The ambient sub-genre of "Kankyō Ongaku" was started in early 1980s Japan, by little-known artists at the time such as; Hiroshi Yoshimura, Takashi Kokubo, Kazuo Uehara, Yutaka Hirose etc. The work of "Kankyō Ongaku" (Environmental Music) was joyous, minimal, and above all, environmental. Tracks were frequently intermingled with long form field recordings of nature. Bird-song, a quiet forest clearing, the lapping of an ocean shore. Rather than distract and muddy the sonic nature of these releases, the always present field recordings became part of the melody and music itself.

Soft synthesizers flourish in simple yet sweet candy-melt melodies (Hiroshi Yoshimura - Flora 1989). Quiet guitar & keyboard chimes fall behind a curtain of peaceful water sounds and bird chirps (Takashi Kokubo - Oasis Of The Wind II). Melancholic piano chords drip and swell alongside a bubbling stream (Yutaka Hirose - Nova)... The allure of Environmental Music is striking and evident. In 2020, the micro-genre saw a massive resurgence in discovery through the YouTube algorithm, introducing millions to the once hidden & unknown genre.

After having spent a few years promoting his muddy Post-Rock project "Blårød" to little success, Elijah Knutsen, an amateur ambient producer at the time, decided it was time to try something different. Inspired by the Psychedelic ambient works of Tetsu Inoue, and the rest of the FAX label, he shifted towards a more sparse, experimental approach, recording "Blue Sun Daydream" under his own name, and sending it to various ambient labels. After little to no response from said labels, he took it upon himself to start his own as a means of promoting the album. "Memory Color" was started in March 2020, and very quickly made its name in the niche-ambient world.

After discovering the realm of Kankyō Ongaku and related artists, Elijah was immediately enamored; He purchased a Yamaha DX-7 keyboard, tape deck, and cassette tapes. He recorded "Music For Vending Machines 1," as a unique and minimal homage to the artists and genre that had inspired him. Although receiving very little press on release, the album has become one of his most successful.

Cassette tapes were made, and sent to various record stores throughout Japan, the US, and even the UK. Having been inspired heavily by Japanese artists, film, and music, Elijah is very adamant on marketing and making his music accessible for Japanese speaking audiences, as well as respectfully crediting the artists & movement that his label is based upon.

"Portland-based experimental producer Elijah Knutsen has crafted five expressions of Japan on Blue Sun Daydream, released through the new imprint Memory Color. Knutsen pays homage and updates the micro-genre of Kankyō Ongaku, a style of ambient recently popularized... The music is known for calming atmospheres, sparse but memorable melodies, and environmental sounds. It’s music for head-traveling, a concept I’m eager to embrace in lockdown times." - Michael Donaldson; 8sided.blog

Four years later, Elijah has undeniably grown his presence within the Ambient/Kankyō Ongaku scene. Releasing several successful albums and EPs, as well as being featured in multiple news/music outlets in the US, UK, NZ, and Japan. Today he is releasing a collection of said Kankyō Ongaku works; Seven albums (three remastered) as well as several B-sides.

"A Soft Blue Light" is a minimal release of titanic proportions, and brings the distinct sound of Elijah Knutsen & Memory Color into the light... A soft, blue light.

MCC-01

Blårød: blrd.bandcamp.com/album/a-rose-garden-in-summer