One of Moby’s long out-of-print ambient albums is returning and will be complemented by a pair of unprecedented live performances. On December 16, Moby will reissue Hotel: Ambient, which was originally included as a second disc on Moby’s 2005 alt-rock album Hotel. The re-release will feature a fleshed-out track listing complete with previously unreleased recordings from the session.
While Moby’s live shows often feature a cross-section of songs from his entire career, his ambient work has always remained unrepresented. On the day of Hotel: Ambient‘s re-issue, Moby will host his first-ever ambient performance at the Masonic Lodge in Los Angeles (you can buy tickets for that show here). He will also be performing at a fundraiser for the Integration in Joshua Tree On December 21.
Speaking about his interest in ambient music recently, Moby said, “I first heard, and heard about, ambient music on the B-side of David Bowie’s ‘Heroes.’ As much as I’ve loved writing songs and dance tracks I’ve always been obsessed with the ways in which ambient and instrumental music can transform the space in which [they’re] being listened. I also really appreciate the subtle and at times un-demanding qualities of ambient music, and the ways in which it can unconventionally reach people emotionally.”
A disciple of the work of Brian Eno, Philip Glass and Steve Reich and purveyor of constant musical innovation over the years, it will be great to hear Moby’s ethereal craft heard in a live setting for the first time. Hotel: Ambient will be available for free and for purchase December 16 through mobygratis.
Read our interview feature with Moby where we got him to answer questions from producers — everyone from Timo Maas to Kris Menace — who’ve remixed his tracks in the past.