Hilgrove Kenrick & Nick Norton-Smith Connect on Their Enchanting New Release "Sylph" and the Creative Journey Behind It
- STAFF
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
By: Staff
“Sylph” is an extraordinary work of art, an immersive, ethereal masterpiece that redefines ambient music
The world of ambient and cinematic music just took a mesmerizing turn. Hilgrove Kenrick and Nick Norton-Smith have unleashed 'Sylph', a stunning composition that defies genre boundaries and takes listeners on an ethereal journey through sound. The duo, known for their diverse and deeply emotional musical landscapes, have crafted an album that blends classical nuances with modern technology, creating a space where ambient tranquility and powerful storytelling collide.
We spoke with Hilgrove and Nick about the unique creative process behind 'Sylph,' the deep connection between music and environment, and how they’ve navigated the evolving landscape of streaming platforms and new audio formats. Their insight into the emotional gravity of their work, both in solo projects and collaborations, paints a picture of two artists who continually push boundaries while maintaining an intimate connection to their craft.
From their first sparks of collaboration to how they approach music with no traditional narrative, their perspectives reveal a commitment to crafting more than just music, they create experiences.
As Sylph has already been embraced by listeners around the world for its calming, immersive qualities, we dive deeper into how Hilgrove and Nick approach the delicate balance of space and sound. How do they see the future of music in an increasingly digital world? And what’s next for the duo as they continue to explore new frontiers in sound?
Read on to find out what the artists had to say about their journey and the soul-stirring work that is Sylph.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Hilgrove Kenrick & Nick Norton-Smith, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. Your work spans across so many diverse genres, from classical to film scores to choral commissions. What drew you to the meditative and ambient style of Sylph, and how did it challenge you creatively?
A. It was an evening at at pub meeting Nick where the idea was born. I fitted out my studio for Dolby Atmos last year and I've always valued the space before notes. We realised that together we could work toward a new sound world incorporating that ideal but spatially as well as musically, and that'd it'd be new and exciting to collaborate on.
Q. You’ve spoken about experimenting with space and sound in Spatial Audio. How does working in that format change your approach to composing? Does it push you to rethink how music interacts with the listener?
A. Absolutely and entirely! We're all used to stereo but it doesnt matter whether it's a piano in front of you, a band, an orchestra or a single sound effect, we hear from all around not just in front of ourselves. This isn't about making whooshes or helicopters fly around our heads, its about being able to immerse ourselves and the listeners in an enveloping world of sound and music.
Q. Recording live in central London and mixing in Worcestershire gives Sylph a unique sense of place. How do you think the locations themselves influenced the mood of the music, and does the environment influence the creative process more than we realize?
A. Right from the start we knew we'd be in two different places for this, and it was wonderful to bang out the notes in short order in town, but then when we were concentrating on allowing the music to breathe retreating to my studio in the countryside where the only intrusion is the bleating of sheep or the odd passing tractor.
Q. With the success of Melt on Spotify’s 'Sleep' playlist and millions of streams on Pandora, how do you view the intersection of music and technology in reaching audiences? What do you think the future holds for artists who embrace these platforms?
A. I think the only future is to embrace these platforms - twas ever thus, whether it was vinyl to cd to MP3 to digital to whatever is next, it's about being able to put our art out there in a way that is easiest for the listener to consume.
For Nick Norton-Smith:
Q. Your work on documentaries like Children of the Mist and One Rogue Reporter is known for its emotional depth. How do you approach crafting music for such powerful, real-world stories? Do you ever feel a responsibility to reflect the gravity of the subject matter?
A. (Could you swap references for My Dead Body and Accused pls) Every project is different and my approach is always unique to each and every story -reflected in the diverse musical styles I work in.
With a performing background that ranges to from jazz & classical to theatre I have absorbed and reflect many different musical genres.
New frontiers of hybrid scoring whereby sound design and traditional harmonic storytelling conflate is of particular interest and recent commissions reflect this.
I’m fortunate to work with incredibly talented directors and creative teams that absolutely respect the subject matter, my music serves to support and enhance with dignity and respect.
Q. You mentioned that your music was described as 'f*cking amazing' by Hugh Grant. It’s clear that your work resonates with many, but how do you personally evaluate the success of your music? Is it about the reaction it gets, or is there something else you’re listening for?
A. Success in the first instance is when the music works to picture. It’s a joy to write to sync, the flow of creative energy and joy when you feel the music growing and enhancing the visuals is transcendent. I live for those moments.
Q. You’ve been involved in a number of high-profile projects with both TV and film. In terms of your creative process, do you find that your music changes when it’s being paired with visuals versus standing alone as in Sylph?
A.Great question. For me music is visual. Sylph is a dream writ large, everyone can interpret and see/hear the music.
Hilgrove’s stunning Atmos mix takes the listener to their own inner landscape.
