In July 2022 Blek was commissioned to write a suite of songs about the city of Dresden by the Saxony Cultural Department. The resulting compositions were then recorded at the beautiful Castle Studios in the countryside just outside Dresden with German musicians Filip Sommer (Viola) and Moritz Brümmer (Cello). These recording form John’s forthcoming 6 track EP, 'Digressions #3 - In Dresden'.
‘The City Sleeps’ is the first song to come from this new record. It is an ode to the vibrant nightlife of Dresden’s Neustadt district. It’s stunning cobbled streets drenched in history and its relaxed atmosphere. It’s a place where the neons hum peacefully and the tobacco smoke hangs in the evening air.
Blek explains:
I had tasked myself with the job of writing a suite of songs that would be my impressions of Dresden. It was a very fruitful experience. I’m excited to share the whole EP with everyone, but first, here is The City Sleeps. It is night time music, a reflection on the active but relaxed Dresden Neustadt life after dark. It’s a part of the city I love and has always felt like a second home.
‘The City Sleeps’ will be released by Bigger River Recording Co. on all digital platforms on Friday 20th of October.