Hello Substack friends!
It’s an exciting day for me. My newest effort "Safe," a five-track EP inspired by a growing appreciation of piano and ambient music, is out today.
I’ve spent the past 30 years making music under the moniker "the grassy knoll," and I feel it is time to put that project to rest. Nine albums, one EP, and appearances on 23 compilations have been a great ride, but it's time for a new mindset and a clean slate.
Creating music as Nolan Green means freeing myself from repeating the past, starting with a blank canvas with no rules, yet continuing to be relentless and explore new territory. The tracks that appear on "Safe" are inspired by artists such as Shida Shahabi, Brian Eno, Bill Evans, Eric Satie, and Bohren & Der Club of Gore. What draws me into their music is the spirit in which they create—understated, intimate, and confident.
"Safe" sounds dark yet hopeful, layered yet spacious—and to my ears, simply beautiful. It’s music that demands an attentive listen. Each listen reveals something new. This is headphone music for the soul. Enjoy!
I hope you enjoy the new direction. Let me know what you think, I would love to hear from you.
I NEED YOUR HELP
Since I am no longer on Facebook / X / Instagram a post from you on any of these platforms would be incredibly appreciated.
Oh yeah. I’ll be listening to this album all week 🔥
Giving this several spins today. Great work, Nolan! Beautiful, haunting, yet hopeful atmospheres. Super high quality recordings. Wonderfully composed and interestingly layered with vibrant soundscapes next to the familiarly cool guitar work of The Grassy Knoll. Definitely RIYL Eno and Harold Budd. The first and last tracks are my favorites so far.