Ambient in Real-Time: An Interview with Piscean Daydreams
Improvisation, mindfulness, and hardware-driven expression in modern ambient music
In just over a year, Piscean Daydreams has emerged as a distinct voice in the ambient music scene. Rooted in improvisation, shaped by mindfulness, and driven by a deep passion for visual storytelling, the artist has already released seven projects, with more on the horizon — including a vinyl release in 2026. In this wide-ranging conversation, Piscean Daydreams opens up about his creative rituals, the influence of meditation, his unique live-recording process, and the joys and challenges of navigating the modern ambient landscape. A must-read for ambient lovers, collaborators, and curious listeners alike.
Hello! How are you today, and what have you been up to lately?
Hello! I am doing great and basking in the glow of my latest release on Daydreamers titled Zenscapes. This is a collaborative EP with observable universe (Sunil Sharma) that came out on Friday, June 6th and was the seventh release of the year for me. This EP capped an extremely busy month of releases throughout May and early June. I am now looking forward to catching my breath and focusing on the creation of new music.
Can you briefly share when you started producing music, your first piece of equipment or software, and reflect on your debut release?
I have been playing music on and off throughout my life and started a new ambient project back in the Summer of 2022 that was spurred on by my purchase of an OP-1 Field synthesizer. I found instant inspiration with this device and ended up writing a ton of material that culminated in the release of my first full-length album on Ambient Cat Records titled ReGenesis.
I knew I had something special when I put ReGenesis together, but never expected to sign with a label as quickly as I did. Ambient Cat was the second label I reached out to, and to my complete surprise, they offered to release it. I really do consider myself lucky and fortunate with the way things have worked out.
Did you have a mentor or take any lessons, either offline or online, to enhance your skills?
Yes, I’ve had many great teachers throughout my musical life. These include Father Ed Dunn (piano), Pat McHenry (acoustic guitar), and Steve Gibson (bass and band mentorship). Another pivotal experience was participating in a music program called Bandworks, which helped me grow tremendously as a musician through collaborative band experiences.
How did you first learn about the Daydreamers label, and could you mention some of your favorite releases on the label?
I was introduced to Daydreamers by Sunil Sharma while we were shopping Zenscapes for release. I wasn’t fully aware that Sound Avenue had a sub-label devoted to ambient music, and I was excited that they took us on.
Some of my favorite Daydreamers releases include Boreal’s singles: Tundra, Nordic Lights, and Floating in Between.
When making a track, how do you typically approach the process? Do you spend more time on sound design, arrangement, or mixing? What is your main DAW, and can you name a few of your go-to VSTs, plugins, or tools you use when producing music?
My process is deeply rooted in improvisation and real-time performance using a hardware setup that allows me to compose, mix, and record simultaneously. I mainly use the OP-1 Field, Organelle M, two Norns Shields, a 128-node grid, and the Microcosm effects pedal — all routed through the TX-6 mixer from Teenage Engineering.
I avoided DAWs until recently, when I used Adobe Audition for my Unidentified Ambient Phenomena, Vol. 1 EP. I now use it for post-production and hope to start learning LogicPro soon.
You describe your music as sometimes melodic, sometimes dissonant, always ambient. How do you decide what kind of emotional tone or texture a new piece should explore?
I don’t pre-plan. I open myself to the moment and let the composition unfold through improvisation. Getting out of my own way tends to result in my best work.
Mindfulness and silence are central to your creative process. Could you walk us through how meditation or stillness plays a role in your music-making routine?
Meditation has played a huge role in my life. I studied philosophy and religion, lived in a Tibetan Buddhist community, and now practice Kriya meditation regularly. This background helps me approach music with “beginner’s mind,” letting go of expectations and allowing creative flow. It’s often a magical, alchemical experience.
Improvisation seems to be a big part of how you compose. Do you usually record your tracks in one take, or do you blend improvisation with structured editing later on?
