Pipe Choir, founded in 1991 by Michael J. Bostwick in Cleveland, Ohio, began as a collaborative alternative rock project that blended choral, electronic, and rock elements. Early in its career, the band gained local radio attention with the track “Sleep/Savior.”
In 2009, Pipe Choir fully evolved into a solo project under Bostwick’s creative direction. From that point on, he assumed complete control over composition, performance, and production, releasing music through his independent netlabel, also called Pipe Choir. This marked a significant shift toward a more experimental and richly textured sound, combining acoustic and electronic instruments with layered vocals and atmospheric synthesizers. Bostwick’s work during this period melds alternative rock foundations with ambient and electronic textures, crafting immersive soundscapes known for their emotional depth and mystical qualities.
Since 2009, all Pipe Choir releases have been issued under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, reflecting Bostwick’s dedication to open access, creative sharing, and artistic independence. The music features intricate harmonies and subtle electronic effects that broaden the project’s sonic palette beyond traditional rock while maintaining a strong melodic and emotional core. Notable releases from this era, including the 2014 Pipe Choir[/i] album, showcase tracks like “The Wind Is Rising” and “Infinite Light,” highlighting Bostwick’s skill in blending the organic warmth of acoustic instruments with contemporary electronic sound design.
Overall, the post-2009 solo era of Pipe Choir is defined by a deeply personal and exploratory approach to music-making, with Bostwick crafting extended compositions that invite listeners into meditative and transcendental auditory experiences. The project continues to flourish as an independent artistic expression within the Creative Commons framework, cultivating a devoted global audience.