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Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

DJ Inzi - Jazz For Wind
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQnI...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day882 #hednod #chillout #mellow #boombap

One bends with the wind
Yet must remain resolute
On the way forward

With some calming sounds and another quick haiku born of necessity, here's some more (US) morning mellow.

November 25, 2025 at 5:28 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

Helioce – Orange
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH2s...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day881 #ambient #drone #immersive #gentle

Various physical impediments have kept me from my predawn walks, but today I finally found myself up to the task. It felt great to be out again in that near dark, the horizon blushed orange with the soft light at the edge of day. I’ll admit to being lost in thought as I trudged along, oblivious to the distant rumble of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the buzz of an early traffic helicopter high above, and all the other background music of urbania. But rounding the corner for home, I suddenly heard it.

The voices of a million birds.

The entire block of trees overflowed with chirps and chatter. I am by no means an ornithologist, so I’ve no idea what manner of avians these were, but their song seemed to fill the air, pulsing back and forth between one group and another, asked and answered, asked and answered. I stood stock-still for several minutes, breathing in this repartee, but even as I resumed my return home, the singing never stopped. Passing beneath those trees, peering up into those dark branches to try and see the singers, I felt completely immersed in the sound. Delicate and peaceful, yet insistent; random, yet harmonic, the echoes lasting even as I climbed my steps and closed the door.

With memories of that sea of sound, here's some more (US) morning mellow.

November 24, 2025 at 6:06 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

Bovaflux - It's Not Complicated
recycledplastics.bandcamp.com/track/its-no...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day880 #scubadreams #deepdepths #memories #ambient #minimalism

$Floating weightless in the deep, the sunlight gently fractured as it filters down to me. No sound save for the bubbles of my breath. I’ve swum far off the reef and the dark blue depths stare up at me, seemingly endless, as if I were floating in deep space. But as I hang over that vast openness, I am at my most peaceful. Up or down is just a matter of breath; breathe out and descend, breathe in and ascend. Relax to hover, kick my feet to fly. A shoal of bright blue fish breaks rank around me and I’m bedazzled by their flickers of color… With thoughts of descents past and the anticipation of returning to the underneath, here's some more (US) morning mellow.$

November 20, 2025 at 1:23 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

Ken Ikeda ＋ Chihei Hatakeyama – Na
chiheihatakeyama.bandcamp.com/track/na

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day879 #warm #peaceful #hypnotic #summerinwinter

Icy winter rain
Clouded sky blackened by cold
Seen through the window

With the sounds of being inside, looking out, here's some more (US) morning mellow.

November 19, 2025 at 12:52 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

Sustance - Lost Inside
sustance.bandcamp.com/track/lost-i...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day878 #sparse #echoing #glacial #gentle #serene

I slept very badly last night, tossing and turning, unable to calm my mind. Too many plans, seemingly too many challenges. As a result, I’m a bit off kilter today, feeling fragmented, pulled in opposing directions and therefore directionless. But I’ve learned enough to know that this feeling calls for presence and patience. Indeed, Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu asks, “Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear?”. So with a pick that reflects both my unsettled mood and the hope for “cloudless water”, here's some more (US) morning mellow.

November 18, 2025 at 3:42 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

The Ink Spots - My Prayer
youtu.be/PcDl65vWLnY?...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day877 #beloved #endless #handinhand

It’s bitterly cold here in Brooklyn, but there’s a glow in my heart because today is my wife’s birthday. A gentleman would never reveal a lady’s age, but suffice to say it’s been my infinite pleasure to have been a part of a fair number of these anniversaries. Each one reminds me how fortunate I am to have strayed into her orbit, pulled in by the gentle gravity of her kind heart, sharp mind, wicked grin, and inquisitive nature. So with thoughts of the lovely lady who said ”Yes” (twice), here's some more (US) morning mellow.

November 17, 2025 at 1:25 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

invention_ - No Rush
radiojuicy.bandcamp.com/track/no-rush

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day876 #downtempo #chillout #laidback #peaceful

Sparks rise from the firepit and spiral off into the night like drunken fireflies. Soft music floats out through the open door and the sky glows pale with moonlight and the sound of crickets, the trees nestling in close against the chill. Time goes strange, as if the same effortless moments had been looped, unfolding over and over. Thick blankets and the touch of a warm hand. Nowhere to go and blissfully content to remain here until the dream concludes. With a mix of memory and wishes, here's some more (US) morning mellow.