We believe it’s beautiful and unique to every listener.
Listen and dream.
Q. You’ve won awards like the ‘Best Musician’ title at the Edinburgh International Jazz Festival, but I’m curious—how did that experience influence your journey in film and TV music? Did it change how you view music as a profession?
A.The beauty of coming from an improvised music background is that there are no boundaries, music becomes a creative language. Starting from a performance base before moving into studio based work is a natural extension of musical expression and is utterly absorbing. I need another 3 lifetimes to come close to what I want to achieve.
For Both Hilgrove Kenrick and Nick Norton-Smith:
Q. How did you both meet and start collaborating on projects together? Was there a specific moment or project that sparked your creative partnership?
A. NNS - We met in central London, I knew of Hilgrove but not the breadth of his career. He’s a great person and musician, I really respect his talent and approach to music and the industry. Creativity takes many forms and Hilgrove is full of ideas, it was the easiest and most natural collaboration of my entire career.
HK - We met at a bar, the music was deafening so we spent an hour shouting at each other. Out of that came a shared love of silence and the space between notes as much as the notes themselves and we came up with the idea of exploring a harmonic improvisation - working backwards and forwards and just letting things emerge organically.
Q. As a duo, how does collaboration happen between the two of you? Do you have specific roles in the creation process, or is it a fluid exchange of ideas from start to finish?
A. NNS - Hilgrove weaves magic with an Atmos mix, my contribution is intuitive and improvised with a view to giving each piece a unique melodic identity and timbre.
I immediately felt the soprano saxophone was the voice for Syph. We then mixed at Hilgrove’s studio in Worcestershire. Every aspect of Sylph was fluid, seamless and hugely rewarding.
HK - Atmos from the ground up was the rule, using sound spatially as well as harmonically. I was excited but terrified of going for soprano saxophone as it has a.. erm.. challenging reputation in some circles. The first notes coming in from Nick's early improvs totally changed my mind, from that we were full steam ahead and I would weave lines in and around his amazing melodies.
Q. Both of you have had experiences composing for large-scale projects like TV series and films, but Sylph has a different vibe. How do you each approach creating music when it’s less about telling a traditional story and more about creating an emotional experience?
A. Sylph is a story like any other and all music is emotive, the context and point of delivery is the only distinction, Dolby Atmos is incredibly exciting. Anchoring on the theme of the Sylph and faeries, it gave us something in our mind's eye to build off, so in a sense it was a visual exploration too, and Atmos was the icing on the cake with the sound working in and around us as we wrote.
Q. Hilgrove, your work has been broadcast on a multitude of platforms worldwide, and Nick, you’ve worked on award-nominated films. How do you see the evolution of music in media? Do you feel that the industry is shifting in how it values music in storytelling?
A.NNS - Huge question. There will always be a space for imagination, innovation and collaboration. Making music is an unalloyed joy, this is reflected in the best and most effective, meaningful work : when a music score really works in simpatico. Most directors would much rather collaborate with a composer than not. Time and budget constraints are key.
HK - Totally agree with Nick, collaboration between all departments in a production is so valuable and as we keep hearing of AI taking over, I have yet to hear of a successful conversation between creatives an an AI - yes they'll take instruction and deliver a facsimile (illegally trained on other people's material), but they wont actually give creative input. Some of the most important moments in my career have been telling directors or producers that my best role in a scene is to not write a note of music. That is a powerful creative choice.
Q. With Sylph being described as perfect for relaxation, meditation, and sleep, do either of you have a personal ritual or moment when you find peace through music? Is there a specific practice that helps you connect to the work at a deeper level?
A.NNS - I make music every day - instrumental practice, whistling, singing ideas into my phone. Listening doesn’t stop.
Meditation and breathing exercises help calm an overstimulated mind when I need some space and clarity. Along with practicing jazz standards and listening to masters of improvisation. The beauty of harmony and melodic invention never ceases to engage and amaze.
HK - Nick's right, even tapping on a keyboard becomes something rhythmical. Music is part of who I am as much as what I do.
Q. If you were to explain Sylph to a listener who’s about to experience it for the first time, how would you describe the journey they’re about to take? What do you hope they walk away with after hearing the album, emotionally or mentally?
A. Prepare to be calmed, a sonic balm, for mind and soul. Sit back and switch off and let it take you wherever it takes you.
Q. We can’t thank you enough for sharing these intimate details with us! So, what’s next for you both? Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects, collaborations, or new directions you’re exploring? We’d love to be the first to share the exciting news with your fans!
A. There are long form TV and film projects pending for each of us together with new collaborations and soundtrack releases. Plus daily music making….. and then there's what's coming at Christmas.....
Hilgrove Kenrick & Nick Norton-Smith, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Hilgrove Kenrick & Nick Norton-Smith’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
