Map of What is Effortless

The second album by Telefon Tel Aviv released in 2004 on Hefty Records.

Telefon Tel Aviv - Map of What is Effortless CD

In the current process of rebuilding my physical media library, one of the special attentions is over Telefon Tel Aviv.

Their music means a lot to me for many reasons, the simplest of which is that it’s beautiful. In the entirety of TTA’s work, tracks from Map of What is Effortless resonate with me deeply and as such, feel a particular closeness to this album.

I had the chance one day to get around some bee hives, and was instantly reminded of this album’s original cover. So I used what I had with me to build upon later.

an homage to the cover of Map of What is Effortless

Creating this image was fairly straightforward. Believe it or not, the raw image was captured on my Google Pixel 6A & processed in Affinity Photo 2. Nearly Effortless, one might say.

If you have the opportunity to listen to this album, I strongly encourage you to do so. It features The Loyola University Chamber Orchestra (arranged and conducted by Joshua Eustis) and is amazing experience of sonics and sound. I really love the way this album makes me feel.

For Christine

In the winter of 2010, a season marked not only by chilling winds and snow-covered memories but also by the profound void left by my grandmother's passing, I found myself underneath a tumultuous wave of sorrow.

No words could adequately capture the multitude of emotions that I found myself wrestling with. I found myself in the very late (or early) hours of the days, I would explore resonant sounds that would connect to how I was feeling.

Eventually, this exploration guided me towards composing three separate songs that became an EP named "To The Bridge We Set Ardour."

The choice of "Ardour" as a title perfectly summarized the passionate fervor that echoed the inner emotional upheaval I was experiencing. I distinctly remember how much the creation of those original recordings felt like the death of a lullaby. A symbiosis through sound.

Recently, I merged these musical pieces into a singular, cohesive track - enhancing its resonance through Dolby mastering in anticipation of a reissue.

Now titled: "For Christine" and adorned with new artwork, this record stands as an invitation for all who are willing to embark on a heartfelt voyage through their own emotion.