Beck West

Going out for a slice is such a glorious treat. A pizza parlor with dark paneling on the walls, dim lights and the smell of cheese and sauce and dough wafting through the room is so comforting.

Then there's that human touch that plays out right in front of you when you're standing at the counter. The extra splash of sauce. Grated cheese randomly falling from the pizza maker's hand. Topping spread all around with that little bit extra for a favorite customer.

The process of grabbing a slice is an improvised dance. That sudden craving for pizza. The friendly greeting from the first person who sees you walk in. An interlude of anticipation, then one chewy asymmetrical bite after another. Moments of reflection punctuated by the random sound of someone refilling their paper cup at the soda fountain.

There's no scripts, no timers, no plan. Just a moment playing itself out in a way that can seem to make the passage of time slow down.

This ambient soundscape is a lot like that. Layers of improvised sounds rising and falling as I gently push and pull on my mixer's faders. Everything binding together as it bakes in a metaphorical oven.

I'm calling this piece Pizza by Wire No. 1. When I go out for a slice, I'll be gathering the sounds, feelings and energy of the outing. Then I'll bring my ingredients into the studio and whip up some more sonic comfort food for you.

Cool soundscapes served hot.

Enjoy!