Composer’s Commentary

Bells Beach is arguably Australia’s most famous beach. With dramatic cliff faces, spectacular views and perfectly formed waves, this iconic beach is the surf capital of Australia.

Unfortunately, being such a popular location means that it’s hard to get it all to yourself, which makes sound recording a bit tricky. When conditions are perfect for sound recording (gentle offshore winds and good sized waves breaking with good form) the conditions are also perfect for surfers. I’m sure you don’t want to hear anyone yelling “Woo Hoo!” in the middle of your ocean waves sound recording!

To ensure a perfectly clean recording, I arrived at Bells Beach at 4am, strapped on a head torch and made my way down to the water’s edge in the dark of night. I was absolutely alone, stars overhead, with nothing but the beautiful sound of ocean waves to keep me company.

Comments on the Deep Dreams Edition

The “Deep Dreams Edition” of Timeless Ocean Surf is not an entirely new recording, but a completely remixed and remastered version of the original. By slightly slowing down the speed and pitch of the ocean waves, and re-shaping the sound with EQ, I’ve created a new ocean waves recording with a different energy.

You’d never guess that it’s been altered – it still sounds completely natural, but now it has a very creamy, smooth texture, more depth and weight, and it feels a little more distant. There’s also more time between each wave. I love this sound and find it more sleepy and enveloping than the original.