If you’ve ever listened to James Blake, you’ll be aware of his ability to create electronic atmospheres that bring you into these lovely pockets of subtle emotion – somewhat balancing on the apex that divides fragility and strength. He’s known for dissecting emotion in his music and broadening the spectrum of sonic feelings through his nuanced production.

Well in 2022, James partnered up with German software company Endel, in order to create an ambient soundscape for lightly transitioning you into your sleep. It’s called Wind Down, and its aim is exactly that. Slowly shifting piano chords and electronic hums gently accompany you in the winding down of your thoughts, as well as helping you to maintain a healthy sleep once you’ve taken those initial steps into your unconscious mind.

The functionality of the record is also supported by science through Endel’s AI software and its ability to create real-time personalized sonic environments that are built on the science of biological rhythms, allowing James to tap into the functionality of soundscapes that are designed to realign your cycles of rest and productivity in relation to your circadian rhythm.

I’m not a huge fan of AI personally, but in this situation I feel like its purpose for generating soundscapes that are effective in sleep assistance is something that somewhat justifies its use. As you can be completely certain that the science behind it is functional based on objective information and not a single person’s opinion. Although, I wouldn’t advocate for robots getting too skilled at putting people to sleep.

The use of this album is something that I would advocate for though, probably for the last year and a half I’ve thrown this record on whenever it’s been needed – usually more so for maintaining healthy sleep rather than helping me to fall asleep, but I think everyone could have varying relationships within how they utilize this album. It doubles up as a means for improving focus, as well as lowering stress levels. It’s pretty much the only record I listen to from an aspect of functionality at this point, so I’d imagine it could be helpful for you too.

So if you’re in need of some gentle assistance with your sleep, focus, or stress – I would recommend giving Wind Down some rotations wherever you get your music, and I hope it’s a way to introduce some peace into the parts of your day/night that might need it.