Aukai

Aukai, the ambient acoustic project conceptualized by multi-instrumentalist and composer Markus Sieber, derives its alias from the Hawaiian word for 'traveler' or 'navigator,' which fittingly embodies the nomadic and exploratory spirit of the music created under this moniker. Sieber, who originally hails from Germany and has spent substantial time in Mexico, draws upon a well of influences that transcend geographical and genre boundaries. His textural soundscapes are marked by a delicate fusion of classical minimalism, ambient music, and a hint of folk, primarily utilizing the ronroco—a stringed instrument of the lute family, popularized by Gustavo Santaolalla—and incorporating elements such as piano, strings, and electronic touches.

Aukai's discography, including instrumental works like "Apricity B-Sides & Versions" and "Weavers," exhibits an intimate yet expansive sound that evokes scenic vistas and introspective journeys. The works often carry a cinematic quality, as evidenced by their rich, layered compositions—a testament to Sieber's film scoring experience. Albums like "Apricity" showcase Aukai's ability to craft serene acoustic environments that are both evocative and deeply emotive, while reworks and alternative versions, such as "Azure (Thylacine Rework)" and "Inward Road (Piano Version)," demonstrate versatility and an eagerness to reinterpret the core essence of Aukai's auditory identity through different musical lenses. Through Aukai's music, listeners are invited to traverse soundscapes that are as boundless as the landscapes they are inspired by.