‘Soil Samples’ EP: Turning the Earth’s Hidden Sounds into Music
What if soil could make music? That’s the bold question behind Soil Samples, a first-of-its-kind EP that transforms the hidden vibrations of living earth into electronic soundscapes.
Commissioned by Bowel Research UK and brought to life by GAS Music, the project highlights the crucial connection between soil health and human well-being.
Using contact microphones embedded in the organic soil of Glebelands Farm, Manchester, the team captured a week’s worth of microbial movement and organic resonance. These sounds were then manipulated—sped up, pitch-shifted, and synthesized—into playable instruments, forming the foundation of the EP.
Two legendary producers took on the challenge: Mark Reeder (MFS Records) crafted the brooding, industrial 'Soil Samples (Berliner Erde Mix),' while Derrick McKenzie (Jamiroquai) infused deep funk grooves into “Bass & Heartbeat.”
Taking the concept even further, a limited-edition vinyl embeds actual soil into the record, with a plantable insert to nurture listeners’ own microbiomes. Premiered at the Chelsea Flower Show 2024, 'Soil Samples' is more than just music, it’s a living, breathing tribute to the world beneath our feet.
'Soil Samples' is out now.
Submit music to DMY here.
Read next: Pastiche Shares High-Energy Bop Single 'Calories'
