Composer and sound artist Heather Stebbins is redefining the boundaries of experimental music with her latest album, On Separation, released on May 30, 2025, through the independent label Outside Time. This six-track collection delves into themes of memory, nostalgia, and personal transformation, weaving together field recordings, cello, and modular synthesizers to create a deeply immersive auditory experience.
Stebbins, an Assistant Professor of Electronic and Computer Music at George Washington University, has long been fascinated by the emotive properties of sound. Her work often blurs the lines between the natural and the synthetic, the past and the present. In On Separation, she continues this exploration by incorporating sounds from her daily life—such as the spinning of a cake stand or the ambient noise of her children playing—into her compositions. These everyday sounds are layered with her cello performances and electronic textures, resulting in pieces that are both intimate and expansive.
The album opens with “Sun Flood,” a track that gradually builds from subtle field recordings to a rich tapestry of cello and synthesizer. “Eastern Gray” follows, featuring delicate cello lines that intertwine with atmospheric electronic elements, creating a sense of introspection and longing. In “Flow Sign,” Stebbins uses the sound of a spinning cake stand as a percussive element, demonstrating her innovative approach to composition. The title track, “On Separation,” serves as a culmination of the album’s themes, blending all the elements into a cohesive and emotionally resonant finale.
Stebbins’ approach to music-making is deeply personal. She describes her process as a form of “unlearning,” allowing herself to reconnect with her intuition and the raw emotional power of sound. This philosophy extends to her teaching, where she encourages students to view any sound as potentially musical, fostering a sense of curiosity and openness in their creative endeavors.
In support of the album, Stebbins is scheduled to perform at Rhizome DC on June 29, 2025. Known for its commitment to experimental and avant-garde art, Rhizome provides an ideal setting for Stebbins’ immersive performances. Attendees can expect an evening of evocative soundscapes that challenge conventional notions of music and composition.
On Separation is available in a limited edition cassette format, as well as digital download. The physical release features a gray cassette shell with black imprinting, housed in a clear Norelco case with a double-sided J-card, reflecting the album’s minimalist aesthetic. The digital version offers high-quality audio files, ensuring that listeners can fully appreciate the nuances of Stebbins’ intricate sound design.
For those interested in exploring the intersection of memory, emotion, and sound, On Separation offers a compelling and thought-provoking experience. Stebbins’ ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary invites listeners to reconsider their relationship with the sounds that surround them daily.