noion is both an achievement and a beginning.
It marks the start of an adventure fueled by a bold artistic vision and a desire for creative autonomy in today’s rapidly changing music industry, which is constantly evolving in terms of economics, distribution, and timeframes.
It’s also the culmination of a forty-year friendship and collaboration spanning Austria, France, and California, enriched by our personal and professional journeys.
Paul Haslinger and Christian Wittman first met at Tangerine Dream’s concerts in Paris on March 31, 1986. Paul, a studio and stage musician, had recently joined the German band, while Christian, an academic with a passion for music, was co-founder of Lightwave, an underground electronic band just beginning its creative journey, inspired by its German counterparts.
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Music was their immediate connection: technical and artistic discussions, listening to and commenting on Lightwave’s demo tapes, and moments of casual enjoyment of Parisian life.
Paul played a pivotal role in Lightwave’s trajectory, offering invaluable support through his trust, his involvement in memorable concerts in Paris and London, and his artistic contributions to several of their albums.
Despite geographical distance and the demands of our respective careers — one as a film composer, the other in academia — our bond never broke. Our exchanges continued, fueled by memories and ongoing projects, always with the deep conviction that our paths would cross again.
In 2025, that moment came. After years of reflection, we decided to forge a new path. In an increasingly chaotic musical landscape dominated by AI and multinational streaming platforms, we chose to step away from an industry in free fall and return to an authentic, creative craft that allows for freedom of expression. noion emerged from this desire to reconnect with exploration and experimentation.
noion aims to create a space that is both serene and radical, challenging the boundaries of genre and defying the norms of ambient and electronic music.
It’s a paradoxical and geodesic challenge in today’s musical landscape, positioned at the intersection of Vienna, Los Angeles, and Paris. A meeting point of cultural imaginations, languages, and expertise: the spirit of the American West, German rationalism, and an odd blend of French Cartesianism and surrealism.
Looking ahead, noion will evolve into a platform for like-minded musicians, creating a space to explore new creative territories at the intersection of contemporary music, minimalism, ambient, and classical traditions. Through collaborations and shared exploration, noion will foster an environment where experimentation and authenticity are at the forefront, welcoming musicians who seek to push boundaries and redefine artistic expression.