A bit of both. My compositions are built on improvised one-take recordings, with minimal editing. Lately, I’ve been using DAWs to augment pieces with field recordings and effects to create deeper textures.
Many artists have a signature sound or style. How do you balance staying true to your artistic identity while also experimenting and evolving as an artist?
For me, experimentation is my artistic identity. I’ve grown tremendously through collaborations with artists like Michael D. Tidwell, Christian Alsemgeest, Sunil Sharma, and Lewis Broad-Ashman. Each one shaped my sound in new and unexpected ways.
As someone who’s also active in photography and visual art, how do these disciplines influence your sonic choices or album artwork?
They are deeply intertwined. I’ve designed 6 out of my 7 album covers using either my own photography or generative AI tools. I also use Google Labs Imagen 3, Kling AI, and Adobe Rush to create animated visuals and social media content. My visual and musical evolution have unfolded in tandem.
Your music invites deep listening and emotional introspection. How do you hope listeners experience your work, especially in a world full of distractions?
However they need to. Everyone will interpret music differently based on who they are and what they’re going through. I just hope my music creates resonance with listeners and meets them where they are.
The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with streaming platforms and digital distribution reshaping the landscape. What are your thoughts on the current state of the industry, and how have these changes affected your career?
Ambient music is thriving — we might be in a golden age.
I was surprised that longform ambient tracks are often overlooked by curators and listeners.
Managing a music career is a lot of work, especially while working full-time and balancing life.
The ambient community is incredible. Instagram has helped me connect with amazing collaborators and listeners.
What are some of your favorite record labels, and do you have a specific goal or aspiration to release your music on a particular label in the near future?
I’m grateful to have released music with Ambient Cat Records, Chitra Records, Mare Nostrum, and Daydreamers. I don’t have a dream label at the moment, but one big milestone is coming: my first vinyl release with Ambient Cat in July 2026.
What advice would you offer to your younger self, considering all the knowledge and experience you've gained in your career so far? Additionally, what advice would you give to aspiring artists who may be reading this interview?
To my younger self: don’t worry so much about the future — follow your passion, be present, and trust the process.
To aspiring artists: never compromise your vision. Anything is possible when heart, mind, and intention align.
Besides music, do you have any other passions or hobbies?
I love swimming, hiking, lifting weights, flower photography, creating artwork, and playing guitar.
Are there any books, documentaries, podcasts, or TV shows that you'd like to recommend to your fans and fellow artists?
Books:
• The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
• Quantum Listening by Pauline Oliveros
Documentaries:
• Sisters with Transistors
Podcasts:
• Did Somebody Say…Ambient? by LoneTapes
• The Relay Station by Stolace (YouTube stream)
TV Shows:
• Rebels, The Bad Batch, and Andor – all part of the Star Wars universe, appreciated for their storytelling and emotional depth.
Could you share some of your all-time favorite tracks or songs that have had a significant impact on your musical journey?
• Hollow – Courtney Hartman
• Ronin – Sturgill Simpson
• You Can’t Help Me Now – The Both
• Strangers – The Kinks
• Anything but Me – Phish
• Phantom Limb – The Shins
• Lies – Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
• How to Disappear Completely – Radiohead
...and many more (see full playlist on Spotify).
What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
Cloud Chamber EP with Winter Silhouette (Mare Nostrum, Sept 2025)
A new dark ambient single on a compilation (Oct 2025)
Fugue States — an experimental suite in progress
Unidentified Ambient Phenomena Vol. 2 (Ambient Cat, Jan 2026)
Ghost sequel EP with Michael D. Tidwell (Spring 2026)
Full-length collaboration with Logic Moon — on vinyl (July 2026)
Launch of a new artist project for sleep and meditation (2026)
Stay safe. Stay curious. Keep creating.
Stream/Download the Zenscapes EP: https://go.protonradio.com/r/rletFgcV8hbNc
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/pisceandaydreams