Patrick Gutensohn
For Patrick Gutensohn pondering positive messages over beats is part of his production process. Since his 2021 reflection, Water Dairy, under the alias Good Lee, Gutensohn has shifted to a sense of "finding new roads" while "arriving" simultaneously. His latest album, A World Within, is a "warm homecoming" balance of interior growth in one's external environment.
Although his opening track, "Same Sky," has signature flickers of his previous works, A World Within "is a new era exploring the internal world within each of us. [My previous album] Water Diary still feels more like self-therapy and overcoming difficult times as they were happening."
A World Within is his fourth studio album released on Loci Records; however, it's his "most accomplished production." This record is a "salad of genres" spanning electronic themes and world components centered around his Filipino roots and self-reflection. "It's more uplifting than all my previous works, a more spiritual attachment which was key in what I wanted to convey and express."
As an Austrian native, Gutensohn’s music previously ripples the deep roots of forests. Although the earth is a vital component among Loci resident artists, he has rediscovered the water and air elements which heavily reflect his new profound outlook on life.
"Lately, I felt more drawn to connect with the ocean," he states. "It's more about finding and using a palette of sounds or instruments to express that sense of warmth." Diving deeper, he believes everyone has a uniquely gifted superpower and aims to "motivate others to look within themselves" through his music.
It's a feeling that derives from the human need for connection which he holds high when visiting relatives and friends in The Philippines. "They are always welcoming, lighthearted," recalling "a strong sense of togetherness and importance on the value of family."
The track "Sol/Inward," amplifies this emphasis, sprayed with field recordings and prayers from The Philippines. "There is a traditional folk dance called Tinikling; which, unfortunately, partly originated from a darker historical era. But the fact that people transformed it into something beautiful and positive over time is inspirational."
Although "Sol/Inward" sparked his imagination over an Austrian sunset, Gutensohn transported himself to the warm sand and clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. "[This track has] two parts: a spiritual moment of clarity and a deep sense of oneness," adding "slowly finding your way to the light." "Sol" alludes to a mountain climber, full of anticipation, who hasn't reached the top. The second half, "Inward", concludes with the pinnacle moment of arriving, or in this case, "arriving at a place of peace and serenity." It's fully being soaked and immersed into this inward experience," he explains. "It also represents a new door for me as Good Lee into exciting yet unknown territory."
Forgiveness also became a core foundation for his own growth before projecting this in the studio. "Turn to Roses", a collaboration with Marya Stark of Starling Arrow, became a hopeful and uplifting ballad transformed from shared experiences. "All my arrows/turn to roses" spurred from Siddhartha just before he found enlightenment as Buddha.
"Forgiving yourself and others while overcoming your shadows while being accepting of others," Gutenshon reflects, "is the essential message." Although it may sound like overcoming heart break, his music and lyrics are a hopeful sign, open to uncovering difficult moments within humanity.
"I believe that we are one huge pool of consciousness living under the same sky," reflecting his appreciation of roots on opposite corners of the globe. "Nature plays a huge part in what I do and how I perceive life. I have the privilege of living close to beautiful, greener landscapes." Gutensohn is leaning forward to a closer connection of brighter colors and aura.
"The main theme behind my newer work," he expresses fondly, "is what is inside of us. There's a world full of wonders, mystery, ying and yang, beauty but also chaos." His productions touch on senses of “coming home" and "sharing presence between universal beings, including plants and animals."
