floating islands of luminescent clouds. Time, a mere illusion, loses its grip in this otherworldly domain, as cosmic melodies weave through the air, harmonizing with the pulse of distant stars. Exotic creatures, part flora and part constellations, roam freely, emanating enchanting scents and melodies unknown to earthly senses. Here, dreams take tangible form, and imagination reigns supreme. It is a place where souls can transcend the confines of heaven, exploring the infinite wonders that lie just beyond its gates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Woven from moonbeams and whispers of ancient stars, it stretched far into the cosmic expanse. As I slipped my hand inside, the glove transformed into a portal to unseen dimensions. I ventured through celestial tapestries, brushing against the fabric of time itself. Nebulas caressed my fingertips, while galaxies swirled around my wrist. Planets whispered secrets into my palm, revealing the mysteries of distant realms. With each step, I danced through stardust and traversed the cosmic ballet. And as the glove extended, embracing infinity, I became a wanderer between worlds, forever seeking the enchantment beyond the reach of mortal hands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coining The Major

Coining The Major

A peculiar ritual commenced. Wizards and alchemists gathered in a hidden enclave, clutching golden anvils and chanting incantations. A mystical forge ignited, fuelled by ancient manuscripts and cosmic dust. From the molten core, curious creatures emerged, half-metal and half-fantasy. Gargoyles with wings of silver, unicorns with hooves of gold, and centaurs adorned with shimmering gemstones. The air crackled with enchantment as the coins were minted, infused with the essence of celestial constellations. Each coin held a unique power, capable of unlocking hidden realms or granting wishes. And so, the world became a treasury of possibilities, all sparked by the alchemical art. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Might Be In My Heart

Might Be In My Heart

A clandestine carnival took residence. Tiny acrobats swung from artery to artery, their laughter echoing through the chambers. Synchronized fireworks erupted with each beat, painting the veins with kaleidoscopic colours. Whirling carousels of emotions spun wild, releasing confetti of love and longing. Cotton candy clouds of hope floated above, raining sweet aspirations upon the soul. The tightrope of dreams stretched across ventricles, every heartbeat became a thrilling ride, and the music of passion played on, enticing me to embrace the magic within. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The moon donned a top hat and tap-danced across the sky, casting a polka-dot glow upon the dreamy city streets. Shadows morphed into mischievous creatures, playing hide-and-seek with the lampposts, while fireflies conducted symphonies of flickering lights. The stars, feeling adventurous, traded places with the streetlights, causing celestial confusion. Sidewalks whispered ancient tales of forgotten dreams, and the breeze carried whispers of secret love letters penned by invisible hands. Time stretched and yawned, as if reluctant to let the night slip away. It was a night when possibility danced hand-in-hand with impossibility, painting the world in whimsical hues Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.