November 13, 2025 at 12:48 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

Another episode of the Morning Mellow Mix series is now up!

www.mixcloud.com/abstractnyc/...

Full story and tracklist in the alt text.

Picks 851 through 875 flowed almost effortlessly. The mix is, as usual, frontloaded with instrumental hip hop, but the takes some quick excursions into dub techno and drum n' bass before settling into some extended ambient pieces. Things finish up with some haunting guitar and piano pieces (including a brief visit from the blues) before dissolving into a scene from a rainy seaside.

0:00 Dr. Baguvix - Hedonism Groove
4:41 Matt Large - No Bueno
8:22 Supreme Beings of Leisure - What's The Deal
11:57 Che Noir & The Other Guys - Susie (Instrumental)
14:36 JIM - Sun Can Rise On My Street
17:27 Sátyr - Still Dreamin' (feat. No Spirit)
19:43 MC Rene & Figub Brazlevič - Peaky Blinder
22:21 Ćelo & Abdï - Über Wasser Halten Instrumental (Figub Brazlevič Remix)
25:11 J Dilla - Requiem (Instrumental)
27:50 Knowz- - Im Goin Krazy
30:03 78bpm - Another Planet
34:54 Polyrhythmics - Filter System
39:55 Indie Vibes - Healing Tunes
43:13 SND - Waterfalls
48:36 HTRK - Feels Like Love
53:04 Radius - Interpolation [Ten]
1:00:57 Pallette - What Does It Mean
1:11:01 2xirtam - Vliitx
1:17:05 Lemongrass - Drifting
1:21:46 Saloop - Soft Wool Teased From The Fleece
1:33:20 Wil Bolton - The Reed Beds Shimmered
1:39:01 Music For Sleep - L'arte di evitare il dolore
1:41:53 Blisaed - Heaven's Firework Parade
1:45:45 Chris Thomas King - Hard Time Killing Floor Blues
1:48:06 Lost Harbours - Guitar Improvisation for Noon 2nd July 2014

November 11, 2025 at 9:46 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

Dr. Baguvix - Hedonism Groove
tekhedz.bandcamp.com/track/hedoni...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day875 #hednod #boombap #pianobaps #downtempo

After several weeks of upheaval, I am finally settling back into my usual routines; an early walk, some stretching, even a quick round of mediation. There’s something incredibly comforting about these sorts of rituals. When everything seems thrown into chaos, it’s the security of the familiar, in small and simple plans that anchor you to the day from the start. A perfect example would be me doing this every day… Here's some more (US) morning mellow.

November 10, 2025 at 3:22 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

Ćelo & Abdï - Über Wasser Halten Instrumental (Figub Brazlevič Remix)
figubbrazlevic.bandcamp.com/track/u-ber-...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day874 #hednod #boombap #kicksandsnares #bassbounce #fallintowinter

The cold kiss of dawn
Strolling while the sun still hides
Then the warmth of tea

With another quick haiku (and some thick beats) as I dive into the day, here's some more (US) morning mellow.

November 7, 2025 at 3:25 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

Sátyr - Still Dreamin' (feat. No Spirit)
satyrmusic.bandcamp.com/track/still-...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day873 #hednod #chillout #laidback #rhodesvibes

The path through the forest is still wet from last night’s rain, the wind bringing tiny showers down from the leaves each time it passes. Clouds remain, but the world feels rich and green, as if the hustle and bustle of the day has been gently wiped away by the muted sun. My wife’s hand is warm in mine and we walk in silence, all quiet save for the occasional patter of those remaining raindrops and the serenade of birds.

With another scene soundtrack, here's some more (US) morning mellow.

November 6, 2025 at 1:38 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

Lost Harbours - Guitar Improvisation for Noon 2nd July 2014
lostharbours.bandcamp.com/track/guitar...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day872 #ambient #guitar #environmentalrecordings #melancholy

The sky shades with the softest of pinks and the sand turns my footsteps silent as waves break somewhere out there in the dark. It’s cold beside the sea and there’s a solitude here that quiets the mind. I take a seat on the beach and brace against that chill, awaiting the dawn, alone with my thoughts. There will be a moment when the sun breaks the horizon, but for now time stretches, like the vast ocean, out to that horizon.

