Keith Canisius, Shortwave Broadcaster, and Morph Stereo : Music For Connection

My first exposure to the music of Danish producer/musician/composer Keith Canisius was his work in the excellent Komische/Berlin School duo Astral TV. Astral TV created heady, buzzing electronic music via electronics and processed guitars, capturing the sound of electronic experimentation via the foundational music DNA found in early 70s German music pioneers like Tangerine Dream, Harmonia, and Cluster. There was also connective musical DNA to ambient pioneers Stars of the Lid, Windy & Carl, and JD Emmanuel. Along with keyboardist Rasmus Rasmussen(Causa Sui, Aerosol), Astral TV brought cosmic touches to the world of electronic music and released two amazing records(Chrystal Shores, Travelling The Circuits) with El Paraiso Records.

In 2020 Canisius started a solo project called Shortwave Broadcaster. A more subtle, ambient project with Canisius using guitar, bass, synths, Eurorack and field recordings to create these musical scenes awash in hazy colors and dreamy melodies. Shortwave Broadcaster buzzed in wobbly ambivalence and exploratory composition. Between 2020 and 2024 Canisius kept busy with Shortwave Broadcaster, releasing several full-lengths and singles, building quite the heady discography.

Keith Canisius is back and with a new musical project called Morph Stereo. Made with a Eurorack, the music Morph Stereo creates is more kinetic, buzzing, and buoyant. Where Shortwave Broadcaster took it’s time, making slow motion pieces meant for contemplation and meditation, Morph Stereo is movement and ever-evolving. The newest track(released just yesterday 3/14) “Electronic Eye” is the sound of lights flickering, synapses firing, and forward movement. It’s the sound of the electronic current that travels through us all, giving us the jolt we need to keep trudging forward.

So far Canisius has released three singles as Morph Stereo, “Welcome”, “H​ø​jby”, and “Electronic Eye”, each one creating distinct moods and vibes while having a through line of brightly lit electronic music. Eliciting everything from sci-fi scores to progressive electronic music to new age-y vibes, Canisius gives these tracks movement and meditative layers throughout. “Welcome” was the first track released and it’s rhythmic approach and crystalline melodies bring to mind Vangelis. “H​ø​jby” is subtle and ethereal, bringing to mind an almost cosmic feel. The music swells and breathes in more hushed tones. “Electronic Eye” has an almost triumphant aesthetic to it; brassy electronics swell as buzzing tones and a subtle percussive heartbeat emanates from the sonic bliss.

I’ve been a fan of Keith’s work since the Astral TV days, and he continues to make contemplative electronic music that is engaging, thoughtful, and forward-thinking. Morph Stereo is yet another musical aspect of his work, coming through in brighter tones and widescreen scope. Hit up Morph Stereo’s BC page below and take the trip.