Aligning Minds

Aligning Minds consists of two members; the combined efforts of producers Daniel Merrill and Michael Folk. Growing up in the relative isolation of the sparse, rural surroundings of Western Maryland, North America set the backdrop for what later became the adopted aesthetic for their music. The lack of other available and willing musicians drove them both to seek out creating music individually, initially using guitars and gradually expanding their tools with computers, synthesizers, and other digital gadgetry. Unbeknownst to each other, but living mere miles apart, they eventually discovered their shared passion for using music to stimulate the parts of the mind that couldn't seem to be reached by any other means. Through this "alignment" and raised sense of duality, they intuitively began collaborating using electronic sound to lead their emotions to alternate destinations. Music provided a vehicle for them to travel beyond any limiting social standards (or lack thereof) and let them feel the unity and profound communication they had always felt was missing. Beauty, relevance, and the search for human essence are the motives that have continued to drive them through their productions, always combined with the urge to share and unite through emotionally charged music. Intent on reaching a musical standpoint of balanced harmony between stylistic ideas, Aligning Minds is moving forward as a driving force in the global electronic music community. Some highlights over the past few years include two North American tours, features on countless radio showsincluding BBC Radio 1's ‘The Mary Ann Hobbs Show’, a full length album on both Gravitas Recordings and Aleph Zero sub-label Beats & Pieces, along a handful of remixes and compilations-including releases on Invisible Allies debut album, Desert Dwellers and Emancipator ‘Remixes’ album. Aligning Minds has had the pleasure of sharing collaboration and peformance opportunities with artists such as Emancipator, Invisible Allies, Alvin Risk, Beats Antique, Robert Manos, Desert Dwellers, Karsh Kale, Papadosio, Orbital, Squarepusher, Amon Tobin, Shpongle, Alex Grey, Kaminanda, Daedelus, Mochipet, Richie Hawtin, Eskmo,John Tejada, Nosaj Thing, Benga, edIT, Tipper, Jimmy Edgar, Vibesquad, Bluetech, Kilowatts, Untold, OTT, Juno Reactor, Random Rab, Milosh, and many more. Moving forward in 2013 and beyond, they are focusing on an upcoming release schedule that will include a new full length album, features on multiple compilations and several high profile remixes – while keeping up a steady stream of live performances. Most importantly, the results of their work have remained the guiding light in their lives to remain in touch with themselves and each other. Even if the world did not exist beyond this resource of meaning, this would suffice.... Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.