With a scene plucked from an ancient memory, here's some more (US) morning mellow.

November 5, 2025 at 3:59 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

Indie Vibes - Healing Tunes
indievibes1.bandcamp.com/track/bonus-...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day871 #lofi #glitch #delicate #tinybirdmusic

I sit working at my desk when suddenly there is a quiet tap at my window. I ignore it and continue the task at hand, but there it is again; tap, tap, tap. I turn to look and there through the glass is a hummingbird, fluttering, hanging suspended just beyond the glass, motionless save for the blur of its wings.

Dumbfounded, I stare as it tilts its head and gazes at me with those tiny eyes, as if asking, “Why are you IN THERE when there is so much OUT HERE?”. I struggle with this for a moment, but as I stumble for answer, the delicate creature WINKS at me and then zooms off into the sky. And suddenly, it begins to rain.

I wake up from the dream, the sound of buzzing wings and raindrops fading softly from my ears. With the essence of those echoes, here's some more (US) morning mellow. #NMM #Day871 #lofi #glitch #delicate #tinybirdmusic

November 4, 2025 at 2:44 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

Pallette – What Does It Mean
pallette.bandcamp.com/track/what-d...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day870 #ambient #glitch #floating #earthbound @rohsrecordslontano.bsky.social

Life feels like it’s been operating at two speeds this week: disruptive and unpredictable. With UAT activities throwing off my work rhythms and a slowly recovering leg injury sidelining my usual walks, both my professional and personal routines are currently scattered to the wind. As a result, it’s tough to find a fixed point to anchor to. But as usual, I’m using sound as that anchor in an attempt to nail down some focus whilst the chaos swirls. So with a soundtrack for maintaining a steady center in a spinning world, here's some more (US) morning mellow. #NMM #Day870 #ambient #glitch #floating #earthbound

November 3, 2025 at 1:54 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

Polyrhythmics - Filter System
polyrhythmics.bandcamp.com/track/filter...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day869 #sway #funk #boombap #hednod #youthfulmind

It seems injuries incurred by the athletic pursuits of my youth still choose to revisit me now and again, as I’ve been sidelined for the last couple of days by some inexplicable knee pain, intense enough to keep me basically bedridden, unable to walk. I am on the mend, however, as I’m able to put weight on it now and am hoping the worst is over.

Perhaps too much running, too much dancing, too much living has brought me here, but I wouldn’t take it back. Perhaps being more conscious of my limitations would have saved me this discomfort, but then would I have ever surpassed those limitations (and enjoyed the resultant elation)? I think not.

Spanish philosopher George Santayana said, "The simple life is good, but the best life is a complicated one”. Those complications have brought me here and I like where I am, so this current obstacle is just another to overcome in order to keep going. Perhaps I dance more slowly now, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still dance. Here's some more (US) morning mellow. #NMM #Day869 #sway #funk #boombap #hednod #youthfulmind

October 31, 2025 at 12:06 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” - Walt Disney

Noise, HNW, ambient, dark ambient, drone... Coming soon...

Machine Tribe Recordings #NoBoundaries
mtrec.com

October 30, 2025 at 3:47 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

78bpm – Another Planet
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRVJ...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day868 #triphop #downtempo #stately #sedate

I was “on before dawn” and those early accomplishments with my Italian and Indian compatriots have got me motivated, but wired. However, whilst the day has momentum (which feels great), the key is pacing. The goal isn't to sprint past the finish line but to cross it strong. So with sounds to keep that pace (and my focus) steady, here's some more (US) morning mellow. #NMM #Day868 #triphop #downtempo #stately #sedate

As always, my ears are open for new, chill sounds. If you create downtempo, ambient, or chillout music that fits the Morning Mellow vibe, I'd be honored to give it a listen. Please send me your sounds at https://mtrec.link/MMSubs

October 28, 2025 at 12:54 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

Log Entry #12 is now up on The Abstract Dive Log.

www.youtube.com/@TheAbstract...

Full story in the alt text. #scuba #scubadiving #coral #grenada #ambient #ambientmusic

Escape Reef is a drift dive located on Grenada’s Atlantic side, known for its strong currents and vibrant marine life. Depths range from 40 to 100 feet (12–30 meters), with a consistent 1–2 knot current making it ideal for experienced divers. The site features healthy hard and soft corals, large barrel sponges, and schools of creole wrasse, horse-eye jacks, and occasional barracuda. This is the second part of our dive.

