Film Soup

Hailing from Zurich, Switzerland, James Baumgartner alias „J.Treegarden” has always been deeply connected to music. From an early age, he was drawn to the melancholic beauty embedded in melodies. In 2009, he began producing bass music, finding both depth and experimentation in the underground bass scene, as well as a strong connection to its club culture. By 2015, James had expanded his musical journey, performing in the unique setting of “Liquid Sound Club”, a Event located within a Swiss thermal bath. The music, which could be heard underwater, inspired him to create softer, more atmospheric tracks to complement the tranquil experience. This side project became the spark for something deeper: a desire to create music that wasn’t confined to any one genre. In 2017, James embarked on a new musical path, one that continuously evolved over time, leading to the development of his current style. The artist name J.Treegarden is a reimagining of his own name, symbolizing the authenticity and personal connection behind the project.

Amber: My name is Amber Lauder and I’m an experimental artist based in Pennsylvania. Inspired by both a passion for experimentation and a deep connection to nature, I create whimsical, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the beauty of the natural world with a touch of magic. All of the pieces in this series were shot on a birthday trip to Hocking Hills State Park. I was so inspired by the trees surrounding me, I had to capture them on film. I like to think that the series reflects the serenity I felt on that very special trip.

Favourite method to achieve your visual effects?

Amber: A favorite technique of mine is the 35mm film soup process. I like to think of it as “ruining film to make it uniquely beautiful.” Film soup involves taking an exposed roll of film, putting it in a container and adding different ingredients to it before covering it all up with hot water. Any ingredient will do. For this series, I shot Fujifilm 200 and soaked it in roses, lemon juice and kosher salt! Once I get my scans back from the lab, I often play around with the colors in editing apps. I love seeing the final photos come to life 🙂

J.Treegarden: With my music, I aim to create moods that are rooted in my personal experiences and emotions, bringing a raw and primal energy to life. My sound doesn’t follow a set path or deliver a straightforward message. Instead, it offers a space for listeners to connect with something deeper within themselves—a sonic journey that evokes the feeling of watching raindrops race down the window of a moving train, as the world outside continuously shifts.