Ambient Duo Unna Blends Minimalist Sounds from Balmorhea and Deaf Center Members

The new Ojas Music label launches with a limited-edition vinyl collaboration between Michael A. Muller and Otto A. Totland.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:25pm

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The new Ojas Music label, an extension of Devon Turnbull's audiophile-focused company, has launched with a quietly compelling collaboration: Unna, a minimalist ambient EP from Michael A. Muller of Balmorhea and Otto A. Totland of Deaf Center. The release, a partnership with The Vinyl Factory, arrives as a limited-edition pressing of 500 copies.

Why it matters

Both Muller and Totland are central figures in the evolution of modern ambient and instrumental music, with Muller known for his evocative soundscapes and film scoring work, and Totland helping define a generation of experimental ambient music. The release of Unna on Ojas Music, a label dedicated to high-fidelity sound, reflects the growing emphasis on the physical experience of music and the resurgence of vinyl.

The details

Unna, the Norwegian word for 'away,' reflects both the geographical distance between Muller and Totland and the introspective nature of their creative process. The EP blends Totland's delicate piano work with Muller's contributions on double bass, glockenspiel, Mellotron, and Rhodes, creating a textural interplay that emphasizes space and atmosphere.

  • Unna was released on March 31, 2026.

The players

Michael A. Muller

Co-founder of the Texas-based ambient music group Balmorhea, known for his evocative soundscapes and extensive film scoring work.

Otto A. Totland

One half of the Norwegian ambient duo Deaf Center, known for helping define a generation of experimental ambient music, and for his acclaimed solo piano work produced by Nils Frahm.

Devon Turnbull

The founder of Ojas Music, an audiophile-focused label that prioritizes high-fidelity sound and immersive listening experiences, as exemplified by his HiFi Listening Room Dream No. 1 at 180 Studios.

The Vinyl Factory

The partner organization that is releasing Unna as a limited-edition 500-copy vinyl pressing.

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What’s next

The release of Unna on Ojas Music is expected to generate interest among ambient music fans and audiophiles seeking high-quality vinyl releases. It remains to be seen whether this collaboration will signal a new direction for Muller and Totland, or if it will be a unique offering within their established bodies of work.

The takeaway

The launch of Ojas Music and the release of Unna reflect the growing emphasis on the physical experience of music, with labels and artists prioritizing audiophile quality and immersive listening environments. This collaboration between two acclaimed ambient musicians showcases the continued evolution and appreciation of minimalist, atmospheric sound.