~Nois - What is ~Nois (2026)

The acclaimed American saxophone quartet ~Nois announces their upcoming album What is ~Nois, developed in close studio collaboration with contemporary composers and GRAMMY-winning producer Mike Tierney. Diverging from traditional chamber music practices, the four featured works were refined in-studio to achieve a fully realized sonic vision. The album challenges the conventional boundaries of a saxophone ensemble by integrating its sound into diverse environments, including post-punk, ambient, and avant-garde acoustic settings. Featuring a wide array of guest artists, the project offers an experimental exploration of the quartet's technical and stylistic versatility.

Performers:

Julian Velasco - Soprano Saxophone (1, 3–6); EWI (1); Alto Saxophone (2)
Natalia Warthen - Alto Saxophone (1)
Hunter Bockes - Alto Saxophone (1)
Jordan Lulloff - Tenor Saxophone (1, 3–6); Keyboards (1); Alto Saxophone (2)
János Csontos - Baritone Saxophone (1–6)
Taimur Sullivan - Baritone Saxophone (2)
Aeryn Jade Santillan - Vocals, Bass Guitar (2)
Ross D. Hamilton - Drums (2)
Kendra Wheeler - Alto Saxophone (3)
Francisco del Pino - Guitar (3)
Nick Zoulek - Alto Saxophone (4–6)

Compositions by:

Darian Donovan Thomas (1)
Aeryn Jade Santillan (2)
Francisco del Pino (3)
Travis Laplante (4-6)

Tracklist:
1-1 ~Nois - Sun Thrower [9:26]
1-2 ~Nois;Aeryn Jade Santillan - alternate endings. [9:18]
1-3 ~Nois;Francisco del Pino - Invisible [10:16]
1-4 ~Nois;Nick Zoulek - Running in a Field of Flowers: I. Meditation [7:17]
1-5 ~Nois;Nick Zoulek - Running in a Field of Flowers: II. Descent [5:49]
1-6 ~Nois;Nick Zoulek - Running in a Field of Flowers: III. Searing Joy [3:41]