As always, both Raw Footage and Accompanied versions are available. This is the second part of our dive.

October 27, 2025 at 4:15 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

#MorningMellow

Supreme Beings Of Leisure – What’s The Deal
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYSC...

Full story in the alt text. #NMM #Day867 #triphop #chanteuse #smoky #noir #shadowy

I’ll admit to having struggled with today’s pick. I was fairly certain that I wanted to go with something from Supreme Beings, but there is so much good stuff from them to choose from that I ended up having to revisit the entire album over the past hour. But here we are with the track that fit my current mood the best. So with a hard-fought choice and hope everyone’s decisions today are far easier than this one, here's some more (US) morning mellow. #NMM #Day867 #triphop #chanteuse #smoky #noir #shadowy

As always, my ears are open for new, chill sounds. If you create downtempo, ambient, or chillout music that fits the Morning Mellow vibe, I'd be honored to give it a listen. Please send me your sounds at https://mtrec.link/MMSubs

October 27, 2025 at 12:33 PM

Ben Hudgins

@mtrec.bandcamp.com

The chill of autumn is descending into the cold of winter and this month's picks reflect that turn into the dark.

Album stories and links in the alt text. Physical editions at mtrec.bandcamp.com/merch

#darkambient #noise #ambient #enthojazz #abstract #NoBoundaries

Health VVorker Crisis + Aural Torture Unit
https://mtrgrey.bandcamp.com/album/health-vvorker-crisis-aural-torture-unit

A black land strewn with ash and dust, the meager sun failing against the shroud of dark. Barren, pitiless fields of shattered civilization, long lost to war and subsequent decay. And yet all is not quiet, for the earth itself groans with fading visions of light and bloodlust, at once mourning the passing of those who trod upon it while cursing their memory.

In this scorched expanse, only echoes remain; twisted signals of ruin transmitted through rusted antennae and broken machines, carried on the dry wind like prayers long forgotten. The sky offers no salvation, only the oppressive weight of time collapsing inward.

Melrose Ave - Dystopian Discontent
https://mtrblack.bandcamp.com/album/dystopian-discontent

A sole voice speaks from within the dark, weaving grim and broken tales of past and future, and the inevitable arrival of nothing. Each utterance drips with quiet despair, each word a ghost, trailing the soot of memories not yet lived.

These are not cries for salvation, but a liturgy for collapse; hymns for hollowed cities and severed timelines. The voice does not beg to be heard; it simply is. Relentless, uninvited, and intimately aware of its own unraveling.

As light fails, shadow becomes the only truth.

Morbid Beauty - Fuck Off Nazis (and then some...)
https://mtrblack.bandcamp.com/album/fuck-off-nazis-and-then-some

[borrowing heavily from the original liner notes]

Sometimes you just have to speak up and say things more direct, rather than subtle.

"No tolerance for the intolerant" may seem a paradox, but it's a clear statement that race, gender, religious or any other hate is not acceptable. This "fuck off" extends outward, not just to fascists and Nazis, but to all who seek to harm, erase, or dominate others in the name of power, purity, or fear.

Resistance through noise, protest by distortion. A middle finger raised not just at the far-right, but at the systems and apathy that allow them space to breathe. These tracks aren’t polite. They are not meant to be. They’re raw, urgent, angry, and fully intentional. If you’ve ever felt shouted over, threatened, or erased, there are battle cries herein.

$Ramlak Bmbo - The Awakened Chaos of Ramlak https://mtrgrey.bandcamp.com/album/the-awakened-chaos-of-ramlak Strange chants, imbued with spirits both light and dark, drift through the still air like smoke. Broken rhythms echo across the sands, half-heard in the night, as shadows leap and twist in firelight. A great vault of sky, drenched in stars, gazes down, its vast silence magnifying these alien sounds, which feel more at home above than below. This is music of in-betweens. Not wholly of earth, nor of sky, but rooted in a twilight limbo where pulse becomes trance and melody becomes an invocation. Sound collides with texture, patterns fracture and reform, and somewhere deep within, the veil between worlds thins.$