News - NEW ALBUM in the works as of April 2 2024.

The Strange World of A.J. Kaufmann · "Praise The Primitive Flower"

So, here are the 2024 sessions. I'm recording everything I can, as often as I can. Hopefully, the best fragments of these sessions will surface on a brand new A.J. Kaufmann album for The Swamp Records. I think it's gonna be released in December. The "Primitive Flower" jam above is like a punk rock take on raga. It's an "accident at work", meaning more tracks like this probably won't be made. I recorded my Gibson SG '61 through a chorus effect pedal, bass guitar with some 80s flair, and percussion. There are also some tape noises in the background. This is not a "new direction", a "spiritual journey", or "third eye awakening". It's just a fun jam session recorded to clear my mind in the morning.

What else have I been working on? Well, experimenting a lot to be honest. Trying out new synths, new VST, new instruments. New approaches to sound and noise and music.

In my work I have always tried out new ideas, but in the flood of new music widely available, some of it really new and out there, I figured out those new ideas aren't "futurist" or "ground-breaking". This is retrofuturism. A direction that, together with fluxus and krautrock has shaped my art.

Try out this new improvisation below for a taste of brand new, you're retro.

The Strange World of A.J. Kaufmann · "Mello - Mirage"

What's really amazing about music though, is its endless flow and presence. There is music everywhere. I find it in the most crazy places. Who cares about genre, if there's so much beautiful music to feel, find, and record? Even a simple piano/synth improv can carry beauty.

The Strange World of A.J. Kaufmann · "Raumklavier"

As of April 2024 I am not sure of what will be on the new album - which new tracks, how many of them, in which order. Also, not sure about the title and the cover art. But, it's the creative process that matters most. And I am right in the middle of it, figuring out new ways and paths to surprise and awaken the listener.

I hope you're looking forward to my new album.