8 RECORDS WITH SOCCER COMMITTEE
A new feature series here at Kaninhål, where we invite some of our favourite artists and label owners to disclose eight favourite records in their collection(s), hopefully serving as an antidote to the endless stream of algorithms and providing recommendations from highly trusted sources!
First up is Netherlands-based Mariska Baars who, under her Soccer Committee moniker, has been releasing beautiful folk-inspired ambient productions for over two decades, several of which are stocked at Kaninhål. Most recently, Baars served up ‘Eye’ on Morc Records, an introspective eight track album, which was one of my favourite releases of 2025. This marked her fifth appearance on the label, following 'sC' (2007), 'Drawn' (2008 w/ Machinefabriek', ‘Tell From the Grass’ (2021) and ‘♥/Lamb’ (2023).
Whenever I listen to Mariska’s music, I feel an innate sense of calm and as I’m sitting here on a quiet Sunday morning, putting the final touches to this article, her atmospheric works provide the perfect soundtrack.
Some really interesting selections here, spanning a range of different genres - some already known to me but several that were brand new - a big thank you to Mariska for offering up the first edition of ‘8 Records With’ and we look forward to her upcoming release, scheduled for autumn this year(!)
Recytle by Rutger Zuydervelt with Monika Bugajni (self released)
"These are eight -beautifully played and recorded- reinterpretations of classical pieces of different composers, by clarinetist Monika Bugajni. Rutger Zuydervelt then reworked the pieces by stacking, cutting and manipulating them. Whenever I listen to the tracks there is no other way than listening entirely focussed. They just draw you in, being so beautifully quiet and full of tension. Everything about this album is made with so much care. Can’t escape from it."
Brödföda by Civilistjavel (Felt)
"His sounds seem to be coming from the earth to me. Experimental and always pleasant sounds, which is really important to me, cause when sounds get screechy I start feeling physically ill. But these sounds are built in a sensitive way and organically connected. It’s wonderful how all of this can turn into song in the -wonderful- collaborations as well, again highly organic. And the artwork is beautiful, the cover even feels good when you hold it in your hands."
Who Will You Love by The Dengie Hundred with Gemma Blackshaw (Tain Records)
"I play this record so often. It brings me to a quiet and focused place, it’s trippy in a very silent way and it’s hard for me to pin down this music. It’s intimate, yet distant. Its lyrics are about daily life and at the same time seem to be much more lifted into another space as there is much held intimate, unheard, bedded in a rich sound world giving space and providing a beautiful environment."
Ethiopia My Motherland by Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru (Mississippi Records)
"This record brings me to a state of bliss. Her unforced way of playing and singing her songs of heartache, love and longing for her country (while she is still there) is exceptional. The way her words and tones move into unpredictable, ever so natural directions in small gestures.. sounding sad and comforting and so beautiful - there is hope in it - it’s just one of the many attractive things."
Diamond Jubilee by Cindy Lee (Superior Viaduct)
"Hints of styles move in and out of this music, it’s so creative and it’s joyful to listen to. I lean into where it’s taking me and suddenly have a big grin on my face, it’s exciting, an adventure. Melodic lines ending on the floor in distortion, it’s a pleasure. And it’s loaded with feeling."
Plank 9 by Berlinde Deman (Relative Pitch Records)
"The first solo album by Belgian serpent player Berlinde Deman, which came out recently - October 2025. Not many musicians play this 16th century wind instrument and Berlinde wants to keep it alive. She does this with a deep love for the incredible sound and also in a contemporary way, with loops and effects. Her offering is a deep, intense listening trip. The sound of her serpent sometimes seems to travel towards me through time and landscape, a rather humbling experience."
Luster by Luster (morc)
"It sounds light and deep at the same time. Something I really like is that the drones are playful. And the voices, their melodies, their tone, the way they go together, gently. They’re quite a big band, 6 musicians here, but it never sounds too full. Everything has its place. I saw them live a few years ago and this was also such a lovely experience."
Salm by Gaelic Psalm Singers (Arc Light Editions)
"When I wanted to listen to this record again yesterday the record player stopped functioning, so today I decided to play this on my headphones while running. Within two minutes I was feeling euphoric and within five, when passing a group of around a thousand White-fronted Geese taking off from the ground -in sync with the rising voices of the psalm singers- my mood rose to ecstatic. Fourteen psalms, recorded in two evenings in the Back Free Church on the Isle of Lewis. A precentor sings a line and the congregation responds, with room for individual variation, ending together. It is described as free heterophony and it’s gorgeous."
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Listen to Soccer Committee - ♥/Lamb
Listen to Soccer Committee - Eye
Read 'Once More Down The Rabbit Role With Morc Records'