New Subscriber Playlist: “Into the Abyss”

My latest Spotify playlist for subscribers has been posted. Titled “Into the Abyss,” the playlist is a collection of dark ambient soundscapes that makes for a harrowing and challenging, but often rewarding listening experience.

(Given all of the current chaos and darkness in our country, it might seem odd, and perhaps even inappropriate, to promote dark, ominous music. But as I wrote in my playlist notes, “I believe that every so often, it’s therapeutic and even necessary to face the darkness and anxiety head on. To venture down into the abyss rather than attempt to dismiss or hide it. This playlist is for moments like that.”

Accompanying the playlist is the latest episode of my “Playlist Breakdown” podcast, in which I spotlight one of the playlist’s songs and why it’s so special and meaningful. In the latest breakdown, I talk about “The Well of Sadness” by Raison d’être (one of my favorite dark ambient artists). “The Well of Sadness” originally appeared on Raison d’être’s 1997 album, In Sadness, Silence and Solitude.

Both of these are little bonuses for subscribers who support Opus financially. If you’d like to get access to them (and more), subscribe to Opus for $5/month or $50/year. (Also, if you just want to check it out, you can subscribe for free and get weekend reading recommendations.)