M.U. PODCAST #158: MORGAN CUINET | HANDS IN THE DARK (JANUARY 2025)
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| Cover Art - collage made by Morgan Cuinet (Hands In The Dark) in January 2025 for Mundo Urbano. |
***Crafting Dreamscapes: Morgan Cuinet’s Journey Through Sound and Art
Today’s mix comes courtesy of Morgan Cuinet, co-founder of the independent record label Hands In The Dark. For over a decade, Morgan has been shaping an enigmatic sanctuary for experimental and psychedelic music. Founded in 2010 in Besançon, France, Hands In The Dark has become a beacon for boundary-pushing soundscapes, offering listeners profound journeys into the unknown. From its inception, the label has championed singular sonic visions, guiding audiences into realms of dreamlike introspection and heightened sensory awareness with artists like Melos Kalpa, Byron Westbrook, Tomaga, Brian Case, Matthias Puech, and Pointe du Lac...
Morgan reflects on the significance of these immersive musical experiences in an era defined by relentless speed and overstimulation: “I feel like everything moves much too fast nowadays. We’re nearing the limits of a system that’s become deeply harmful. Reveries—those fleeting, dreamlike thoughts - serve a vital purpose. They allow me to escape this grim reality and reconnect with something more profound,” as shared in an interview with Objects & Sounds.
Beyond his role at Hands In The Dark, Morgan is an accomplished collage artist whose visual work complements his sonic endeavours. With several published books showcasing his intricate creations, Morgan’s artistic practice is steeped in the same ethos of escapism and introspection.
In his latest project, Ekotopia, recently released on mi - so editions / Sonic Pieces., Morgan’s collages, serve as a striking exploration of the natural world. As Joseph Ghosn eloquently described, they present a “poetic yet very concrete look” at the flora that surrounds us. These artworks resonate with a haunting beauty, prompting us to ponder whether they reveal visions of the future or a dream state. They are powerful icons of our present, a reminder of nature's essential role in our lives and its enduring resilience.
Through a symphony of sound and image, Morgan Cuinet crafts ethereal realms where the ordinary fades, and imagination takes wing. His steadfast commitment to shaping singular atmospheres - whether through the sonic explorations of Hands In The Dark or his mesmerizing visual creations - beckons us to dwell in the in-between, to wander through the enchanting and enigmatic terrains of our inner selves. In an age overwhelmed by distractions, Morgan’s work becomes a compass, guiding us toward solace in creativity and uncovering profound meaning within our experiences.
About the mix: it was recorded live on New Year’s Day. Morgan Cuinet.
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