adapted from the press release by Ben Hogwood

Ólafur Arnalds’ OPIA label announces its third collaborative compilation. Following an open call that drew nearly 60 submissions, the label invited composers from around the world to team up and create new works together, often working across continents, time zones, and genres.

The theme of collaboration guided the project, encouraging artists to combine their ideas, styles, and perspectives to create unique musical dialogues.

The resulting 10-track collection is a deeply atmospheric journey through neo-classical, ambient, electronic, and experimental soundscapes. Each piece reflects a meeting of minds, where ideas evolved through shared sessions, remote file-trading, and creative dialogue. The compilation captures the beauty of collaboration, the moments where different voices merge into something unexpected, intimate, and resonant.

Featuring artists from countries such as Chile, Norway, France, UK, Australia, US, Poland, and India, the release highlights the truly global nature of the OPIA community. Even the cover art was sourced from within the community, with JJ Studios contributing the evocative artwork that ties the project together.

The full compilation will be released 13th November, inviting listeners to slow down and immerse themselves in a cross-continental conversation between composers.

The immersive and cinematic Only Know by ENGRANE and Lara Frank blends dark ambient textures with atmospheric electronic pop, evoking the rhythmic pull and mystery of the ocean. Male and female vocals entwine across synths, deep bass, and intricate percussion, creating a haunting yet emotionally resonant dialogue. With rich production and a sense of vastness, the track invites listeners into a deep, introspective soundscape shaped by nature’s ebb and flow.

Born from a transatlantic collaboration, ENGRANE (Berlin) and Lara Frank (Nashville) connected through the OPIA music community, drawn together by a shared affinity for emotive, atmospheric sound design. Working remotely across continents, they exchanged ideas and layers over multiple sessions, allowing the track to evolve organically. Lara’s evocative soundscapes and ENGRANE’s detailed production merged seamlessly, resulting in a piece that captures both the intimacy of creative connection and a broader call to reconnect with the natural world.

About OPIA:
Born out of Ólafur Arnalds’ desire to create an environment that encourages experiments and collaboration, OPIA is focused on strengthening the scene where modern-classical music meets electronic and beyond.

A three-pronged entity, OPIA is a travelling festival series, a record label and a community hub fostering a variety of conversations and initiatives.
https://www.opiacommunity.com/

Published post no.2,704 – Thursday 31 October 2025