Helios

ambient

Helios is the downtempo/ambient electronic project of Keith Kenniff, a multi-talented composer also known for his neo-classical work as Goldmund. His recordings as Helios typically mix moody synthesizer textures and slow, glitchy beats with fragile melodies played on pianos, guitars, and other acoustic instruments. After establishing the Helios sound and gaining a cult following for his early releases, particularly 2006's Eingya, Kenniff became an in-demand composer for film, television, and advertising. He remained prolific, regularly issuing albums as both Helios and Goldmund, in addition to making shoegaze/indie pop along with his wife, Hollie Kenniff, as Mint Julep. Following 2008's Caesura, much of Helios' albums were issued by Kenniff's own Unseen Records, including 2010's Unleft and 2015's Yume. In 2018, Helios moved to Ghostly International and released the ambient full-length Veriditas. Keith Kenniff was raised in rural Pennsylvania, where he learned to play drums, guitar, and bass. He began playing piano while studying percussion at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and began recording music as Helios in 2001. After posting some of his music on his blog, he released his debut album, Unomia, on IDM label Merck in 2004. He issued solo piano music as Goldmund on the Type label the following year, and his downtempo work as Helios appeared on the label starting with 2006's Eingya. The release became a hit among fans of downtempo electronic acts like Boards of Cana...