Newfoundland-based composer and producer Ian Foster, recognized for his MusicNL and ECMA nominations, has officially unveiled his independent record label, NÄRA Community. The name is derived from the Swedish word “Nära,” which translates directly to "nearby" or "close." This linguistic choice perfectly encapsulates the label's core philosophy: establishing a creative sanctuary where music acts as a catalyst for profound human connection and cohesion.
Foster envisioned NÄRA Community as far more than a conventional recording house; it is intended as an immersive environment. He articulated this vision, stating, “I wanted a place where sound is not just created, but experienced. Where artists feel each other as clearly as the notes themselves.” This focus on shared experience defines the label’s mission.
NÄRA Community functions as a creative incubator dedicated to cultivating a genre Foster terms "contemporary cinematic music." This style is characterized by its capacity to absorb diverse cultural influences, transforming them into expansive sonic landscapes. The platform is designed specifically to nurture this boundary-pushing sound.
“Travelogue”: An Auditory Diary
Coinciding with the label’s launch, Foster introduced his latest album, “Travelogue.” This collection of tracks draws inspiration from a recent journey through Greece. Rather than a simple compilation, the album serves as an auditory diary—a deliberate effort to convey the emotional experience of travel without relying on direct references to traditional regional music.
The compositions flow seamlessly, mirroring shifting vistas. Elements like the sea, light, footsteps, and breath are woven into a complex sonic tapestry. “Travelogue” masterfully integrates jazz, ambient textures, and acoustic instrumentation, presenting them not as disparate genres but as a unified, continuous movement.
Foster brings extensive experience to this new venture, having spent fifteen years composing for film, television, and documentary projects. His versatility and established reputation were recently underscored by a significant commission from CBC Radio to create original music for the Canada Games 2025.
The Launch Event and Symbolic Space
The official debut of NÄRA Community and the premiere of “Travelogue” are scheduled for November 9, 2025. The event will take place at the Bannerman Brewery in St. John’s, Newfoundland. This venue, a beautifully restored former fire station, was chosen for its symbolic representation of resilience and community solidarity.
The launch celebration will feature an album listening session, interspersed with live musical segments, visual installations, and an open discussion. Foster will be joined by label manager David Shears of Hurricane Music. Shears, leveraging his considerable expertise in artist management, is instrumental in developing the necessary structural framework and industry connections required for NÄRA’s sustained growth.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, NÄRA Community has ambitious plans, including hosting masterclasses, releasing collaborative singles, and establishing a regional creative residency program. The label aims to become a hub for collective artistic development, reinforcing the idea that sound is a form of dialogue and collaboration is an art form itself. Foster summarizes this ethos: “Music, like breath: it brings us closer. And when we sound together—the world gets closer.”