Robert Koch’s Foam and Sand: A Sonic Exploration of Human Consciousness [Exclusive Interview]

In an era where the lines between music, science, and spirituality are becoming more blurred, Robot Koch’s latest album under his Foam and Sand moniker offers a sublime escape into the depths of human consciousness. The renowned electronic music producer has delved into ambient music with his new project. The album, released under Nettwerk, is a testament to Koch’s expertise in evoking profound emotions through rich textures and captivating soundscapes. In an exclusive interview, Koch shares his creative process, partnership with the Monroe Institute, and music’s role in bridging the gap between science and spirituality.

Foam and Sand emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Koch sought to break away from his usual creative routine and explore new artistic avenues. By experimenting with tape loops in his Los Angeles studio, he discovered a world of organic, transformative music that draws comparisons to the works of the legendary ambient composer Harold Budd. In our interview, Koch discusses how the album’s creation process was a playful and intuitive experience, focusing on the “healing aspect of sound” and the unique identity of Foam and Sand as a distinct project from his earlier work as Robot Koch.

Beyond the captivating sonic realms of Foam and Sand, Koch is also enthusiastic about his collaboration with the Monroe Institute, an organization dedicated to the global awakening of human consciousness. Dive into our fascinating interview with Robert Koch to learn more about the inspiration behind his groundbreaking album and the extraordinary journey that awaits his fans.

Can you tell us about your partnership with the Monroe Institute and how it came about?

It came about very organically. I met Robert Neville from Monroe Institute at a Leaving Records Event in LA. We exchanged contact details and he called me up a few months later and shared that he had a pretty profound experience listening to my music. We talked for a while and also met for a coffee a few days later and continued talking about our shared interest in the work of Hazrat Inayat Khan, Frequency, Vibration, and how music can assist in expanding consciousness. The first step of our collaboration is a 10-minute meditation version of one of the album tracks which has their custom sound signals embedded into it.

How does Foam and Sand differ from your previous work as Robot Koch?

Foam and Sand is my ambient project. It`s about atmosphere, texture, and the healing aspect of sound too.

My music as Robot Koch is atmospheric too, of course, but Robot Koch´s focus is a little wider: sometimes I work with vocalists, and some tracks can be beat-driven, ranging from orchestral/modern classical to more electronic sounds. With Foam and Sand, the emphasis is clearly on ambient music, and working with tape loops is also one of the hallmarks specific to the Foam and Sand sound identity.

Can you describe your creative process when working on Foam and Sand?

It usually starts with a tape loop idea, often something I recorded on a synth or piano. And then I follow my intuition around adding things to it. it´s really playful. it`s not about perfection at all. Often I find the main idea in just a few minutes. I just pay attention to how it feels what I`m doing and I don`t want to overproduce these tracks either. When they feel good to me they´re done. I don´t overthink it.

What led you to embrace tape loops as a sonic bedrock for your music?

During the pandemic, I just wanted to play and experiment a bit. I had a lot of time in my studio and I wanted to break the routine of how I usually work, which tends to be a lot on the computer. Tape loops seemed like a fun project and it gave me different ideas when I embraced a new workflow. that´s why I felt it was different. It felt like its own project right away.

What role does music play in exploring the bridge between science and spirituality?

We are essentially made up of vibrational energy on the subatomic level. Music too is made up of vibrations and it can affect our emotions, thoughts, and physical state. It can create a sense of harmony and connection, and it can even help us to tune in to the frequencies of the person who created the music, even long after that person has died. So it can be seen as a form of communication that transcends time and space.

The idea of communicating through frequency suggests that we are not separate from the world around us, but rather deeply connected to it.

Quantum entanglement tells us that particles can become connected in such a way that they can influence each other’s behavior, even when separated by large distances. We can tune out of the logical thinking mind and tune into the more subtle realm of frequencies that are constantly communicating. Meditation and other spiritual practices help to create a higher sensitivity for those subtle frequencies.

Deep listening is another way when you don´t just use your mind to listen, judge and analyze what you hear, but listen with a deeper receptivity to what is being communicated beyond words. The mind is a great tool, of course, we just give it too much emphasis and power in our science-minded, left-brain society. I like to balance logical and intuitive approaches. That`s what I mean by bridging science and spirituality.

How does your “less is more” philosophy apply to other areas of your life?

100%. My music is a reflection of my inner and outer life.

What can fans expect from you and Foam and Sand in the future?

I´m excited about exploring the collaboration with the Monroe Institute further. We also plan immersive events and there might be some remixes/reworks of the tracks from the new album soon. So there will be more music and experiences around the Foam and Sand project for sure.

And I also made some new music as Robot Koch. Some of it will come out this year still. I don´t think there is a new Robot Koch album on the horizon yet, but singles and EPs for sure.