Augustwolf is the professional name of multi-instrumentalist composers/producers Douglas Wolf Reid and Oleh Andrievsky. By day, the US-based Doug runs a multimedia company of the same name, creating audio and video productions for clients around the world. In his free time, he creates epic instrumental music.
About a year ago, Reid set out to create a new collaborative musical project. He sought out collaborators online, and found Ukrainian musician Oleh Andrievsky. The two quickly realized that they were both musically and personally compatible. A very long-distance collaboration and friendship was born. The two began writing and recording music together.
Soon after the duo began their project, Vladimir Putin launched his illegal invasion of Ukraine. Frequent power outages, foot shortages and the many other horrible hazards of war soon became Oleh’s reality. However, the Augustwolf project persisted and the two ultimately completed their album.
“Visual Music” is the debut album from Augustwolf, released worldwide via all major streaming services on January 17, 2023. The 11-song collection of cinematic instrumentals is a showcase for the remarkable musicianship of the two men behind the board. It is also a testament to the power of art to persevere over even the most horrific odds.
The album opener “Pursuit” sets the pace with a powerful, percussive groove and an orchestral mix of strings, synths and shredding electric guitar. “The Sorcerer’s Audition” follows, starting as an emotional ballad before the mix opens up to an atmospheric theatrical soundscape. “Jimmy Jam” brings us back to the ground with a great blues groove.
Throughout the album Doug and Oleh are accompanied by an international cast of characters. Bassists, horn players and violinists from Argentina to Serbia join the ensemble. From the theatrical “Cirque Show” to the emotional closer “Ukraine Peace and War”, they augment Doug’s genre-bending arrangments while Oleh smokes on the guitar.
The record moves through many moods. Tracks like “On Douglas Pond” and “La La Chillax” blend elements of classical, easy listening and folk. We head back to the movie theater for the dramatic power ballad “Soften the Hammer” and the chase-scene score of “Blockbuster”. It is a beautiful and powerful set created by two friends separated by geography and war, but joined by a love of music.
Check out the “Pursuit” video below. You can also hear the song “La La Chillax” on the Deep Indie Chill playlist, and “Urban Dossier 8f” on the Deep Indie Jazz. Listen to the entire album on your favorite streaming service. Follow the links below to connect with Augustwolf.
