During his short-but-fulfilling life, intrepid Scottish horticulturalist David Douglas (1799-1834) scoured North America for then-unheard-of plants, which he meticulously catalogued and eventually introduced to much of Europe. Although the life and deeds of the man who discovered such treasures as the California golden poppy and Douglas fir remains unknown to most, one Dutch tunesmith has found inspiration in his compelling story. Utrecht-based producer David Douglas shares more than a name with the 19th century plant-hunting Scotsman; like the Douglas of old, the 20-something beatmaker is invigorated by the greatness of nature, and uses it as his muse when creating rich and atmospheric sounds. On “Douglas Firs,” Douglas uses synth pads and a wandering melody to create a warm and emotional track, but also delivers enough bass and kick to keep things constantly pulsating forward. The song appears on producer Douglas’ debut, Royal Horticultural Society, which explores the frontiers of disco, bass, techno, and ambient music while remaining rooted to the theme of the long-deceased botanist who shares his name. The eight-song record is out now through Applescal‘s Atomnation imprint, and can be streamed in full after the jump.

Douglas Firs