The Secret Garden: Exploring the Hidden Worlds of Well Well Well
Unveiling the Enigma
Well Well Well is an enigmatic record label and collective that has been quietly cultivating a world of innovative music, art, and culture for over a decade. Founded by Will Sasso in 2007, the label’s early years here were marked by a series of experimental releases and collaborations with like-minded artists. However, it was not until 2013 that Well Well Well truly began to reveal its full scope, with the release of its debut album, "The Life and Death of Rollo Maize." This sprawling work, featuring contributions from over 20 musicians, marked a turning point in the label’s trajectory, establishing it as a major force on the underground music scene.
Exploring the Sonic Landscape
One of the key characteristics of Well Well Well is its willingness to push boundaries and blur genre lines. From the avant-garde electronica of "Rollo Maize" to the psychedelic folk of later releases like "Knots" and "Elegy," the label’s music is a constantly shifting landscape of sound. This eclecticism has drawn in a diverse range of artists, from established figures like Sunn O)))’s Stephen O’Malley to newer talents like vocalist Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith.
The sonic experimentation on Well Well Well releases often extends beyond music itself, incorporating field recordings, spoken word, and other forms of sound art. This holistic approach is reflected in the label’s use of atmospheric packaging and ephemeral live performances, which aim to create immersive experiences for listeners rather than merely presenting a straightforward concert or album.
The Artistic Collaborations
One of the defining features of Well Well Well is its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. Artists from various backgrounds come together to co-create works that challenge traditional notions of music, art, and even time itself. For instance, the label’s 2015 release "Knots" was a sprawling multimedia project featuring videos, paintings, and spoken word components alongside music.
This emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration has led to some remarkable partnerships. In 2017, Well Well Well collaborated with the artist and filmmaker Jeremy Shaw on an installation series that explored themes of time and perception. Shaw’s work has since been showcased in major museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
The Hidden Worlds
Beyond its music and art releases, Well Well Well has created a distinctive atmosphere around itself through various ventures, from experimental live events to cryptic online projects. The label’s website is home to an enigmatic " Portal" series, featuring surreal audio-visual works by artists like O’Malley and Smith.
The collective also hosts regular live performances at its headquarters in Los Angeles’ Echo Park neighborhood. These events often blur the line between concert and installation, incorporating elements of performance art, dance, and even ritual. For example, during a 2018 event celebrating "Knots," attendees participated in an immersive ritual that involved light installations, soundscapes, and cryptic texts.
The Cult Following
Well Well Well’s underground reputation has attracted a devoted following among adventurous listeners and artists who value innovation above commercial success. This loyal fanbase has been instrumental in spreading the word about the label’s groundbreaking work.
One of the most striking aspects of Well Well Well is its ability to create a sense of mystery and anticipation around new releases. The label rarely issues press statements or official interviews, preferring to let its music speak for itself. When a new project does emerge, it often arrives shrouded in enigma – cryptic online teasers, eerie live performances, or even plain old silence.
A World Within
As one delves deeper into the world of Well Well Well, several key themes begin to emerge: experimentation, collaboration, and the blurring of boundaries between art forms. This ethos is reminiscent of early 20th-century avant-garde movements like Dadaism or Surrealism, which similarly sought to challenge conventions and push the limits of creative expression.
Through its music, art, and live events, Well Well Well has created a hidden world that rewards close attention and exploration. For those willing to venture into this secret garden, the label offers an unparalleled experience: immersive, unsettling, and ultimately transformative.